It started like this:

We were riding our kick-ass futuristic hover motorcycles down the hyper turbo expressway on our home planet of Rock-u-Lon and went up a small hill too fast, launching us into space. We were lucky enough to fly straight through a wormhole before we suffocated and froze in the unforgiving vacuum outside our planet’s artificial atmosphere. The rip in space time carried us to Earth, but we don’t know where that is so we’re stuck here doing what we do best. We were the coolest rock band in the faraway galaxy from whence we came. It has always been our greatest pleasure to play music in exchange for currency but we really need to rake in the dough or we may never find a way home. Then again, Earth is not so bad. Maybe we’ll stay for a few decades.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Tony Casa- vocals

Lynn Roose III- guitar

Steve "Charlie" Hatmaker- drums

Zachary Pontzer- guitar

James "Bucktooth" Bourne- bass

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Zoo Trippin'? How long has the band been around?

We have all been in different bands, and some are still. James and Steve we're in a band together a number of years ago, and since Steve has played in many other bands(including most recently- Throwing Rocks at Girls), where as James has mostly been in his cover band Swagg. Still is to this day. Zach came from one of our favorite debunked Columbus acts- Sassafraz. Lynn and Tony both came from a band called The Pirates of the Scioto, with the late great Mike Gavazzi. OUr band has been in its current form for about a year. Steve, Lynn, and Tony have been playing together for closer to 4 years. 

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

The origin of our name came from a baby's first words. There was a beautiful young single mother who lived next to the old band house, and she would bring her infant baby over to be soothed to sleep by loud rock and roll. When we asked the baby what she thought of our music she said "Zoo Trip". We've since changed it since we changed out style, got new members, and "Zoo Trippin'" is easier to find on the internet.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

The band writes the music, and for the most part, Tony writes the lyrics. He bases his ideas off of real world experiences, so the subject matter will always changes, much like ourselves. Some of it is one of fun songs, some of the lyrical content and music is tied into whole concept albums or ep's. 

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Bands that are currently inspiring us are Deftones, Jack White, and Frank Zappa.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

For me(Tony) I was inspired to be in a band because I was a failed comic. What I really wanted was to be an actor on the silver screen, and I planned on getting there like many of the greats- through stand up. Turns out stand up comedy is way harder than rocking faces. 

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

I try not to masturbate day of the show, but the whole band does rock squats that resemble a certain video game character move that people widely know. Keep an eye out for this super weird preshow ritual. 

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

The biggest highlight of our career so far is hard to pin down. We finished a documentary being made about us that's going to be released in theaters. We've wrote some incredible tunes. But the best show has to be recently at Bunbury Music Festival, where we shared the main stage with Jack White, Incubus, and many others. We played to a massive sea of people, and we're the ONLY band the entire weekend that got an encore. Thanks to thousands of screaming fans. 

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Jack White because of the sheer professionalism. Even his stage hands are dressed to the nine's. That or Tenacious D, because they are a blast!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Please be sure to check out everything Zoo Trippin' at www.zootrippin.com, and request us on your local radio stations.