Hi, my name is Gon von Zola. I’m a London-based songwriter/musician/producer with a band. I started writing songs when I was 12. Back then I was living in an East German tower block in Leipzig with my mum. I didn’t get on with the kids around there. I spent most of my afternoons at home, watchingTV, teaching myself to play the guitar and playing oldies. Sometimes I had problems understanding the lyrics, so I decided to make up my own songs. I formed my first band and we won some local competitions. The band didn’t progress musically, I left them and joined a gigging Rock’n’Roll band at the age of 18. I made a living from it but felt that I’d rather play my own songs again, so I formed my band Barbie Q. We had plenty of success - but again, the others weren’t as driven as me. There was also no German labels which suited my musical style, and seeing as most of my favourite bands were English or American, I made a decision that changed my life: I bought a one way ticket to London. Me, my guitar and a small backpack. I met some Brazilian squatters, stayed with them and found a job at a record store. I started gigging. I build up a network. I recorded and self-released some albums and performed under the name“The Budda Cakes”. I won several competitions, headlined prestigious venues and played festivals. After a few years I decided it was time for a fresh start. I changed my musical style, recorded an EP and formed a new band. I now perform under my name Gon von Zola. I have released several singles, directed my own music videos, played at Glastonbury Festival and my fanbase keeps growing and growing.I am constantly writing new songs, and I also started my own music PR agency to promote my releases. I’m loving it!
MY TEAM
Me(Gon von Zola): Songwriting, Performing, Video Directing, Producing, Label and PR
2019: 8th Nov 2019 @ The Constitution, Camden, London / 22nd July - 1st August 2019 @ Busking Roadtrip, France / 28th June 2019 @ Small World Stage, GLASTONBURY Festival, UK / 14th June @ The Constitution, London / 10th May @ The Gladstone, London / 12th April 2019 @ World's End, Finsbury Park London / 30th March @ Greenpeace Fundraiser, Hackney, London / 1st March 2019 @ Nambucca, London
2018: 29th November @ Dublin Castle, London / 17th Nov @ The Gladstone / 9th Nov @ Nambucca, London / 25th October @ 229 The Venue, London / 7th Sept @ The Dublin Castle / 6th Sept @ Amersham Arms / 1st Sept @ End Of The Road Festival / 27th July @ Nambucca, London / 18th July @ Hawley Arms, Camden / 2nd July @ New Cross Inn, London / 21st June @ Nambucca, London / 13th June @ The Monarch, Camden
INSPIRATION
Sunflower Bean: I discovered them at End of the Road Festival last year, awesome live band
Vampire Weekend: always been a fan. They remind me of Paul Simon’s Graceland era
The Beatles: no words
St. Vincent: never standing still, always challenging herself
I also draw lots of my input from movies, books and graphic novels
Fritz Lang, my hero
Not a musician but a film director - Guillermo del Torro
This score!
Jim Woodring’s cartoon character Frank
What do I want the world to know about my music and myself?
Anything I will say here would sound cheesy. It’s basically all in my songs and my lyrics. If there’s a message then it’s this one: anyone can be creative, don’t stand in your own way, trust your guts, live life to the fullest.
CREATIVE PROCESS
I write songs when I feel inspired, when I’m bored, when I’m sad, when I’m worried, just for the sake of it, for the sensation of achievement. Creating things, especially music, fulfils me. I can’t imagine not doing this, I wouldn’t be myself. I am shaping my whole life around the ability and freedom to be able to write, record and perform. Every decision I make is influenced by this question - will this be good for my music?
I usually write a song first, which takes me about three hours. I write on my guitar, sometimes on my little Casio keyboard, or a piano. When I’m done I record my new song onto my phone. When I feel like it’s time for a new album I go through all my demos and pick my favourites. I then take some weeks off, lock myself into a room with all my guitars, pedals and production gear, and record/produce these songs in Logic, Garageband and Reason.
When I’m 90% done I invite some friends over for a listening session. I let them rate my new songs(trying very hard to not take their comments too personal) and they can make suggestions. I finish my recordings and release everyone’s favourites as singles, the rest goes on the album.
ABOUT ME
MY TEAM
UPCOMING SHOWS / PLAYED SHOWS (selection)
INSPIRATION
What do I want the world to know about my music and myself?
CREATIVE PROCESS