Never Zero is a band based in southern West Virginia that has a throwback sound that really shows off their influences while making it all their own at the same time. The alt rock four piece is a fantastic mix of the poppier and heavier elements that made 90s alternative so great to listen to. We spoke with lead singer Matt Kiser about the band and what’s next for them.
BB: Your band’s sound has been compared to 90s alt rock and pop rock, with bands like Gin Blossoms mentioned. What is it about that era of music that inspires Never Zero, and how do you put your own modern spin on it?
Generally speaking, it’s the era of music we all grew up with. So it’s always a frame of reference for all of us.
As far as putting our own spin on things, I think that comes from the musical & artistic information you accumulate after those initial influences. You take in inspiration & influence and hopefully put back out some conglomeration of those things that are uniquely “you”. And then we get to multiply that by four people.
BB: Never Zero released an EP in 2023, followed by several singles in 2024. Can you talk about the decision to release a collection of singles rather than a full-length album, and if that’s a strategy you plan to continue?
The EP just sort of happened during that first year. I think we were riding that initial wave of excitement you get when you start a band and you can feel things gel. So we ended up with 5 songs we were stoked about & just decided to put them out without thinking too much about it.
After that first year, as we continued writing, the idea of releasing songs one by one sort of presented itself. I guess it’s a more modern approach to releasing music, & maybe we wanted to explore that. Both have their merits, I suppose.
I think the immediate plan is to focus on a cohesive song cycle and release that as one thing, probably next year. That’s personally my preferred method of releasing music. But I wouldn’t or couldn’t say whether or not we’ll stick to one method or another moving forward. I think we wait and allow the songs to dictate what we do with them.
BB: “Happily Evermore,” one of your 2024 singles, was described as having a heavier edge and featuring lead vocals from Zach White. As the primary vocalist, can you discuss the creative process of collaborating on a song where another band member takes the lead?
That’s a great question!
We all write & bring in ideas. I think I’m the primary vocalist only because I’m the most obnoxious. Collaboration is really the crux of the whole thing for us, I think. Sometimes one of us will bring in a completed song and it essentially stays the same, but for the most part we all work together on everything.
I think Zack brought that entire song in, as is, and we all just flipped out and wanted to play it. But I honestly don’t remember exactly, & that’s probably a good thing. I’m sure it sounds corny, but I’m just super proud & stoked when Zack, or Ben & Scott, bring in a great song or come up with a great part & I get to play it & be a part of it. I think we all feel that way.
BB: You’ve had the opportunity to perform at a number of festivals in West Virginia since forming in 2022. What has been your most memorable live performance so far and what makes playing for a hometown crowd special?
We’ve been beyond fortunate to be involved in so many amazing shows & festivals! Shindy this year being one of them!
The biggest takeaway, for me personally, from all the great shows we’ve been a part of is connecting with other bands, artists & music fans throughout West Virginia. It’s consistently inspiring for us to not only participate, but be welcomed into the artistic community and be encouraged to be ourselves. It helps give us purpose when we need it. We’re incredibly grateful.
BB: You all announced a live acoustic album that you recorded at Gad Dam Brewing. Tell us what to expect from that?
I think we wanted to explore that other side of what bands can do. And maybe see if our songs could hold up to the kind of scrutiny that comes with stripping things down. We all grew up with iconic MTV Unplugged performances, and maybe this is our version of that.
I also thought, at some point, that doing something like this might be a nice ending to this first chapter of the band. So we recorded all of our released songs up to that point & a few new ones. I’m not sure, yet, what’s gonna make the cut. But I’m stoked for people to hear it.
BB: Looking ahead, what’s next for Never Zero? Can we expect a new EP, a full-length album, or more singles in the near future?
We have a few more shows left this year. We’re especially stoked to be sharing a show with Blue Twisted Steel in Fayetteville in September!
Day to day, we’re finishing writing a batch of songs we’re hoping to record this winter for a full-length record. If things go according to plan, we’ll release that early in 2026. Hopefully after that, more shows next year to promote it. Then rinse & repeat.
Check out Never Zero everywhere you stream music and follow them on social media. Facebook
And check out a preview of their recordings at Gad Dam Brewing below.
