Biographies

Biographies

Brian Zeb

BRIAN A. ZEBERTAVAGE was born in Reading, PA, the youngest of five children. From his earliest years, having been part of a large family, in many ways, shaped an exciting and adventurous childhood. He credits most of his personal achievements to his family; specifically his parents, JOSEPH SR. and MARY ZEBERTAVAGE. His musical interests at this young age would soon lead him to an extensive list of influences that would then guide him to playing the trumpet. Studying under the late, great instructors, CHARLES "WHITEY" ANNE, WALTER GIER and also world-renowned Jazz trumpeter and Big Band leader DAVE STAHL, Brian’s trumpet skills earned him awards such as "First Trumpeter" in the Regional DIOCESAN ORCHESTRA as well as VP of the READING JUNIOR SYMPHONY. While still in his teenage years, his gifted playing ability earned him the honor of being on the first horn line of the respected READING BUCCANEERS, a DCA World Champion Drum and Bugle Corp. Playing with various dance bands, was the start of his professional career as a musician, which led to a six-year stay with the JOHNNY HAAS BAND from Pottstown, PA. With this band, not only did he benefit from live performances, but "paid his dues" or more accurately, lived life out of a suitcase, touring most of the Northeastern, U.S.

Always striving to learn more, education continued to fuel and shape a musical future for Brian. Enrolling in ALVERNIA COLLEGE’S MUSIC PROGRAM to study music theory proved to be a strong backbone for his music production skills, which, in turn would lead to his desire to translate and share his skills in yet another venture…Recording. Still feeling impressionable, Brian took on more schooling at the famous KAJEM/VICTORY STUDIOS (one of Philadelphia’s most respected high-end studios). Not long after his second graduation in Philly, he attended the CENTER OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC, NEW YORK, NY. There he was trained on the world’s latest audio technology; from MIDI devices to digital sampling techniques.

Brian was about to witness all his efforts manifest themselves physically. The result would be one of his most successful and rewarding musical ventures of all…BZ MUSIC RECORDING STUDIOS. In 1987, Brian founded this studio which would soon become one of the area’s finest recording facilities ever. He was the first to offer high-end digital recording and similar services to Berks County as well as the region’s only "live", ambient rooms for tracking. It was during this period that Brian realized one of his greatest assets…the ability to POSITIVELY ADJUST to any given project or musical situation as well as the personality of the artists and musicians themselves. "This is an extremely valuable gift" he proclaims, "because communication is as important as talent". Not only has this attitude driven him to produce many fine records but has also established many long-lasting relationships that go beyond the workplace.

With a customer base of well over 100 respected clients or artists, Brian has been officially credited on virtually every type of audio project. From the early days at his studio, well known regional acts such as Christian rockers THE REST, heavy contenders SWEET JANE or the best in live entertainment, JOHN BRESSLER, all walked through the doors of BZ Music. Included were major corporation giants such as KIWI BRAND FOODS, ENCORE BOOKS, and MEDI-MEDIA, to name only a few, who would retain the services of Brian and BZ Music for their commercial needs.

Of course record labels were no exception when speaking of Brian and his engineering/studio abilities. PURPOSE and ROCK-A-FELLA Records channeled many of their talented acts right on into the studio gates. And most recently Brian has worked with newcomer record labels such as ALUKELEIGH RECORDS and HEX-RATED RECORDS. BZ Music closed its doors to the public in the year 2000 only to open more exciting adventures for Brian. Today, as a freelance engineer, Brian continues to share and offer his wealth of audio, recording, and production knowledge. Now with a new studio, BRIAN ZEB STUDIOS, Brian still maintains a focus on his "personal" creative approach to "getting the job done". While many former customers, or "friends" as Brian would say, still call on his services today, he certainly is re-assured of his talents by having yet even more respected clientele knock on his doors. World Wrestling Champion and fitness guru, MATT FUREY has used his mastering services for his Instructional Empire, additionally, Center Force Industries’ DR. DAVE WOYNAROWSKI, the world’s top Anti-Aging Specialist, has entrusted Brian for his digital and audio abilities. If ever there was a musical success story, BRIAN ANTHONY ZEBERTAVAGE would most certainly have a chapter written in his name.

Eric Zeb

Eric Zebertavage was also born in Reading, Pennsylvania. With art classes serving as his haven from kindergarten straight through college, Eric developed a sixth sense for colors that evoke emotions, layouts that read with ease, and design illustrations that can communicate an encyclopedia's worth of information in no more than a heartbeat.

Lots of hands on experience was a valuable asset for Eric's abilities but after High School, it became apparent that education of a more formal and focused venue was now a personal requirement. A trip to Philadelphia on a sunny afternoon turned into a 2-year commitment to a private art and photography school for gifted artists. While already late in his teens, Eric Zeb, found a new home...a new workspace...a new environment with people who shared his passions for art and music. With group art and photography projects, band rehearsals two and three times a week and a full load of classes, Eric showed no trouble keeping himself busy, entertained and informed.

A couple of years in Philly went by before Eric earned his Graphic Design degree. Graduating among the top of his class, Eric now felt that another degree was going to be his next move. During a random visit to Providence, Rhode Island, Eric scouted out living spaces and schools with accredited art programs. All the credits transferred, the scholarship was in the mail and soon after, the next apartment.

Three different day jobs, school, some freelance gigs, and lots more run-ins with his favorites types of people...gifted, inspiring artists and musicians. His freelance projects had put enough cash in his pocket to obtain the latest upgrades for his design software. A nine or ten hour work day followed by a bike ride home usually segued into a six or seven hour computer session with his freelance partner, S. Michall J. And this cycle repeated itself 6 days a week for a year. After observing the art and culture of this rare, little city for three years, Eric felt he had something to write home about...no, something to bring home with him.

Hardware: Macintosh and IBM formatted computers

Experiences: Audio/Video Editing, Freelance Graphic Design, Fine Art

Projects: Websites, Television Commercials, Jewelry Design, Independent Video

Schooling: Penn State University, Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography, Roger Williams University

Software used most often: Photoshop 7, Vegas 4, SoundForge 7, CD Architect 5, DVD Architect 1, Acid Pro 4, Toast Titanium

Places of Residence (Past/Present): Reading, PA - Philadelphia, PA - Providence, RI - Pocono Mountains, PA

Now back in his home state, Eric is achieving professional status with new clients and old friends alike. Eric was once heard saying that, "An individual's talents are best showcased when they are supported by a the talents of others." Paired with the success of his Uncle Brian's engineering services, Eric's strong digital capabilities have settled in so easily at B:Z:A:E.