Zs was founded in 2000 and has existed as a trio, sextet, and quartet, now solidifying into the three-piece of Sam Hillmer (tenor saxophone), Ben Greenberg (electric guitar), and Ian Antonio (drum set). While their music has been variously categorized as no-wave, brutal-prog, and post-minimalist, Zs is primarily concerned with making music that challenges the physical and mental limitations of both performer and listener. Manipulating extended technique, unique instrumental synthesis, and near telepathic communication, Zs aims to create works that envelop the listener and unfold sonically over time, evoking unspoken past, present, and future rites and ritual. Zs has performed in lofts, galleries, rock clubs, and concert halls across the United States and Europe with The Locust, Gang Gang Dance, Animal Collective, Battles, The Dirty Projectors, Orthrelm, Octis, The Flying Luttenbachers, Behold… The Arctopus, Yellow Swans, Get Hustle, Dan Deacon, Aa, Marnie Stern, Peter Brotzman and Han Bennick, Joe Maneri, Christian Wolff, Louis Andriessen, and Petr Kotik, among many others. Zs has recorded for the 31G, Tzadik, Troubleman Unlimited, Planaria, Gilgongo, Sockets, Ricecontrol, and Zum record labels. The members of Zs also perform with Cutter, Yarn/Wire, Hunter-Gatherer, Theatre of a Two-Headed Calf, Regattas, and Trouble
