Tabitha Zu
Revisiting raw 90s energy, Tabitha Zu reflects on chaos, creativity, and rediscovery as “On Reality” resurfaces digitally, inviting new listeners into a timeless, unfiltered world of sound and self-expression today.
1. “On Reality” captures such a raw and immediate energy—how do you feel listening back to the track now, over 30 years after its original release?
It’s been great actually — a bit of a trip. It all came about because people suddenly started messaging me asking if and when the tracks would be available digitally. I hadn’t really considered it before.
It’s strange — the songs still feel incredibly fresh. I’m really enjoying diving back in and finally giving the material a chance to be seen and heard by many people for the first time.
2. The early ’90s UK alternative scene was incredibly vibrant and chaotic. How did that environment shape Tabitha Zu’s sound and identity at the time?
Life in the band was pretty chaotic, to be honest. We were constantly out playing live — it was a blur of transit vans, soundchecks, and sleeping on floors and sofas. Lots of ridiculousness, and plenty of ups and downs.
The sound came from that — it’s completely unselfconscious. We were just doing our thing. It felt like a travelling circus, with music at its heart.
3. Your live shows were known for their intensity, with over 150 performances in a single year—how important was the stage in defining the band compared to the studio?
The studio barely got a look in. We only properly recorded two singles and their B-sides — the album never happened.
There are a lot of live recordings out there though, which probably capture us more honestly. It’s something we might finally rectify.
4. Sharing stages with acts like Nirvana, Public Enemy, and Suede must have been unforgettable—are there any particular memories from that period that still stand out?
So many. Playing Reading Festival in 1992 really stands out. We were on stage completely soaked and covered in mud — it had rained all night. My tent even got washed away with me in it.
The stage actually had to close after we played because it was sinking into the mud. But afterwards, walking around and seeing people wearing our T-shirts — we’d sold out straight after the set — was such a buzz.
The Strollercoaster tour was also legendary. Over 30 back-to-back shows with five bands, all sponsored by Tennents Beer — each band got a crate every night. It was messy and fun in equal measure.
5. The song balances fragility with noise in a really striking way. Was that contrast something you consciously aimed for, or did it come naturally through your songwriting and performances?
From my perspective, there was nothing conscious about it at all. I’ve always been quite instinctive — probably even more so back then.
I had a real love of reverb, delay, and chorus pedals, and I never wanted to tone anything down. The same went for how I looked. I wasn’t trying to be confrontational — it just felt right in my bones.
6. With “On Reality” finally reaching digital platforms, what do you hope a new generation of listeners takes away from the track—and from Tabitha Zu as a whole?
I hope it sends the message that it’s okay to express yourself in your own way — that there’s freedom in being your genuine self.
There are so many ways now to compare ourselves and feel like we’re not enough. I’d say don’t let fear of failure or rejection stop you from making the music or art you want to make. Lean into the unknown.
Time is a strange thing — but music and art, once they’re out in the world, can be timeless. You never know what might connect, or when.