Podcast Summary: All Of It – A Listening Party with Michael Imperioli's Band, ZOPA

Episode Information:

• Title: A Listening Party with Michael Imperioli's Band, ZOPA
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Guests: Michael Imperioli, Omo Tai, Elijah Amiton (Members of ZOPA)
• Release Date: February 24, 2025

I. Introduction

In this episode of ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart welcomes listeners to an engaging session featuring ZOPA, the rock band fronted by Michael Imperioli, renowned for his role in The Sopranos. The episode serves as a deep dive into ZOPA's musical journey, their latest album "Diamond Vehicle," and the personal and cultural influences shaping their work.

II. Reunion and Formation of ZOPA

Alison Stewart opens the conversation by exploring the origins of ZOPA. Michael Imperioli recounts how the band members reconnected:

Michael Imperioli [04:03]: "I ran into Michael at a party in 2005, and he mentioned his brother Omo was playing drums. At the time, I wanted to start playing with a drummer, so it was just on instinct, an intuitive thing."

Omo Tai elaborates on their initial interactions:

Omo Tai [02:52]: "I always knew Michael was into music since my brother was also on set. We talked about music back then, but nothing happened immediately. It wasn’t until years later that we reconnected through music."

III. Musical Style and New Album "Diamond Vehicle"

The discussion transitions to ZOPA's musical evolution. Michael explains the band’s approach to music creation:

Michael Imperioli [04:38]: "Just to be spontaneous and let everybody have their contributions without trying to be too set in ways and patterns."

Elijah Amiton highlights the band's openness to experimentation:

Elijah Amiton [04:14]: "They both have a real sense of openness and freedom with their approach to music. We can throw anything out there and see what sticks."

The band introduces their latest album "Diamond Vehicle," contrasting it with their previous work "La Dolce Vita." Omo Tai notes the difference in energy:

Omo Tai [24:08]: "This one's more eager, it seems to me, to just keep going with it."

IV. Collaboration and Influence: Lou Reed

A significant part of the conversation delves into ZOPA's collaboration with the legendary Lou Reed. Michael shares personal anecdotes:

Michael Imperioli [09:11]: "Lou was a huge influence and became a friend over the last thirteen years of his life. He was very funny and also very kind."

Recalling a memorable encounter, Michael narrates:

Michael Imperioli [10:02]: "I approached Lou Reed at a Knicks game, apologized for the movie about Valerie Solanas, and he waved me over saying, 'Do your work. Do a good job.' It was a defining moment showing his kindness."

V. Themes: Mental Illness and Personal Loss

"Diamond Vehicle" touches on profound themes, including mental illness and personal loss. Michael addresses these themes candidly:

Michael Imperioli [12:56]: "It was intentional to explore mental illness on this album."

He shares a personal story about a friend:

Michael Imperioli [13:04]: "It's about a friend of mine who committed suicide in 2015. The song reflects his battle with demons and the love he left behind."

VI. Buddhist Influences

The band incorporates Buddhist philosophy into their music, adding depth and introspection. Michael discusses this integration:

Michael Imperioli [22:46]: "Buddhism is becoming more important in my life, and naturally, those meaningful aspects find their way into our music. It’s about moving forward, improving, and being kinder."

VII. Song Performances and Insights

Throughout the episode, ZOPA performs select tracks from their new album, providing insights into their creation and meaning.

1. "Still Life"

   • Lyric Excerpt:

     "You're crawling on your hands and knees to the lowest part Desperation proud but you don't know what's allowed..."

   • Alison introduces the song, highlighting its evolution from 2008 to its current form [02:09-05:00].

2. "Arrows of Outrageous Fortune"

   • Lyric Excerpt:

     "He was skinny dressed in black he was lonely as the ace of spades..."

   • The band discusses the song's length and lyrical depth, emphasizing the addition of a hopeful verse [05:00-07:58].

3. "Ocean" (Lou Reed Mashup)

   • Lyric Excerpt:

     "Here comes the ocean and the waves down by the sea..."

   • Omo explains the homage to Lou Reed, reflecting their musical admiration [08:37-12:42].

4. "Withdrawal"

   • Lyric Excerpt:

     "I got a fever but not the good I know I'm just feeling so ill..."

   • Elijah shares the inspiration behind the song, emphasizing emotional vulnerability [17:05-18:51].

5. "Love and Other Forms of Violence"

   • Lyric Excerpt:

     "Chosen by the river and so faded to walk alone..."

   • Michael discusses the songwriting process and the incorporation of Buddhist chants for emotional resolution [19:13-21:24].

VIII. Songwriting Process

ZOPA’s songwriting is dynamic and collaborative. Michael describes their flexible approach:

Michael Imperioli [19:13]: "Nothing's fixed. Sometimes I'll bring in some chords and lyrics, sometimes Elijah starts with a drum beat. It's often jam sessions that just happen spontaneously in the studio."

Omo shares a specific example of their creative process:

Omo Tai [19:50]: "You wrote the bulk of 'Love and Other Forms of Violence' when me and Elijah didn’t come to practice. It came out of the sounds of the guitar for some reason."

IX. Tour Plans and Future Work

Looking ahead, ZOPA discusses their touring schedule and promotional activities:

Michael Imperioli [26:14]: "We're hopefully gonna do some shows in June on the west coast and more in the US later in the summer."

Alison highlights their upcoming performance:

Alison Stewart [26:14]: "They'll be at Rough Trade this Wednesday, playing songs and signing records."

X. Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to ZOPA for sharing their journey and music. The band members reciprocate the appreciation, underscoring the communal and collaborative spirit of their work.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Imperioli [04:38]: "Just to be spontaneous and let everybody have their contributions without trying to be too set in ways and patterns."

• Omo Tai [24:08]: "This one's more eager, it seems to me, to just keep going with it."

• Michael Imperioli [09:11]: "Lou was a huge influence and became a friend over the last thirteen years of his life."

• Michael Imperioli [12:56]: "It was intentional to explore mental illness on this album."

• Michael Imperioli [22:46]: "Buddhism is becoming more important in my life, and naturally, those meaningful aspects find their way into our music."

This episode of ALL OF IT offers an intimate glimpse into ZOPA's artistic endeavors, blending personal experiences with cultural influences to create music that resonates on multiple levels. Through heartfelt storytelling and melodic exploration, Alison Stewart and ZOPA invite listeners to engage deeply with the myriad facets of their creative expression.