Zita (USA)

Zita is a four piece group that fuses classic rock, funk, and blues to create a live show that surpasses expectations. Founded in 2019, the band consists of Michael Mullins on Lead Vocals, Trombone and Rhythm Guitar, Bradford Lewis II on Lead Guitar, Dylan Caillouet on Bass, and Kai Melancon on Drums.

Captivating audiences across the greater New Orleans area with driving riffs and explosive jams, the live show experience is a throwback to the vibe of the 70s and the energy of classic rock & roll. Zita adds their own modern New Orleans flair to this sound.
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As of late, the band has had recent success with festival appearances at Hogs for the Cause, New Orleans French Quarter Fest, Gretna Festival, Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, and NOLA Crawfish Festival. Additionally, Zita has had high-profile sit-ins from musicians such as George Porter Jr. (The Meters), Luther Dickinson (The Black Crowes, North Mississippi All-Stars), and Brad Walker (The Revivalists, New Orleans Suspects).
The band’s debut 9-track album “Hardly Alive” is Zita’s first effort at a classic sounding rock & roll record in the 21st century. It won Best Rock Album at the 2021-2022 OffBeat Magazine Best of the Beat Awards, and in September 2023, three tracks were featured on the national TV series The Freak Brothers. Zita's next (live) album, “Alive”, includes two covers, three repeats from Hardly Alive, and three new songs.

Since their debut record, the band has been consistently performing live across New Orleans and the greater southeast US, refining the Zita sound. Likewise, the mentorship from New Orleans legends has spurred a new sound, culminating in their new studio album: “Axiom.”

This record takes the pure, rock & roll air on a diverse detour. It’s soul, funk, blues, psychedelia, punk and experimentation baked into it, while staying true to the roots of the band. Being from New Orleans, Zita wears it with pride, and it shines throughout the entire runtime of the record. The 8-track album is set for release in January 2025.

In comparison to their debut record “Hardly Alive”, Zita’s sophomore effort expands on classic sounds. Now, with intentions to convey the crossroads between rock & roll, and of one of music’s most historically coveted cities. Even aside from the ubiquitous “electric-trombone” feature to this band, the soul and rhythm of the music gives you an inkling that it’s a bit more than just bread-and-butter rock.

The album’s credibility is, furthermore, bolstered by the features the band facilitated: Nigel Hall (Lettuce), Mike Lemmler (George Porter Jr.), Steve Lands (The Black Keys/PJ Morton), Mark Mullins (Harry Connick Jr.), amongst other talent.