Yonkin (left) and Rodriguez
When singer-songwriter Monica Rodriguez and bassist Stephen Yonki randomly walked into the same Brooklyn bar one night three years ago, neither one of them knew musical destiny awaited in the next round of drinks. Though attending the same school of music at the same time, these two musicians (forming the core of Zigmat) never crossed paths until this delightful case of happenstance. Fortunately for the duo and fans of innovative new music, fate proved too stubborn to throw the potential of Zigmat by the wayside. Since then, they have released one EP and one full length, been signed to two labels in Brazil and Spain (though still unsigned in the US), and toured extensively. Receiving an array of raving press and having their music places in a number of TV and film spots, Zigmat’s rise seems imminent.
What is it about their music that makes it is so noteworthy? Most often drawing comparisons to British synthpoppers Goldfrapp and 90s trip hop phenomenon Massive Attack, Zigmat fantasticaly melds these two sounds, but manages to create something neither can offer on its own: edge. Whether this X factor stems from Rodriguez’s fashion sense or Yonkin’s authentic rocker style bass performance posture, the band oozes an alluring magnetism not replicated by most aspiring acts today.
Monica Rodriguez
The melancholy “Whisper” opens with the organic duet of harp and vocals, only to be sequestered by a lopsided drum loop and other effects. Thus is the enigma of Zigmat. They take a dreary song about departing love and infuse it with digital experimentation, with Rodriguez’s voice all the while floating ethereally above. Conversely, the lyrically pop-oriented “Light of the Moon” bursts with a danceable vibe from the get go. The chorus perfectly displays Rodriguez’s vocal talents, her angelic voice resting over a fluffy bed of 80s-esque ambient instrumentals and synth flares. In the first notes of “Machine,” Rodriguez sings like a woman truly possessed as she deals with the conscious choice of whether to conform or not to conform. It is this song (and video) where the band exhibits their strongest trip hop riffs over a shuffle beat sprinkled with quirky digitalization. But the puzzle doesn’t end there. Being both Puerto Rican and American, Rodriguez is a bona fide bilingual, singing a few select songs in Spanglish. Like in “Decide,” where she tells the lover to “shut up!” in both English and Spanish. When asked about this practice in Rodgriguez’s songwriting, Yonkin responds “It’s like finding the shape of the words to the melody that she’s hearing or feeling— you can see her searching for the best word to fit the melody that she’s creating.” It may not be your cup of tea, but it is innovative.
The band is currently playing shows in Brazil, then heading back to the US to play a few shows in the Northeast. Check them out on the events section of their profile!
