Zooey Celeste layers angsty, character-driven reflections over atmospheric lo-fi pop that incorporates touches of art rock, chamber pop, and post-punk. His debut album, Restless Thoughts, produced by Nick Hakim, surfaced in 2023 as a companion piece to a metaphysical novel.
Raised in Southern California, Zooey Celeste began composing songs at age eight after his initial encounter with the Beatles. He later pursued studies in poetry and creative writing before learning guitar, piano, and harmonium, eventually performing with several indie bands that left him unfulfilled.
The title track of Restless Thoughts draws from a pivotal scene in his metaphysical thriller novel in which the protagonist’s father suffers a car accident; longtime friend Nick Hakim produced the album at his Brooklyn studio. Drawing on influences that span J.D. Salinger, Iggy Pop, and Tyler, The Creator, the finished Restless Thoughts featured bassist Jake Portrait (Unknown Mortal Orchestra), drummer Abe Rounds (Andrew Bird, Devendra Banhart), and singer/songwriter Tei Shi. ATO Records issued the album in November 2023.
