Authority Zero
Encyclopedia
Authority Zero is a punk rock
band from Mesa, Arizona
. The band's style is rooted in reggae
and skate punk, with Bad Religion
, Pennywise
, and Sublime
cited as influences. The band also draws from Spanish/Portuguese influences.
. This trio put a few songs together without lyrics or basslines until the summer of 1995. When that summer rolled around, Douglas was expecting the yearly visit of his friend Jason DeVore, from Wyoming. Douglas introduced his long time friend with Marcks who jokingly asked if he wanted to be their singer, soon after, it became more than just a joke.
Marcks was impressed with DeVore's ability to "write catchy songs in fifteen minutes with really sticky hooks". The two quickly enlisted Jeremy Wood on bass, who actually taught Marcks and Douglas how to play the guitar. His experience with lead guitar and musical theory separated his bass playing from others'. Not just a "follow along," his baselines were independent and yet fluid with the music. However, because of Gordon's commitment to the Air Force, his position as drummer soon had to be replaced. Fellow classmate, skateboarder, and drummer Daniel Garcia fit this empty stool like a missing puzzle piece. He brought a new charge and tempo that evolved Authority Zero's music into a faster, more complex, punk rock style. Eventually, however, differences and family obligations led to Garcia's exit from the group.
Marcks, Douglas, DeVore, and Wood finally came upon Los Angeles
native Jim Wilcox formerly of Welter/The New Militia who's tragic events ended the group, and he fittingly completed the Authority Zero's lineup. Later Douglas also left the group and joined the Air Force.
After releasing a local EP that sold very well, Authority Zero released their debut album A Passage In Time
in 2002 on Lava Records
. The album featured a blend of genres including punk rock
and reggae
, with obvious Spanish and Portuguese influences. A Passage In Time
included the hits "One More Minute" and "Over Seasons".
The success of A Passage In Time
propelled the band into new popularity. Authority Zero appeared on many tours, such as Warped Tour, the No Use for a Name
/The Starting Line
tour, and Sum 41
's "Sum on Your Face". The band has also toured with the likes of Everclear
, Guttermouth
and H2O
.
In 2004, Authority Zero released Andiamó
, again on Lava Records
. "Andiamó" means literally "We go" in Italian
, but can also be read as "And I am Zero", the title of their live DVD released following Andiamó. The album again featured a blend of genres and Spanish/Portuguese influences. Andiamó is somewhat politically charged, evident in the songs "Revolution", "A Thousand Years of War", and the cover of the song "Mexican Radio
", originally written by Wall of Voodoo
(the version that appears on Andiamó has lyric changes in order to make a statement against the 2003 invasion of Iraq
). In the summer of 2006, Authority Zero released a live acoustic compilation album titled Rhythm and Booze
on Suburban Noize Records.
The band's next album, entitled 12:34 was released on January 30, 2007. The track "Courage" was released as a single. The band recently toured with Rehab on the "Lack of Luxury" 2007 tour.
On December 30, 2008 Bill Marcks left the band to spend more time with his family.
Authority Zero recently released its fourth studio album titled "Stories of Survival" on June 22, 2010 and is currently managed by Hardline Entertainment
.
Authority Zero set out in 2011 on the "Swan" tour in support of a new album by Unwritten Law
. According to sources within the band, they parted ways with Zach Vogel. He was replaced, at least for the tour, by Brandon Landelius, a guitar player from The Mag Seven
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
band from Mesa, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona
According to the 2010 Census, the racial composition of Mesa was as follows:* White: 77.1% * Hispanic or Latino : 26.54%* Black or African American: 3.5%* Two or more races: 3.4%* Native American: 2.4%...
. The band's style is rooted in reggae
Reggae
Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. While sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.Reggae is based...
and skate punk, with Bad Religion
Bad Religion
Bad Religion is a punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles in 1979. Their current line-up consists of Greg Graffin , Brett Gurewitz , Jay Bentley , Greg Hetson , Brian Baker and Brooks Wackerman . Gurewitz is also the founder of the label Epitaph Records, which has released almost all of the...
