Getting to know Zo
Updated: Mar 1, 2019
An insight on one of Binghamton's most controversial artists.
Unless you were living under a rock for the entirety of 2018 you have heard of Alonzo Brunn. Zo took the area by storm over the course of 2018 releasing over 35 tracks on Spotify with even more tracks on Soundcloud and social media. He saw relative success from both his official releases and freestyle clips posted on social media. Zo closed out 2018 with a song titled "KJ Woolfork(Love is Love)" a dedication to KJ Woolfork a friend who passed away but Zo ensured KJ's name and what KJ stood for wouldn't be forgotten. After this release Zo spent some time on social media questioning his desire to continue making music. Despite the questions of his desires to continue making music Zo announced he would reunite with frequent collaborator Kev Hunnit for a collaboration project this year. Zo fans had to temper their excitement shortly thereafter as a week later Zo once again took to social media to announce he would still fulfill his commitment to release his collaboration project with Kev Hunnit, but after that project he would be hanging up the mic and retiring. Zo has expressed a desire to continue helping artists and hasn't ruled out a return to the booth in the future but for now his focus is on this last project and then transitioning to a different genre of content. Before Zo officially hangs it up we caught up with him and asked some questions related to his frustrations with music and his plans for the future.
Who is Alonzo Brunn?
Upstate Aesthetic: First off I would like to thank you for taking the time to do this, I have followed you on social media for a while and have found your controversial nature compelling. You're not a person to pull your punches. You always say what is on your mind and are willing to admit when you're wrong, what is it that gave you this way of expressing yourself?
Zo: I would have to say it’s my father. Most of my being and who I am comes directly from him but he doesn’t exhibit the character trait of growth. I’ll always stand up for what I believe is right but I have to know when I’m wrong it’s all about growth with me.
“I just never thought having different opinions than others would make them dislike me so much”
UA: Do you think at times this way you present yourself can be a little off putting for consumers?
Zo: Yes. But then I never correct it or change it cause people I know support famous scumbags because they’re famous. I’m not a scumbag I’m opinionated and people don’t like that. I just never thought having different opinions than others would make them dislike me so much.
UA: Personally I think your confidence should be applauded and not criticized as heavily as it has been in the past but somewhere along the way people seem to misunderstand that confidence, why do you think that is? Zo: Ever since I can remember I’ve been called conceited. Other people don’t like when you love yourself it scares them? Or some people are just upset they can’t be comfortable with themselves they try to bring others down
UA: Some of your messages on Social Media before you decided to announce your retirement indicated that you were frustrated with the lack of real support from fans can you expand on that?
Zo: Basically being an independent artist means I do everything. I fund everything nobody puts money behind me to make this music I have to pay for it myself make it myself and promote it at the end of the day it’s very easy to become discouraged for all the work that you have done. What else do I have to prove?
New project on the horizon
"We want to make something everyone can be proud of and you can expect that this spring. "
UA: I think that if you disregard the numbers and take a look at the fan base you have cultivated as in the different people interacting on posts you have made and things of that nature you might see you have created a good set of fans for yourself. These fans are likely interested in your upcoming project with Kev Hunnit, could you tell us a little bit about that?
Zo: Me and Kev have unmatched chemistry and we decided the city needs a project that was created by 2 local artists. Really we just want an anthem. We want to make a playlist so solid people don’t wanna skip a song. We want to make something everyone can be proud of and you can expect that this spring.
UA: Looking through your catalog you have a history of trying to help put a lot of different artists on your projects to give them a platform for their music are their any plans to do that on this project?
Zo: We’re still planning I honestly can’t answer that straight forward right now. But ideally I’d love to have Zavier Taylor and Anthony Kannon on there.
Plans after music
UA: Following the announcement of your retirement you have discussed the potential of doing something to help other artists and maybe even doing a podcast. Do you have any initial plans for that at this point that you can share with us?
Zo: At this point nothing is set in stone I wanna start a podcast by the summer and hopefully keep it going when I decide to go 100% in music again. I would love to have someone take over for me
UA: Are there any influences you have that have encouraged you to focus less on making music but still working within the medium?
Zo: Nah I’d say it’s all me. But I will say My friends and my peers are so gifted and talented that it makes me want to be around it. I’m around people who love music as much as me.
UA: As we wrap this up I want to say I hope the retirement treats you well but I also hope for the sake of fans of your content like myself that the retirement is shortlived. Is there anything else you have to say to your fans or haters in closing?
Zo: To my fans even if there’s just one of you thank you for everything. I’ve learned to appreciate the love more and stop feeding into hate. I appreciate all the love I’ve received. And to my haters if I have any... you can’t break me only I can do that. I hope you have a wonderful day. ❤️