Ep. 254: Michael Imperioli discusses ZOPA’s “A Still Life”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 21 April 2025

⏱️ 71 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Many know Michael Imperioli for his unforgettable roles in The Sopranos and The White Lotus, but his artistic reach extends far beyond the screen. In this episode, Michael opens up about the writing and recording of "A Still Life," the 2025 single from ZOPA’s album Diamond Vehicle. He shares how his musical influences—from The Beatles to an array of 90s alternative bands—shaped the song, and how working with producer John Agnello helped bring the band’s vision to life. Michael reflects on the intersection of his acting and music careers, the meditative themes of Mahayana Buddhism that weave into his lyrics, and the raw energy captured in live recording. From unique instrumentation to the balance between studio precision and stage spontaneity, this conversation offers a deep insight into his creative process and what’s next for ZOPA. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:04.2	Hey, hey, have you heard?
0:06.7	I'm coming back to give guided tours at the Punk Rock Museum
0:09.5	and Las Vegas, Friday, May 2nd, Saturday, May 3rd, and Sunday, May 4th.
0:14.8	Two tours each day, one at 12.30 p.m. and one at 4 p.m.
0:18.8	Get your tickets now at the punkrockm museum.com. The punk rock museum,
0:23.7	where you can expect the unexpected. Like the time I saw Fletcher from Pennywise and noodles
0:28.4	from the offspring, randomly hanging out on a Tuesday afternoon, or flee from red hot chili
0:33.6	peppers having a casual stroll through. or the time myself and a group walked
0:38.6	around the corner to find Fat Mike grilling a married couple about their um never mind
0:43.6	join me Cinque de Mayo weekend May 2nd 3rd and 4th as I guide you five decades of
0:48.9	punk rock memorabilia flyers musical instruments outfits, literature, and so much more.
0:55.7	Tickets available now at the punk rock museum.com.
1:17.4	Hey everybody. Today's guest is Michael Imperioly, guitarist and lead vocalists for the New York indie rock band Zopa. Together we break down the writing, recording, and inspiration behind the
1:23.9	brand new single, a still life taken from their 2025 album, Diamond Vehicle.
1:30.3	Michael said the idea for a still life came to him while vacationing in Sicily,
1:34.3	the hypnotic opening guitar riff being the first part he wrote. I mentioned to Michael that it's
1:38.8	hard for me to point out an exact influence in this track. Just when I think I'm on to something,
1:43.9	the band takes a left turn and something else catches my ear.
1:47.0	When I asked about his musical influences, they were as I thought, a little bit of a lot.
1:52.0	60s rock pop and soul, to 70s rock and punk, to New Wave, post-punk, and indie.
1:59.0	The band is a trio and prefer to keep things sparse while recording.
	...

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