, Pennywise
Pennywise (band)
Pennywise is a Californian punk rock band from Hermosa Beach, California, formed in 1988. The name is derived from the monster, It, from the Stephen King novel of the same title....
, and Sublime
Sublime (band)
Sublime was an American ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's line-up, unchanged until their breakup, consisted of Bradley Nowell , Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh . Michael "Miguel" Happoldt also contributed on a few Sublime songs, such as "New Thrash." Lou Dog, Nowell's...
cited as influences. The band also draws from Spanish/Portuguese influences.
History
Authority Zero was started in 1994 and consisted of two guitarists Bill Marcks, Jerry Douglas (also performing vocals) and drummer J.W. Gordon, all from Westwood High SchoolWestwood High School (Mesa, Arizona)
Westwood High School is a high school in Mesa, Arizona under the jurisdiction of Mesa Public Schools.-Notable alumni:Individuals * Siaha Burley - wide receiver in the Arena Football League* Larry Owens - NBA basketball player with the Washington Wizards...
. This trio put a few songs together without lyrics or basslines until the summer of 1995. When that summer rolled around, Douglas was expecting the yearly visit of his friend Jason DeVore, from Wyoming. Douglas introduced his long time friend with Marcks who jokingly asked if he wanted to be their singer, soon after, it became more than just a joke.
Marcks was impressed with DeVore's ability to "write catchy songs in fifteen minutes with really sticky hooks". The two quickly enlisted Jeremy Wood on bass, who actually taught Marcks and Douglas how to play the guitar. His experience with lead guitar and musical theory separated his bass playing from others'. Not just a "follow along," his baselines were independent and yet fluid with the music. However, because of Gordon's commitment to the Air Force, his position as drummer soon had to be replaced. Fellow classmate, skateboarder, and drummer Daniel Garcia fit this empty stool like a missing puzzle piece. He brought a new charge and tempo that evolved Authority Zero's music into a faster, more complex, punk rock style. Eventually, however, differences and family obligations led to Garcia's exit from the group.
Marcks, Douglas, DeVore, and Wood finally came upon Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
native Jim Wilcox formerly of Welter/The New Militia who's tragic events ended the group, and he fittingly completed the Authority Zero's lineup. Later Douglas also left the group and joined the Air Force.
After releasing a local EP that sold very well, Authority Zero released their debut album A Passage In Time
A Passage in Time (Authority Zero album)
A Passage in Time is the debut album released by punk rock band Authority Zero. It was released on September 10, 2002, on Lava Records. The album's singles include "One More Minute", "Over Seasons" and "Sky's the Limit"-Reception:-Track listing:...
in 2002 on Lava Records
Lava Records
Lava Records is an American based record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated through Universal Republic Records.-Company history:...
. The album featured a blend of genres including punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
and reggae
Reggae
Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. While sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.Reggae is based...
, with obvious Spanish and Portuguese influences. A Passage In Time
A Passage in Time (Authority Zero album)
A Passage in Time is the debut album released by punk rock band Authority Zero. It was released on September 10, 2002, on Lava Records. The album's singles include "One More Minute", "Over Seasons" and "Sky's the Limit"-Reception:-Track listing:...
included the hits "One More Minute" and "Over Seasons".
The success of A Passage In Time
A Passage in Time (Authority Zero album)
A Passage in Time is the debut album released by punk rock band Authority Zero. It was released on September 10, 2002, on Lava Records. The album's singles include "One More Minute", "Over Seasons" and "Sky's the Limit"-Reception:-Track listing:...
propelled the band into new popularity. Authority Zero appeared on many tours, such as Warped Tour, the No Use for a Name
No Use for a Name
No Use for a Name is a punk rock band from San Jose, California, United States formed in 1987 by Chris Dodge , Steve Papoutsis , Rory Koff and John Meyers...
/The Starting Line
The Starting Line
The Starting Line is an American pop punk band based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that formed in 1999.- Formation and history :In 1999, the band that would become The Starting Line was initiated in Churchville, Pennsylvania via an e-mail from guitarist Matt Watts to vocalist/bassist Kenny Vasoli...
tour, and Sum 41
Sum 41
Sum 41 is a Canadian rock band from Ajax, Ontario. The band was formed in 1996 and currently consists of members Deryck Whibley , Tom Thacker , Jason McCaslin and Steve Jocz .In 1999, the band signed an international record deal with Island Records...
