TZU

TZU (pronounced Tee Zed Yoo) was an Australian hip hop group, formed in Melbourne, Victoria. TZU used instruments in live performances, giving their shows a rock-infused feeling.[2]

For the ancient chinese military strategist and author, see Sun Tzu.

TZU
TZU (Joelistics, left, and Seed MC, right) performing at the Melbourne Big Day Out in 2006
Background information
OriginMelbourne, Australia
GenresAustralian hip hop
Years active1999–2013
LabelsLiberation
Websitehttp://www.tzu.com.au
MembersJoelistics a.k.a. Joel Ma (vocals, guitar, bass)
Seed MC a.k.a. Countbounce a.k.a. Phillip Norman (vocals, guitar, bass)
Paso Bionic a.k.a. Shahab Tariq (turntables)
Yeroc a.k.a. Corey McGregor (drums, samplers)
Duzy What a.k.a. Dustin (keys)[1]

History

Formation

The group formed in 1999 as a side project, combining members of the groups Curse ov Dialect and Pan. The name TZU is taken from the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. The band name was thought of and gifted to TZU by Lee Hartney from The Smith Street Band. The band originally called itself "Tzu" (pronounced tsoo), but changed its name due to the common mispronunciation of "T-Z-U".[3] In 2005, keyboard player Duzy What[1] was added to the group's lineup.

Reception

TZU has received regular Triple J airplay of Position Correction and Smiling at Strangers.[4] In early 2006, they won Yahoo! Music's "Who's Next" monthly music poll.[5]

Millions of Moments

In 2012, after a period of inactivity for the band, TZU released their last album Millions of Moments.[6] To promote the album, they went on tour. Subsequently, Joelistics pursued a solo career and Count Bounce became a producer.[7] This meant the end of the activity around the band.

Live

The group has performed at festivals such as the Big Day Out, Falls Festival, MS Fest and the Meredith Music Festival, in addition to smaller shows.

Awards and nominations

Nominations

Media acclaim
  • "Melbourne group TZU just can't stop upping the ante ... They meld classic eighties electro with the more traditional funk keeping the emphasis on authenticity and class throughout." - Rolling Stone Australia magazine (2008)
  • "Computer Love is full of old school synth's, masterful sampling and live instrumentation - a maverick in its field and release that will set a new standard for the Australian music landscape." - Inpress (2008)
  • "The four piece aren't your stereo typical hiphop outfit - Think laid back vibes and rhymes... Expect good times and a party atmosphere." - The Sun-Herald (2008)

Richard Kingsmill, Musical Director of Australian radio station Triple J, stated in regard to the band 2008 J Award nomination for Computer Love: "They open their album saying "TZU still feelin' awesome". I couldn't agree more. They keep growing as an act and expanding on their influences. This album has so much life and they're doing all this themselves. No mentors, producers or anyone getting in the way. Pure talent."[10]

Discography

Albums

"Cover up motel" is an anagram of "computer love" and the album of the same name features remixes of all of the tracks from Computer Love by the group's favourite Australian artists and producers. Remixers included M-phazes, Hermitude, Plutonic Lab, Trials (Funkoars) and Blue King Brown.[12]

EPs
  • um... just a liddlbidova mic check EP (2001)
  • Limited Edition Tour Promo EP (2003)
  • Dam Busters EP EP (2003)
  • In Front of Me EP (2005)

References
  1. "About". TZU on Facebook. Facebook. 1 July 2008. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  2. Louise Hall (27 March 2006). "Hip-hop without the usual bling bling". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  3. Birchgrove Boy; forever_orea (24 August 2004). "Interview with MC Joelistics from TZU". Digitalthugz. Digitalthugz. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  4. "TZU Biography, Links, J Play Ranking & song listing". J Play. J Play. 2006–2013. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  5. "TZU - Who's Next Winners Feature: Yahoo!7 Music". Yahoo!7 Music. 2005. Archived from the original on 9 April 2007.
  6. "Interview with Joelistics".
  7. "Interview with TZU, October 2012". 2012.
  8. Brian Wise (6 February 2006). "Australian Music Prize; Shortlist Announced". ABC DIG Internet Radio. ABC. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  9. "Most Performed Urban Work Nominations - 2007". APRA|AMCOS. APRA|AMCOS. 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  10. "Computer Love TZU". triple j. ABC. 2008. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  11. Al Newstead (20 December 2012). "Hermitude Shortlisted For 8th Australian Music Prize, Amplive Concert Announced". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  12. "TZU release remix album". triple j. ABC. 30 January 2009. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
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