About CDZabu

CDZabu (formerly known as ~chromatik_d_zabu.tmp) is an-ever expanding international collective of musicians who collaborate via the Internet. Pieces are composed sequentially, through the continual addition of musical strata by different participants. A piece thus belongs to no one in particular: it changes hands many times during its composition, which can lead to surprising and creative discoveries. Egos are inevitably left aside, allowing the piece to have a life of its own. Members operate under pseudonyms to this hammer home further: there is no genre, there is no hierarchy. The pieces are then mixed and published for free on this web site. New members are always welcome.

CDZabu was formed in 2004 by a four musicians related to Megalomedia, the Montreal-based non-profit organization devoted to the promotion of independent artistic initiatives (Glitch Independent Video Festival, VARIA 2002 and 2003 local music compilations). The founders had become weary of the generalized lack of organization, drive and reliability of many musicians that they had collaborated with. They were also greatly inspired by the cooperation and talent that they discovered while providing logistical assistance to the budding Live Ambience and Beats nights organized by Moondata Productions (which later became the well known LABProjects events). They felt compelled to create a disciplined and selfless environment for musical creation which would, at the same time, allow them to blow off some pent-up steam.

The collective now boasts over 20 members that hail from all corners of North America and Europe. CDZabu's music was presented in 2005 at the Electronic Music Midwest festival, and three pieces were used in the context of the 60x60 music mixes, presented by Vox Novus. 28 virtual albums of music have been produced, developing many different musical and conceptual themes. A true community has grown, in which musicians of all stripes (academic, self-taught, electronica, rock, classical) can interact and learn from one another. Because of the fast-paced nature of the composition, the participants are given an opportunity to explore a wide range of musical ideas, which in turn nourishes their other endeavors.