's "Sum on Your Face". The band has also toured with the likes of Everclear
Everclear (band)
Everclear is a rock band formed in Portland, Oregon in 1992 best known for their radio hits spanning more than a decade. For most of its existence, Everclear has consisted of Art Alexakis , Craig Montoya , and Greg Eklund . Eklund replaced original drummer Scott Cuthbert in 1994...
, Guttermouth
Guttermouth
Guttermouth is an American punk rock band formed in 1988 in Huntington Beach, California and currently recording for Hopeless Records. They have released nine full-length studio albums and two live albums and have toured extensively, including performances on the Vans Warped Tour...
and H2O
H2O (American band)
-Prologue:Prior to the formation of H2O, in the early-mid-1980s, Todd Morse and Rusty Pistachio were part of the speed punk band "Roadside Petz". This band featured Wayne Williams on drums...
.
In 2004, Authority Zero released Andiamó
Andiamó
Andiamo is the second album released by punk band Authority Zero. It was released on June 30, 2004, on Lava Records and includes the single "Revolution" Andiamo is the second album released by punk band Authority Zero. It was released on June 30, 2004, on Lava Records and includes the single...
, again on Lava Records
Lava Records
Lava Records is an American based record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated through Universal Republic Records.-Company history:...
. "Andiamó" means literally "We go" in Italian
Italian language
Italian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, by minorities in Malta, Monaco, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, and by immigrant communities in the Americas and Australia...
, but can also be read as "And I am Zero", the title of their live DVD released following Andiamó. The album again featured a blend of genres and Spanish/Portuguese influences. Andiamó is somewhat politically charged, evident in the songs "Revolution", "A Thousand Years of War", and the cover of the song "Mexican Radio
Mexican Radio
"Mexican Radio" is a song written and performed by the band Wall of Voodoo, and produced by Richard Mazda. The track was initially made commercially available on their 1983 album Call of the West. The song peaked at #58 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S...
", originally written by Wall of Voodoo
Wall of Voodoo
Wall of Voodoo was an American New Wave group from Los Angeles best known for the 1983 hit "Mexican Radio". The band had a sound that was a fusion of synthesizer-based New Wave music with the spaghetti western soundtrack style of Ennio Morricone.-Formation:...
(the version that appears on Andiamó has lyric changes in order to make a statement against the 2003 invasion of Iraq
2003 invasion of Iraq
The 2003 invasion of Iraq , was the start of the conflict known as the Iraq War, or Operation Iraqi Freedom, in which a combined force of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Poland invaded Iraq and toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein in 21 days of major combat operations...
). In the summer of 2006, Authority Zero released a live acoustic compilation album titled Rhythm and Booze
Rhythm and Booze
Rhythm and Booze is a live acoustic album by Authority Zero. It was released by Suburban Noize Records in February 2005, and re-released on June 27, 2006...
on Suburban Noize Records.
The band's next album, entitled 12:34 was released on January 30, 2007. The track "Courage" was released as a single. The band recently toured with Rehab on the "Lack of Luxury" 2007 tour.
On December 30, 2008 Bill Marcks left the band to spend more time with his family.
Authority Zero recently released its fourth studio album titled "Stories of Survival" on June 22, 2010 and is currently managed by Hardline Entertainment
Hardline Entertainment
Hardline Entertainment is an independent record label created and owned by Ken Seaton. The label started as a management company with 1208 and developed into an independent label...
.
Authority Zero set out in 2011 on the "Swan" tour in support of a new album by Unwritten Law
Unwritten Law
Unwritten Law is an American rock band formed in 1990 in Poway, California and currently recording for Suburban Noize Records. They have released seven full-length studio albums and have toured internationally, including performances on the Warped Tour...
