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Canopy Club »
Address: 708 S. Goodwin Ave. Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 367-3140
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Zmick has been flying under the local radar recently since passing off its weekly residency at Canopy Club to Jobu earlier this semester. Back in 2007, the progressive, four-piece band, all originally from various Chicago suburbs, decided Urbana would be an ideal place to gather a following. Their decision was proven to be a wise choice when Canopy Club booked them for that Monday night residency. Committed to delivering a different setlist each week — à la Grateful Dead — Zmick gathered momentum as word spread from fans who rarely saw the same performance twice. The diverse array of genres spanned by its original compositions and cover selections brought an accordingly diverse group of fans together. A University masters student in ethnomusicology even did part of her thesis research on the developing community of music lovers.

Now that Zmick no longer has the residency, the band performs much less often. They’ve only played four shows in the past three months because two band members have moved back to the suburbs, with the other half still living in Urbana. Despite the separation, Zmick is still collaborating digitally and meeting in person to practice when possible. They’re even scheduled for a very special local appearance in support of Cornmeal at the Canopy Club Halloween Bash on Saturday night.

buzz sat down with guitarist Brad Miller to discuss the Saturday show, the band’s current situation and future plans.

buzz: What made Zmick decide to hand over the reigns to the Canopy Club residency?

Brad Miller: We held the Monday residency for two years and we appreciate Canopy Club for letting us play. But, we decided that playing bigger shows more often would be the better direction for Zmick.

buzz: How has the separation affected the band?

BM: [It’s] been both good and bad. [The downside is] that we’re playing less shows and practicing together less because we now live in different towns. [The upside is] that our motivation has skyrocketed. When we do play together, it doesn’t feel like work. It’s just getting together and having a great time. So the separation has helped to remind us of why we want to do this in the first place.

buzz: Is there any new music or a new recording on the way?

BM: There’s definitely some new material on the way that will hopefully be ready for Halloween, but if not, you will definitely be hearing some excellent new material soon!

buzz: Zmick has opened for Cornmeal before. What do you like about those guys?

BM: Everyone in Cornmeal is wonderful. We’re really proud to be opening for them for the fifth time. They’re the best bluegrass band in Chicago, and it’s really nice to hear how their jams have evolved over the years to include so many other musical styles while still holding true to their bluegrass roots.

buzz: Any special tricks up your sleeves for Saturday night’s show?

BM: There will be some Halloween tricks, but get to [Canopy Club] early so you don’t miss anything. Our set starts at 8:30 p.m.

buzz: You’re on track to graduate in May 2010. What are you looking forward to after graduation?

BM: I’m really excited to graduate because we plan on going on tour in the next summer. I’m looking forward to working really hard to make that a reality.