Zygote talk about their upcoming reissue via Pine Hill Records!

With only a few days to go until the reissue of Zygote‘s 1991 album via Pine Hill Records, Stig (Zygote / former member of Amebix) was kind enough to answer a couple of questions for us. Check out the full interview below!

Hello Stig, thanks for your time! Would you mind introducing Zygote to our readers?

ZYGOTE was a band put together around 1988 by myself, George (synth player on Arise by Amebix 1985 guitarist / vocalist with Smartpils). Spider (Drummer on Arise and Monolith Albums by Amebix) and Tim (Now of Cross Stitched Eyes… I can’t remember if he was in a band before that, but he could spank a mean plank, so that was fine).

What made you concretely get into the music industry?

I like music… The music industry, not so much!

Zygote was formed by 3 of the 4 members of Amebix. Out of all the experiences you had with Amebix and Zygote, is there been one that has stood out to you?

I guess times were very different, but overall, I would say being in a band back then in the 1980s was an uphill struggle. Things were a lot more dangerous and many life threatening situations arose… But to tell the tales would take too long!

Your 1991 album, “A Wind of Knives” will soon be reissued by Pine Hill Records. It will be available for the first time in the USA (worldwide shipping available) and on major streaming platforms. How did this collaboration with Pine Hill Records happen?

They got in touch with me and asked if it would be OK. I then got in touch with the members of ZYGOTE and made sure it was all copacetic with them.

Is there one song that, according to you, best reflects the overall spirit of “A Wind of Knives”? If yes, which one and why?

I don’t think so. George and myself shared vocal duties and lyric writing so we covered different ideas between us… It’s the grouping of people that makes the “Spirit”. It’s a window on another time as the parameters of personal freedom have become so narrow now.

In general, is there a merch item that you attach particular importance to?

We don’t have any merch (at least officially) that I am aware of.

To finish, what is one lesson you’ve learned that you think is important to pass onto other bands?

Always be yourself, specialise in being yourself and get good at it, because the temptation to be somebody else will be thrown at you a lot. Then, even if what you do is not a “success” in the conventional way, at least you can look yourself in the eye and know you made something original.

Thanks for your time!