. According to sources within the band, they parted ways with Zach Vogel. He was replaced, at least for the tour, by Brandon Landelius, a guitar player from The Mag Seven
Current Lineup
- Jason DeVore - Lead Vocals
- Brandon Landelius - Guitar
- Jim Wilcox - Drums
- Jeremy Wood - Bass
Studio albums
| Year | Album details | Peak chart positions | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Heatseeker |
||||||||||
| 2002 | A Passage in Time A Passage in Time (Authority Zero album) A Passage in Time is the debut album released by punk rock band Authority Zero. It was released on September 10, 2002, on Lava Records. The album's singles include "One More Minute", "Over Seasons" and "Sky's the Limit"-Reception:-Track listing:...
|
30 | ||||||||
| 2004 | Andiamo
|
24 | ||||||||
| 2007 | 12:34
|
40 | ||||||||
| 2010 | Stories of Survival Stories of Survival Stories Of Survival is the fourth studio album released by American punk band Authority Zero. It was released on June 22, 2010 through the Suburban Noize Records subsidiary, Viking Funeral Records... |
5 | ||||||||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart. | ||||||||||
Other
- 2005: (And) I Am Zero - (DVD) Released 2005 *produced by Zach Yoshioka of Ballistic Entertainment*
- 2005: Rhythm and BoozeRhythm and BoozeRhythm and Booze is a live acoustic album by Authority Zero. It was released by Suburban Noize Records in February 2005, and re-released on June 27, 2006...
- (Live Acoustic Compilation Album) Re-Released on June 27, 2006
Demos
- 1999: Live Your Life
- 2001: Patches in Time
Appearances in Other Media
- The song "A Passage in Time" appeared on the video game Project Gotham Racing 2Project Gotham Racing 2Project Gotham Racing 2 is a racing game for the Xbox, developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Microsoft. PGR2 is the sequel to the highly successful Project Gotham Racing. It is the second title in the Project Gotham Racing series.As in PGR, the route to advancement in PGR2 differs from...
- The song "A Passage in Time" has been professional wrestler Takeshi Rikio's theme song since 2005.
- The song "Everyday" appeared on the video game Tony Hawk's UndergroundTony Hawk's UndergroundTony Hawk's Underground, abbreviated to THUG, is a skateboarding video game, available for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and Xbox platforms released in 2003. A PC version was released exclusively in Australia as a budget release in 2005. This version was ported by Beenox. In 2004,...
. - The song "Revolution" appeared on Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1 is a Rock Against Bush compilation album released on the Fat Wreck Chords record label. It contains a collection of songs, both released and unreleased, by various punk rock artists and includes a bonus DVD with political facts, commentary regarding the U.S...
compilation and in the game MX vs. ATV UnleashedMX vs. ATV UnleashedMX vs. ATV Unleashed is a racing simulation console video game for Xbox, PlayStation 2 and PC. It was developed by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ. It features same console support for 2 players and online support for 8 players. It was released in 2005.- Soundtrack :*Bullets And Octane -...
. - A demo version of the song "Solitude" appeared on the 2003 Vans Warped Tour Compilation.
- The songs "12:34" and "On Edge" appeared on the video game MX vs. ATV Untamed.
- The song "La Surf" appeared in the movie "GrindGrind (2003 film)Grind is a 2003 American adventureassshole movie comedy film about four young aspiring amateur skaters Eric Rivers , Matt Jensen , Dustin Knight , and Sweet Lou Singer who are trying to make it in the world of pro skateboarding by pulling insane stunts in front of pro skater Jimmy Wilson...
" - The song "No Regrets" appeared on the "Supporting Radical Habits, vol 2" CD.
- "No Regrets" is featured as one of the 20 songs of free downloadable content on Rock Band 2Rock Band 2Rock Band 2 is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems. It is the sequel to Rock Band and is the second title in the series. The game allows up to four players to simulate the performance of popular songs by playing with controllers modeled after musical instruments...
. - The song "Sirens" appears in the Athertons' section in the mountain bike film New World Disorder 9.
- The songs "Taking on the World" and "Madman" are featured in Season 1 of the mountain bike show Stund.
- An acoustic version of the song "Big Bad World" appears on "The Edge 103.9 - Acoustic Live and Rare 2008" "Big Bad World" is a previously unreleased song.
External links
- Authority Zero at purevolume.com
- Official Website