10 Things I Love: Zoh Amba

Zoh Amba plays like they’re cracking open a can of whoop ass and letting all the chords spill out.

Their music is wild and fearless, moving quickly from murmurs to ecstatic blasts of sound. Drawing from free jazz, folk traditions, and deep improvisation, Matador Records’ new signing’s performance feel less like a show and more like strange ritual; every note seems to chase, pushing beyond genre and expectation toward something more gaspingly alive. Where does this sound come from? What are the predilections of such a musician? While we are all haters, we respect that Zoh is a lover, so here are ten things that the eclectic musician loves to death.

Listen to Zoh Amba’s new album, Eyes Full, here.

1. I love losing in card games then having the come back of the night. Underdog always wins.

2. I love a heavy stout in Brooklyn sitting in the sun,

3. I love playing music with Noah and Kev in Kev’s rehearsal spot. Private life line.

4. I love telling off any unkind man any time any place any where.

5. I love Kim Gordon.

6. I love mash potatoes and mimosas. Same time.

7. I love all the windows down going five over screaming lungs PJ Harvey Uh Huh Her - up highway from Tennessee to NYC.

8. I love that kids in Kingsport TN are walking out of school and protesting against ice.

9. I love the sight of eyes smiling and people laughing.

10. I love the feeling when the sadness leaves and that sweet sunshine takes over for a bit.