By Athena Flores, Nov. 19, 2024
Although the rooms at Pirate Studios in Silver Lake, California are soundproof, a pounding vibration of music escaped through the door frame crevices of studio number 12.
Inside the tiny practice space, a punk melody of drums, bass and guitar delivered a punch powerful enough to rupture unprotected eardrums. The music was intoxicating and loud in the best possible way. Those responsible for the chaos were the four members of the Cal Poly Pomona student-led punk band ZOMBIELOAF. In a hypnotic state, they were so deeply entranced by the music they played, that it was almost as if they were possessed by their instruments.
What started as an eighth-grade passion project, has transformed into something much larger. Earlier this year, the band played for a sold-out crowd at Bronco Fusion, celebrated its 10th anniversary, and now ZOMBIELOAF is preparing to release their debut album, Pelican Bay.
On Nov. 10, the band played a show that raised more than $1,600 and donated it all to Doctors Without Borders, a charity that provides humanitarian medical care. Whether it is donating their shows’ proceeds to charities, using their platform to resist political injustice or just making those around them laugh, ZOMBIELOAF’s authenticity contributes to the music they make.
At the forefront of the band is co-founding member and Music Industry Studies student Damian Torres. Like most musicians, his discovery of music came at an early age through influences such as Guitar Hero and grunge music. However, it was not until he got older his passion accumulated into a serious career path.
“It was really during COVID when I started working on an EP,” said Torres. “It was during that time that I realized that I really enjoy doing this stuff, and if I actually follow this path, I know that good things can come from it.”
Since becoming a student at CPP and engaging with his music courses, Torres admited he developed a deeper appreciation and understanding of creating music and performing. At his core, Torres strives to be true to himself and give those who listen a meaningful experience.
“I think it’s not so much about skill, even though it does play a gigantic part,” Torres said. “It is equally important to put that love and real emotion into what you’re doing with the intention of people feeling that love when they listen to your music.”
Although most of his time is prioritized with the band, Torres is also beginning to make a name for himself in the management side of music.
By combining his experience in the Pomona music scene and taking what he has learned from his internship at the Glasshouse, Torres created Loaf Productions, an event-production company focused on finding talent and creating enjoyable music experiences for the community.
With so many projects under his belt, Torres manages his busy schedule and band duties with the help of co-founder, guitar player and childhood friend Xander Vasquez.
Despite picking up a guitar for the first time at the age of 10, Vasquez did not start truly developing his skills until his teen years when he was prompted to become a better player for the band. Since then, music has become the most important aspect of his life.
“Music definitely took a priority in the last few years,” said Vasquez. “If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it right. I’m going to do it all the way or at least try my best. I remember coming back from shows with a sore arm and bloody fingers from playing so hard.”
As the band’s popularity grew, so did their opportunities. For Vasquez, the change from playing in his parents’ garage to playing on stage for an audience was a difficult adjustment. However, over time, it became a natural and surreal experience.
“When I get out there on stage, I really do take a moment to take it all in,” said Vasquez. “I’m very grateful, and it translates into the music in a very natural way.”
Music will always come first for Vasquez, but for a creative and ambitious mind such as his, he is always making new goals for himself. He also dreams of opening a food truck and serving food with music-themed names.
The newest member of ZOMBIELOAF is drummer and music industry studies student Jack Blake.
As a child, the moment Blake locked eyes with a jazz band drummer while dining at a restaurant with his mother was the day everything changed. Taking note of his fascination, Blake’s parents gifted him a drum set the following Christmas and encouraged him to pursue music.
“In sixth grade specifically, I started to play a lot more and also began getting into more music,” said Blake. “My dad was a musician, he showed me Radiohead albums and a lot of 90s grunge stuff, so I started playing drums to that. I guess that’s when the passion started, when I started zeroing in on learning.”
Blake continued to play through his formative years, and by the time he entered CPP, his skill in drumming had reached new heights. It garnered the attention of Torres when they played together in a showcase ensemble, and after joining a few ZOMBIELOAF practices, Blake became a full-time member.
Because of his experience, talent and versatility in playing different genres, Blake is a sought-after drummer in CPP’s music department.
“It can be difficult, but I enjoy doing it,” said Blake. “I’ve been filling in for a couple of bands, and they have relatively long set lists. It was pretty stressful, especially with school going on. The school stuff sometimes falls in the back because I kind of prioritize music over a lot of things, which I shouldn’t do but I do anyways.”
Interestingly, Mexican fast food brought the final member, bassist Dan Pastor, into the band.
Pastor met founding ZOMBIELOAF members, Torres and Vasquez while they were all working at the popular Chipotle chain in their hometown. Fascinated by their interest in music and slightly envious of the fact they had a band, Pastor began to form a friendship with the two.
“I always thought they were such cool guys,” Pastor said. “I couldn’t help but root for them and appreciate what they were doing. For the longest time, it pushed me to make my own music, so during the whole pandemic era before I was part of the band, I took advantage and started paying for singing lessons and learning to mix.”
Eventually, Vasquez reached out to Pastor and asked him to be ZOMBIELOAF’s bassist. Vasquez even gifted Pastor the bass he currently plays, stating as long as he’s in the band, the bass is his.
Although a talented musician today, Pastor admits he was not always as motivated to play music when he began, so he focused on other artistic passions.
“It just wasn’t taking off, so over time, I had a whole gap year where I was just focusing on cosplay,” Pastor said. “Eventually, I fell in love with it (music) again. The time was right, and I told myself I wanted to take it seriously because I did put a lot of time, effort and excitement into it.”
Ultimately, Pastor hopes to go far with ZOMBIELOAF, but he is also interested in creating his own music.
“My end goal isn’t to produce music for other people,” said Pastor. “My goal is to be an independent artist and make my own music and see where that goes.”
As ZOMBIELOAF continues to reach new accomplishments, the band stays true to its core values: to have fun, enjoy the moment and give people a good show. With strong influences of ‘90s punk and a carefree attitude, they are a unique feature of CPP’s music scene.
Although there is no date set for releasing its first album, which will feature an assortment of high-energy and rebellious punk rock blends, students can listen to ZOMBIELOAF’s newly dropped single “CRAZY MONKEY,” which teases the album’s overall feel.
Feature image courtesy of Athena Flores