ZED ESSEX "I'll Give It A Shot"

by julieanne rau

Jenny Heying welcomed Zed to the stage by saying that, “Zed is Gia’s fav son”. Next thing I heard was, “Check, check… ok lets start the Party” and with that, Zed Essex belted out “The One I love” by REM and then right into “Bang the Gong” by T-Rex. With only his acoustic electric guitar as accompaniment, this Canadian Boy took control of the venue. Playing anything off his play list, his rough voice is suited to some but not all the music he played. I spotted “China Girl” by David Bowie on his play list and sent him an IM. I figured the crunch on his voice would do well with this song and I was right. His best performance of the night was that song. So it got me wondering about his song selection and later on I asked him, “do you think how your voice will fit into songs or do you just like to play what you like?” I love his answer so without paraphrasing it, “Well to be honest, I never think things like “man I would sound great singing that” I just try a song out and if I think people who like that song would enjoy how I am managing to do it, I give it a shot”, he told me!

He went on and said, “I realized a long time ago that it’s no fun to play your favorite song if the people aren’t into it”. WOW, I have known a few musicians in my time, some talk about selling out or keeping it real. I finally met one that understands music is for everyone! He also told me, “But at the same time I like to introduce people to songs they may not have heard….” That led me to the topic of original music, if you have met a musician more than likely you have met a song writer. Zed is starting to record his own music now and I personally can’t wait to hear it. I didn’t hear any original songs during his performance, it was the all request night and the crowd was much diversified in what they wanted. Everything from Concrete Blonde’s “Joey” to “Wonder Wall” by Oasis, it was a free for all night. By the way, where were you? The venue only had 17 people on it and I was disappointed that most didn’t get the opportunity to see someone that should be a staple diet here in the SL music scene.

Zed only plays in Second Life®, so if you’re interested in seeing him perform you should get into his group and find his next location. What is next for him? I suggested he should sell a demo or two, I know I would be interested. He told me, “Well that’s the plan, there is a new system in SL that allows you to play the songs in-world and also to download them so you can have them on your computer, When the CD is complete it will be available that way as well”. After you listen to him, just remember one thing …. The line-up is behind me!