Elemental Zazenis politically conscious MC for true-school hip-hop heads. Equal parts satirical and serious, Elemental Zazen discusses relevant social issues with urgency and humor, rather than radical-chic pretentiousness.
Recently named one of Boston's five Locals on the Verge, Elemental Zazen was described by The Herald as: "Fast, furious, raw, and reflective, this Cambridge-based MC has got a lot on his mind: war, poverty, Third World exploitation, visions of world leaders in handcuffs. Verbally nimble and righteously indignant, Zazen rhymes with a purpose - "pump a fist if you exist to bring the system down!
Born Jason Trefts, Elemental Zazen recounts his hitherto rather succinctly: "I grew up in Asia. I play shows. I record music. I believe in worldpeace."
"First of all: If you believe that enlightenment through peace is the goal, you are my comrade," explains Zazen. "Big up to everyone putting in work volunteering, helping the community, fighting oppression, and especially to those that educate themselves and others about the evils of capitalism."
Elemental Zazen performs regularly throughout New England with his explosive live hip-hop band, which includes DJ Special Blend on the wheels, Todd Thurheimer on the bass, Sean Dwyer [aka Gnotes] on lead guitar, Eric Lane on keys and Erik Haglund on the drums.
Since 2005, Elemental Zazen has shared the live stage with Immortal Technique, Kool Keith, Mr. Lif, Ill Bill, Murs, Cage, Boot Camp Clik (Smif n Wessun w/ Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah w/ Sean Price), Cunninlynguists, Wise Intelligent (PRT), Roc Raida (X-ecutioners), Masta Ace, Camu Tao, 2mex, Akrobatik, Yak Ballz, Freestyle, Akir, Q-Unique, Bigg Jus (Company Flow), Glue (Adeem, Maker & DJDQ), Louis Logic, Tonedeff, Slaine, Ed OG, Pack FM, Eternia, Shells, Animal Collective, Kabir, Bukue One, Insight, Orko, The Foundation, Scroll, k-the-i???, Audible Mainframe, The Eclectic Collective, Virtuoso, The Greater Good, Educated Consumers, Shambhala, Flex Mathews, Awkward Landing, Vice Versah, Project Move, Soular Winds, Termanology, and DJ Eclipse.
In 2004, Elemental Zazen independently released his debut record The Adolescent Weapon, which was described by The Weekly Dig as "one of Boston's most enlightened hip hop discs in recent memory...The result, we believe, will have Immortal Technique fans liking at least one white person."
After appearing with Gnotes on "Nemesis" from Rhymes and Beats, Elemental Zazen is prepared to release in 2008 his long-anticipated solo album The Glass Should Be Full.
Zazen's influences?
"Dao. Wind. Water. Trees mostly. Hand out the car window. Running away from things and towards other things. Life on other planets. Time travel. Insecurity. Girls. Being poor. No more alcohol and drugs. Finally getting some sleep."
What about favorite bands?
"Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, The National, Joy Division, TV On The Radio, Sufjan Stevens, Caribou, Sigur Ros, The Black Keys, Interpol, Death From Above 1979, Broken Social Scene, The Cure..."
