Zero 7: The Musical Biography of a Genius

From the underground club scene of the late 90s to major concert venues today, the English musical duo, Zero 7 has become a staple in the chillout and downtempo genre. What started out as a musical experiment between friends, has since transformed into a thing of beauty that has brought pleasure to millions around the world. In this blog post, we will be taking a look at the musical biography of Zero 7, from their beginnings, their most famous albums, their most famous songs, their musical style, and influences. So if you love music like I do, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of Zero 7.

The story of Zero 7 began in 1997 when two friends, Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns met while working as sound engineers in the music group, Pet Shop Boys. Soon they discovered their mutual love for downtempo electronic music and began working on their musical style together. After spending much of their early career playing at clubs in the UK, Zero 7 released their debut album, Simple Things in 2001. The album was a smash hit and gained instant critical acclaim, with many calling it an instant classic in the downtempo genre.

Zero 7's musical style blends together elements of jazz, folk, and soul, creating a sound that's both haunting and beautiful. Their music is especially known for its perfect blending of vocal work with ambient sounds, creating a perfect atmosphere of soulful introspection. This style gave rise to some of their most successful songs, including 'Destiny,' 'In The Waiting Line,' and 'Home,' all of which are still highly regarded in the music community today.

Over the years, Zero 7 has released several successful albums, with 'The Garden' and 'When It Falls' being the most famous. Like Simple Things, these albums are accessible, yet complex, providing both toe-tapping grooves for a party and introspective themes for a late-night chillout session. The duo has also worked with a plethora of talented vocalists, ranging from indie artists like Sia and Jose Gonzalez, to legends in the industry like Tina Dico, and even collaborating with Motown legend, Martha Reeves.

When it comes to influences, Zero 7's music can be heard in many different genres, especially those that focus on soulful and ambient sounds. Their impact can be seen in artists such as Bonobo, Boards of Canada, and DJ Shadow, among others. There is something very unique and special about the world of Zero 7, and that's why their music has had such a long-lasting impact on the industry.

Zero 7 may have started out as an experiment, but their music has since transformed into a work of art that has touched the hearts of many. Through their hauntingly beautiful music, Zero 7 has proven that the downtempo genre can be just as powerful as any other in the music world. From the critically acclaimed Simple Things to their more recent album releases, Zero 7 has proven time and time again that their music is both timeless and special. It's not every day you come across artists like this, so if you're a music lover, take some time to explore the world of Zero 7, you won't regret it!