Biography
1) ZEKE established a nasty disposition while cutting teeth on their own brash hardcore punk. ZEKE formed in 1993 with an original lineup of Blind Marky Felchtone, Donny Paycheck, Mark Pierce, and Dizzy Lee Roth. The band’s first release was 1993’s 'West Seattle Acid Party' single on Wrecking Ball Records, followed by the 'Holley 750' single on IFA Records. ZEKE then set out to bring their energetic recordings to the stage and established a more than formidable reputation as "the live band to beat" via concentrated regional touring.
The self titled single 'Zeke' was then released on Scooch Pooch Records and was followed by the 1995 release 'Super Sound Racing.' ZEKE then hit the road again, unveiling a devastatingly high-octane live assault. The band was heralded as "Rock and Roll outlaws," playing every conceivable venue that would have them. The release of the next full-length, 'Flat Tracker' a year later ensured ZEKE had enough audio ammo to stay on the road for months on end. And tour they would…
In 1997 Man's Ruin Records issued the live album 'PIG' to a rousing response. ZEKE then signed to Epitaph Records in 1998, releasing, 'Kicked In The Teeth.' 'Kicked In The Teeth' was mixed and engineered by Jack Endino and the album’s increased distribution and availability found the band legions of white-knuckled new followers.
ZEKE recorded the follow up to 'Kicked in the Teeth' – 'Dirty Sanchez' – with Kurt Bloch of THE FASTBACKS. 'Dirty Sanchez' was released in early 2000. ZEKE’s second Epitaph release, 'Dirty Sanchez' rocked like a motherfucker. From the beginning quote of "Hey, he’s acting weird, it must be drugs!" to the last roar of the FLEETWOOD MAC's "Rhiannon," 'Dirty Sanchez' bludgeoned with tireless energy. Following 'Dirty Sanchez’s' release, bassist Mark Pierce left the band and was replaced by Jeff "The Kid" Matz.
Throughout the time that ZEKE called Epitaph home, they toured relentlessly. The band paired up with anyone and everyone who would have them, hitting the road with the likes of JERRY CANTRELL (ALICE IN CHAINS), ALL, THE VOODOO GLOW SKULLS, DOA, THE SUPERSUCKERS and even a few dates with PEARL JAM. The band toured the U.S., Europe, Japan and Australia, spreading their rock while breaking all the rules. ZEKE played everything from stadiums with 50,000 people, to bars with 10 people, but the spirit remained the same; rock like this might be the last show ever.
The band's fifth full-length, 'Death Alley' was released in 2001. Even after a solid stretch of similarly themed and arranged albums, ZEKE's 'Death Alley' began with the premise that "fast is just not fast enough." 'Death Alley' continued the band’s full-throttle approach, utilizing ZEKE’s essential formula – a manic, methamphetamine lab distillation of early American hardcore and classic rock – to full effect.
When you’re a punk band that is eternally touring, strange things are bound to happen that will have as much of an influence on the band as the music that got them started. KISS, BLACK FLAG, THE RAMONES and BLACK SABBATH all get a run for the money when it comes to ZEKE antics. When asked about some specifics, vocalist / guitarist Marky Felchtone rattled off a brief list: "Drum sticks in eyes, broken bones, incidents involving cake, drugs and under-aged females, Black Metal homicides, etc…you name it" Felchtone went on to note that the reason he and ZEKE love touring so much is that it’s "it’s the best reason to avoid real responsibility."
After leaving Epitaph and releasing 2003’s 'Live and Uncensored,' ZEKE began writing new material and set out looking for a suitable label that they could not only feel at home with, but one that could handle their "balls to the wall" rock and roll and enjoy the band as fans first. A contract with Relapse was inked in October, 2003 and saw the band join an artist stable (MASTODON, HIGH ON FIRE, ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY, BONGZILLA, etc) that are at once musically mated and touring compatible. ZEKE found their new home.
ZEKE set the cruise control to "white hot" on their Relapse debut, ''Til the Livin' End.' A relentless ride of rock and roll abandon, ZEKE's ''Til the Livin' End' mixes punk nihilism with a hard hitting metal extravagance. ''Til the Livin' End' burns from start to finish, as super-charged guitars, electrifying leads and a raucous punk attitude race full-throttle down a highway to Hell.
Thank the gods of rock and roll, you've just met your new favorite band.
ZEKE:
Blind Marky Felchtone: Guitar, Vocals
Donny Paycheck: Drums
Jeff "The Kid" Matz: Bass
ZEKE website:
2) Zeke is a rapper from Erie/Cochranton, Pennsylvania.
3) Zeke is a singer/songwriter currently in LA that is closely affiliated to Dom Kennedy under his OPM (Other People's Money) imprint.
Recording artist Zeke began his musical start as a choir member singing in the soprano section. He has come a long way since those early years as he transitioned into rapping at the age of 18 under the moniker Young Zeke. With his roots lying both on the east and west coasts he has been influenced by the cultures of Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Citing rappers Ma$e, Jay-Z, Tupac, and Biggie as the icons he looked up to, their styles as well as 90s R&B have attributed to the artist’s tastes in the music he creates today.
At 19, Zeke made his third move in his young life back to Chester, PA where he became a part of the rap group Stunt Mountain, he then released two mixtapes; one with the group and a solo project. His solo project led to the opportunity for him to open for rapper DMX, and get his song, “I Heard That” placed in rotation on local radio. Things while progressive, were slow moving for the talented artist so he packed his bags and returned to Los Angeles. Upon returning he connected with is cousin, writer Julian Lowe and together created a writing duo known as Inkwell. Inkwell garnered a publishing deal with Kobalt Music Publishing and began creating material for artists like Amerie, Dawn Richards of Dirty Money; and working alongside major producers such as Chicago bred, NO ID and The Runners.
In 2011, Zeke had the chance to write a hook for newly minted Los Angeles rapper, Dom Kennedy, on his track O.P.M (Other People’s Money) which hit the airwaves and became an instant hit. Since then he has had the opportunity to create more magic with Kennedy including work on his latest LP The Yellow Album on the song “Don’t Call Me” featuring West Coast legend, Too $hort. As well as the OPM + Young Nation project on songs, A Real One, My Coupe Intermission, and Talk About It. This led to Zeke being a part of the Yellow Album tour that took place in late 2012.
This year Zeke has put in tremendous work by releasing two tracks with video accompaniment, Beep Beep and Killa. Both are indicative of the music Zeke has deemed – vibe music. A tribute to the era of 90s R&B his first official solo project, 2090, is out now.
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