By
Adam Pugh
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Rock-rap band Zebrahead plays tonight at Gotham after latest video shoot at Playboy mansion
Whoever said Playboy was only associated with bunnies was dead wrong - now it's also synonymous with zebras.
Members of the band Zebrahead, performing tonight at Gotham, never expected the group to go beyond its local music scene in Orange County, Calif.
However, they realized things had changed when their second album, Playmate of the Year, paired them with Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner.
The first single off the album was shot at the Playboy mansion - a dream come true for the members of Zebrahead. Ali Tabatabee, the group's rapper, described the shoot as a "surreal experience."
"The guys in the band, including me, never thought that this band could become a full-time job," Tabatabee said. "It has been a real trip."
This rock-rap hybrid group does not limit itself to a single category of music. Zebrahead's sound blends infectious pop, rock and rap party songs, resulting in a diverse following for the band. Zebrahead has toured with ska-punk group Less than Jake and is scheduled to tour with rapper Redman this summer.
"Being able to play with such different groups has opened a lot of doors for us," Tabatabee said. "But, it has closed just as many."
Tabatabee explained some radio stations shy away from the rap on parts of Zebrahead's albums. But the band's grassroots fan base, he said, has kept the group motivated for the past five years. Tabatabee said the constant touring has been a learning experience.
"If the crowd does not respond to us, it makes us want to win them over that much more," he said.
The group's music has brought it some success, but its members said they do not see success in the number of records it sells.
"We are successful when we get people to listen to our albums," Tabatabee said. "If commercial success comes, that's one thing, but we are not holding our breath."
After one self-produced record and two major-label records, Zebrahead has managed not to lose any members. This feat, Tabatabee said, was accomplished by learning to understand each group member on a personal level.
"In the beginning it was tough on tour," he said. "But after we did it for awhile, we learned to talk all of our problems out, which has been good for the band."
Traveling with recording equipment in the back of its bus has made writing songs on the road easier for the group, Tabatabee said.
"We got the equipment so when someone has an idea, they can record it and work on it," he said. "With the recording equipment, we can work on a song when we are inspired to write."
Strong music and personal bonds are what has glued the group together for so long, Tabatabee added.
Currently on a two-week tour, Zebrahead plays its newest material, which it has been working on for the last few months, tonight at Gotham.
Zebrahead plays tonight at 8 at Gotham, 4385 W. Ina Road. Sprung Monkey and Grand Theft Audio will also perform. Call 774-7744 for ticket information.
