These Leeds-based ska/jazz legends are well on their way to becoming Sheffield natives – Exposed’s Lowri Rennick nabbed King Zepha’s Sam Thornton for the lowdown on their new album.
Tell us about King Zepha and what makes you guys different from the rest?
King Zepha is the alias that I use when I’m composing, producing, and releasing music. The thing that stands out most about us is the fact that we all sing as well as playing instruments.
How did the band get started?
I’d played in bands for years, mostly doing old jazz, jump blues, rocksteady and ska covers. In 2013 I became a dad for the first time, and I wrote a song about the experience. The other lads in the band liked the song and encouraged me to write more. I’ve been at it ever since!
Is there anyone you take particular musical inspiration from?
I grew up playing in Leeds Youth Jazz-Rock Orchestra and Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra, so I’m a huge fan of the big band sound. My favourite artists are the Count Basie Orchestra and the Cuban bandleader and composer Perez Prado. Another massive influence on me is the Jamaican record producer Lee “Scratch” Perry, who was one of the early pioneers of dub music and one of the first to experiment with tape delay and echo effects.
Even though you’re Leeds-based, why is Sheffield such a meaningful city to you?
Some of the earliest gig opportunities for King Zepha Band came from Sheffield-based promoters. Our good friend Tim Walker, who runs the weekly Big Swing sessions now at Cubana, let us play at one of his nights (despite us not being a swing band) and then later booked us to play on a big stage at Y Not Festival. It was there that we met keyboardist and promoter Ryan Taylor, who has been booking us to play at Leopold Square every summer since.
What’s coming up for King Zepha and what are your hopes for the future?
I’ve just put out a new album, The Return of King Zepha, and we’re in the middle of a 30-date tour to celebrate the release. I’m excited for our first gig in Poland, at Gdańsk Ska Jamboree in October, and of course Leopold Square here in Sheffield on 18 July. It’s an afternoon gig, it’s free entry and the atmosphere is always buzzing. Hopes for the future? I’d love for the album to get lots of radio airplay.
Can you tell us a bit about your new album and how you pulled it all together?
I’ve recorded the album over 3 years at my home studio. I laid down as much as possible myself (vocals, saxophone, keyboards, guitars, bass guitar, percussion, and effects), then brought in the rest of my bandmates to do the things I can’t do so well (high backing vocals, brass, double bass, and drums). The album was mixed and mastered to tape (the old-school way!) by Ross Halden at Hohm Studio in Bradford. It’s an eclectic mix of soul, rocksteady, latin-jazz, dub and ska.
What do you hope to give people through your music?
Every track offers something slightly different. There are quite a few lively dance numbers, a couple with fun lyrics that might raise a smile. Some of the tracks are a bit more political and thought-provoking. One of the tracks is literally called ‘Meditation’, and is loosely based on the Mayamalavagowla raga, intended to evoke shanta (peace), pathos and love. There are also a couple of more straightforward love songs on there, too. Hopefully there’s something for everyone!
For the album, tour dates, and all things Zepha, head to KingZepha or follow @kingzepha on Insta
