Zinc Vaccum, a two-man psychedelic rock band from Michigan, will return to the stage on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 4:00 p.m. at the Lillian R. Zahnow Amphitheater by the clock tower on campus.
The two members are the lead singer and guitarist, senior graphic design major Austin Barnette, and the lead drummer, senior finance major Vince MacDonald.
“It’s pretty cool getting a live reaction and seeing what songs stick better [with the audience] and which ones don’t,” Barnette said. “We’ve been looking for a consistent scene to set.”
Zinc Vacuum held their first show of the semester on Thursday, Sept. 25. They decided one wasn’t enough, so they will reappear for another free show displaying their music inspired by a multitude of different genres like garage-band, punk-rock, grunge, and more.
“I think [psychedelic rock as a genre is] more interesting for me personally because it focuses more on texture … and the echoes. It makes texture as important as the composition, and I like that aspect [of it],” Barnette said.
Zinc Vacuum began as a one-man band. Barnette wrote the music and recorded the different instruments in his garage to make the first five albums. Everything changed when he met MacDonald at the Scarlet Showcase in 2024.
“I really liked [Barnette’s] style. I liked how he played guitar — it was appealing to what I like to play, and he liked my drumming,” MacDonald said. “So, we’re like, ‘hey, let’s get together and beat and start playing.’ We just really connected and clicked.”
They currently showcase their work through jam sessions at local businesses, but they plan to shift gears and focus on rehearsed gigs.
“Right now, we’re trying to get away from [jam sessions] and hone in on having rehearsed, solid material and songs … Then, we will be able to play live and get some more gigs when we’re a little bit more established.”
Stay tuned for more — they plan to release their upcoming album titled “Exit 7th” to Spotify by the end of 2025. This time, with a live feel, MacDonald said. Compared to previous albums, this one will be recorded with guitar, drums, and vocals in sync on the track instead of layering individual performances.
“It has more of like a live album element to it where it has a more authentic kind of sound, in a way,” MacDonald said. “I think my drumming does kind of bring a different element. Everybody’s style is kind of different.”
For the first time in their career, they will offer physical copies of their album. Fans can order a vinyl of their new album once it is released. The exact price is unknown, but Barnette estimates they will be around $27 per copy.
“My personal favorite song is this one called ‘Solid Ground.’ It’s the one we always play at the end of our shows. I like it because it’s drum-centric and grounded with a solid beat. It’s where the name ‘Solid Ground’ came from,” he said. “It’s on our first album that we’re in the process of mixing and mastering. Getting that song established and producing … is one of my favorite moments [with the band].”
To get a taste of their sound, check out their Spotify account under the name Zinc Vacuum, and preview their performance by watching their latest live show recording on their YouTube channel @zincvacuum.
