LENNY ZEN: UNVEILING HIS ARTIFACTS OF ATTRACTION
Photo credit: @julezprod on IG
After coming off tour with Queef Jerky and the release of his newest EP, Artifact of Attraction, San Diego-based artist Lenny Zen is making waves in the music scene. This 25-year-old has crafted an unparalleled sound by blending echoes of 70s psychedelic rock with his own indie folk flair and unique vocal set. This 7-track project, released on May 31st, explores the intricacies and, quite frankly, the artifacts of attraction and love through a kaleidoscope of sounds.
Growing up in Chicago, Lenny was heavily influenced by hip-hop, but his earliest memories began with listening to legendary bands like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. "I remember riding in the back of my dad’s Honda CR-V, hearing 'Tomorrow Never Knows' by The Beatles for the first time and feeling this overwhelming rush, like instant body chills," he reminisces. "It's almost like you can feel the song and see the colors getting brighter around you while listening to it."
These early experiences laid the foundation for his passion for creating music that resonates on a visceral level. With his father being in several different bands, he naturally wanted a bandmate around the house, leading his father to teach him how to play the drums at age 3. From that moment on, Lenny's musical talent and passion have only continued to flourish.
It was a period of time spent in Europe last fall that truly got the ball rolling for Artifact of Attraction. While working a sales job remotely from Lisbon, Lenny found himself immersed in a new world, bringing his guitar with him. "I was like a sponge, just absorbing everything around me, and different ideas kept flooding in," he reflects. It was during this time that his vision began to come to fruition.
After teaming up with producer Luis Kather in Germany, Lenny poured his heart and soul into each track, ultimately finishing the project in about a week. "It was my first time meeting Luis. We connected instantly through the music because, despite growing up in different worlds, he knew the sound I was going for," he recalls. "It was full-on: wake up, go to the studio, go to bed, think about songs, wake up, go to the studio, go to bed, have song dreams. It was amazing."
Artifact of Attraction is a testament to Lenny Zen's artistic evolution and his quest to create music that transcends boundaries. With the psychedelic rock influences that are evident in songs like "Carousel" and "Comfortable," and gut-wrenching ballads like "All You Wanted," this EP invites listeners to embark on a journey through Lenny's mind—a place where melodies are vibrant and lyrics paint pictures of love and longing.
“The name for this project came to me when I discovered an old film photo of me in the desert. In the background, there was an arc that said ‘Artifact of Attraction,’” Lenny mentions. “Then I realized that all of these love-adjacent songs are all artifacts of attraction. And this project is its own love arc.”
As Lenny Zen continues on his journey, it's evident that he's just scratching the surface. His dedication to authenticity and artistic growth shows on every track of Artifact of Attraction. "Lenny Zen isn't just a stage name," he affirms. "It's a persona that gives me the freedom to create boundlessly. Lenny Zen is who I am." Influenced by artists like Tyler, The Creator and Tame Impala, his music transcends genres and promises to make a lasting impact on the music scene. Experience Artifact of Attraction, now available to stream on all major platforms.