Lower East Side, NYC-based indie singer/songwriter Kathy Zimmer is joyously marking the release of her latest EP, “Debris,” in collaboration with her accomplished bandmates Eric Sanderson and Tom Zovich, known for their contributions to Augustines and Pela. The musical essence of this project is characterized by Zimmer’s captivating vocals delivering evocative lyrics set against an indie rock backdrop, offering listeners a distinctive and refreshing experience.

Originally hailing from the tranquil landscapes of rural Nebraska, Kathy Zimmer brings a wealth of musical knowledge, holding a Master’s Degree from the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music. Despite her roots, she has seamlessly embraced the vibrant atmosphere of New York City, where she has established herself as an integral part of the indie music scene. At her upcoming show, attendees will have the opportunity to acquire a 12″ vinyl record featuring two EPs, aptly titled “White Noise/Sparkling Smile.”

Recognizing her unique talent, Rock n’ Reel Magazine has bestowed upon Kathy Zimmer the title of the “latter day Joan Baez,” highlighting her profound influence and distinct contribution to the indie music landscape. Further acclaim comes from The Roots Music Report, which praises Zimmer’s sophisticated songwriting as “at various turns enchanting, haunting, and soothing—Ms. Zimmer’s sophisticated song crafting never fails to charm.” As she continues to captivate audiences with her musical prowess, Kathy Zimmer stands as a luminary in the indie music realm, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of her listeners.

We caught up with Kathy regarding her new video “Moonwalk” below:

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in
this way?

“Moonwalk” is a song about me making choices in my life and not really knowing where I’ll end up because of those choices. I had a moment of feeling a little disoriented with that uncertainty, as my pen was hitting the paper to write these lyrics, and the image of an astronaut on a spacewalk came out. When an astronaut is, say, outside of the space station, do they have any concept of up or down? And if they don’t, is that crazy? Cause I feel like it might be! And I feel like I’m on my own personal spacewalk sometimes… where exactly am I headed?  This is all uncharted territory here! 

2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

Because it was slightly cost prohibitive to make a video based on the literal imagery in the song (an earthling in space), I flipped the imagery and decided to play an alien who came to explore Earth. I had in mind the crash landing that’s at the beginning of the original Planet of the Apes movie, just because it’s so awesomely lo-fi but yet effective. It’s so incredible that we can now get footage like this with just a drone, whereas before it was probably way more complicated! Had to round out the Planet of the Apes experience, then, with a visit to the Statue of Liberty in the video. 

3. What was the process of making this video?

I am so lucky to live in NYC, which, among a zillion other great reasons to live here, is so photogenic.  We started off the day by “crash landing” on Brighton Beach, then found a nice exit to the expressway in Queens, then went to a best-kept-secret Statue of Liberty lookout point at Pier 44 in Brooklyn, and finally travelled to midtown Manhattan and 30th Street Guitars. The video was filmed all in one day, because we had a magical, easy-going crew, and a car. My friend Justin Muschong had the idea to use “forced perspective” to film the rocket landing, and luckily my niece loaned me the rocket she’d made for a 4-H project. I had an old AAA map which I doctored to be a travel guide to Earth, and we were off! There may be an allegory somewhere in there relating the journey of the alien to me, but it might be more fun to just keep it as a story about an alien.