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features /  music feature
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joy zipper session
joy zipper session
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An exclusive session from an album worth waiting for.

American whip, the lost album of 2003, is finally out, and its creators, Vincent Cafiso and Tabitha Tindale, are relieved. “It feels really good, like a weight is off,” says Tabitha as we sit in a Brick Lane curry house before they play Joy Zipper’s Collective session. “We’re not always having to explain when or how it’s coming out.”

The album, originally slated for February 2003, failed to appear because Ministry Of Sound suddenly pulled funding from Joy Zipper’s label, 13 Amp. Rescued by Mercury, the David Holmes-owned label has finally been able to put out the record which gained such critical acclaim in the US, first time round. “We wondered what the reviews would be like this time, but they were just as good maybe better,” says Vinny. “We’re maybe getting a little more attention because of the problems.”

Now that it’s out, the band are feeling the pressure of having to deliver sales to their major label saviour. “Everything’s so expensive,” explains Vinny. “To come here with hotels, plane tickets… You feel you owe them because they’re dishing out so much money.” So does this affect the way they make music? “That’s why you start thinking about co-producers,” says Tabitha. “But we’re not going to put out a record we don’t stand behind. I think that there’s a middle ground, though. You can make a really successful album that does sell well but that also keeps your integrity. I think a lot of the stuff that’s huge was stuff that was really different and people took a chance on. Like Nirvana.”

So who would they ideally like to work with? “It’s like finding a boyfriend or a girlfriend,” says Tabitha. Vinny agrees: “Often it’s like getting married without even knowing them. You could end up in the studio with someone and hate them.”



The pair intend to start recording a new album this summer. It’s likely to be more direct and straightforward: “We’ll definitely be thinking about the live show,” suggests Vinny. “I’m not going to layer it as much because it’s been hard to replicate the last album live.” “I think it’s also good to have a different take on it too,” Tabitha adds. “You don’t want to keep making the same records again and again.”

I finish the interview by asking what kind of car Joy Zipper would be? “Probably a Volkswagen Bug,” says Tabitha without hesitation. “I think it’d be something reliable. Like a Volvo,” says Vinny. “I like that,” agrees Tabitha, until their manager points out that a Volvo doesn’t have a very good image in the UK. “Doesn’t it? Cos it’s kinda preppie? Let’s go with the Beetle then.” “A 1969 Volkswagen Beetle. White. Peeling rust,” decides Vinny. “No,” says Tabitha, “I think shiny. Brand new restored white…” So there you have it.


Matt Walton 07 May 04
American Whip – Joy Zipper, out now on 13 Amp.
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see also
joy zipperjoy zipperinterviewjoy zipperjoy zipperamerican whipjoy zipperjoy zipperthe stereo & godjoy zipperjoy zippernew talent 2004
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