PRESS ROOM

 LEVEL 1 = PEACE OF MIND is American Zen's first album on Shaolin Records.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tujunga, California – August 12, 2005 – American Zen, America's first Buddhist rock band, is releasing their first album in 2005, Level 1 = Peace Of Mind. The album consists of 11 songs and 11 recited poems by The Coyote.

Coyote may be the front man, composer, and leader of American Zen, but Steve is the band's ruler.

When someone shows up for rehearsal late, Steve's got something to say. He also makes sure they don't look like lumberjacks or surfers on stage.

"Coyote's got the music and the visions, but you can't paint a picture with crayons," says Steve. "Coyote's too nice a guy at rehearsals. Sure, sometimes he's very demanding of us, but when it comes to drawing the line--that's my job."

Steve's more than the American Zen strongarm. Steve's the powerhouse drummer that is driving American Zen into the history books. He uses whatever he can get his hands on when they're recording. "During rehearsals, I play my set. But when we record--well, I like to get creative. Rather than use a high hat, I might beat on a coffee can. I like to collect things that sound cool when you hit them."

Unconventional drumming for an unconventional band? It makes sense. Steve's been impressed by some of the most famous drummers in the world, since moving to Los Angeles from San Diego. "I couldn't believe it. I was hanging out with Ginger Baker of Cream!" exclaims Steve. "Leslie West of Mountain was there to so we had an awesome time. Coyote was shooting the Keith Richards' (of The Rolling Stones), drug tour band for a magazine, so we all got to go backstage."

Both Steve and Tom are self-trained musicians. Rory and Coyote are both classically trained. Perhaps this is another aspect of the Yin and Yang of American Zen. "Hey, I'm just a Ringo Star kinda guy."

Steve's training comes from playing to records. "I can't read a note of music," says Steve. "But you know, I spent a couple summers playing in Top-40 bands when I was in high school. Those guys would set up their music stands, get their charts and sheet music out. Bozos! Yeah, they'd play the song good, but then you try jamming some blues with these guys and they act like it's the first time they've played guitar. Rory and Coyote can read music, but even they don't write songs on paper. They hear the music in their head then they figure out how to make it real with their eyes closed. Music comes from the heart, not a piece of paper."

The Zen of rock according to Steve.

Steve started playing drums at age 13. He played in some garage bands and jammed occasionally with Coyote. "Coyote's cool. He'll jam with anybody, anywhere, anytime. That's what we had in common. He probably didn't think I was of his musical calibre, because we didn't play as a band until one of his drummers got hired to go on the road. He called me up, and asked me to sit in. It was magic. We all knew it. We've been playing together ever since. Don't forget: that's what music is, magic."

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Copyright 2005 Shaolin Communications.
All rights reserved.

The PR_AmZen is the official PRESS RELEASE of American Zen, "America's First Buddhist Rock Band."
This is intended for magazine, news, radio, and distributors.

The AmZen_eNEWS is published monthly and sent to fans, friends,
and anyone wanting more information on the FOLK ROCK band, American Zen:
     Featuring:
        The Coyote - Flute, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Songwriting
        Steve Hixon - Drums
        Rory G - Electric Guitar, Slide Guitar, Ukulele, Synthesizer
        Tom Calder - Bass, Vox Organ

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