Encompassed in a world of yellow, Zoki Band recently filmed its first-ever music video for a new song at Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield. ZoKi Band is an alternative folk-rock trio comprised of three multi-talented musicians — Kim Chin-Gibbon, 18, of Amherst, Zoe Rinchenlemos, 15, of Ashfield and Lily Kulp, 16, of Conway. The three teenagers are all skilled songwriters and vocalists, as well as versatile instrumentalists in their own right.
To film the video, Zoki Band and the video’s director, Ben Goldsher, co-manager of the Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center, created a “yellow-verse” in the fourth floor of the downtown venue. They constructed walls to create what appears to be a completely yellow room, wore all yellow clothes, played yellow instruments and even rode painted-yellow bikes along Main Street.
The song that the trio performed for the music video, “Stand Up,” is a new single that was recorded at FRecordings in Greenfield on Aug. 14.
With Gibbons on guitar and bass, Rinchenlemos on guitar, keyboards and bass and Kulp’s rock-steady beats and harmonic trumpet playing, the band features strong vocal harmonies and guitar solos. Gibbons finds herself more drawn to folk styles, while Rinchenlemos reflects more hip-hop, Gibbons says.
ZoKi Band’s performances can be moving as well as funny and quirky, something Rinchenlemos is highlighted in the video.
“There are funny moments, some fun cut-scenes,” Rinchenlemos said.
According to the band, the music video came to life rather spontaneously after Goldsher approached them with the idea. Shooting music videos is a great way to combine his passion for filming and the band’s passion for making music, he says. While the Zoki Band’s members say they have filmed covers and performances before, this was the band’s first time filming a full-length music video and the first time recording a video for an original song.
“The whole thing came together and was a lot of fun,” Kulp said.
Goldsher, whose family owns Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center, said he was familiar with the band from past performances at the venue. He was inspired by the idea of “yellow” after he saw Rinchenlemos play a yellow bass during one show.
“I thought it would be awesome to do something with Zoki Band,” Goldsher said. “I had this concept of something fun and light.”
“Stand Up” falls into the bubbly, folk-rock style featured on the band’s debut album “Take One,” which was released May 31. The album and more information can be found at zokiband.com.
The three teens and band-mates have been writing songs and performing as a band for a year and a half now, Rinchenlemos says. Before they were a band, Gibbons and Rinchenlemos met as campers at the Institute for the Musical Arts (IMA) in Goshen. Interestingly, the two didn’t play together while attending camp, Rinchenlemos noted.
“Afterwards we both wanted to do some gigs,” Rinchenlemos said. “We started playing at Luthier’s Co-Op open mics (in Easthampton) and we thought – Oh we should do sets together, that would be really fun.”
Gibbons said they quickly became familiar with each other’s skill sets and musical tastes, finding a balance in style. After some time and encouragement from their parents, they decided to officially brand their musical talents (for the time) as “ZoKi.”
“A combination of our names,” Gibbons points out.
Not long after this, Rinchenlemos says they learned of Kulp’s musical prowess. While the two had been neighbors for years, both were unaware of the other’s talents.
“She came over one time and I heard her play drums,” Rinchenlemos recalled.
Kulp was quickly invited to join the band and following her induction, the now-trio officially re-named themselves “ZoKi Band.” The group say they have enjoy finding ways to combine their different tastes and approaches to writing music.
Now, with Gibbons heading off to Marlboro College for the upcoming year, the band says they won’t be able to play together as often as they’re used to.
“Although we already have some shows scheduled for the fall, so I’ll be back,” Gibbons said.
While Gibbons heads off to school in the Fall, she can look forward to the video’s release for a taste of home. Golshder says they are aiming to complete the video for release by early October. After the official release, it will be available to view on Hawks and Reed’s YouTube channel.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264