No, I invariably tell them to check out the music dens downtown. Don't sit next to Joe Nascar at the Times Square Olive Garden when you can immerse yourself into a aural and visual scene that's authentic New York, a sensory overload of attitude, fashion and fun. And maybe some coke, if you run into Matt Dillon in a bathroom.

One band I always tell people to look out for is ZO2, a rock trio that toured with KISS and Poison in 2004 and has been performing regular Monday night gigs at Arlene's Grocery, prior to the venue's hugely popular Rock 'n' Roll Karaoke.

As a play-at-home guitarist with full acknowledgement of my limitations, I'm gonna have to pin my rock-star dreams on ZO2 and root from the sidelines, albeit with a clear view of these guys' drive, professionalism, sincerity and, most of all, talent.

I posed a dozen questions to bassist and co-lead singer David Z. about climbing the music-biz ladder, the effect of the Internet on the music industry and, of course, groupies.

1. Write a 30-second radio ad for the next ZO2 gig. You will be graded.
You've seen them on the VH1 Rock The Nation tour with KISS and Poison and now you can see them in their hometown of New York City. See them perform live every Monday night at Arlene's Grocery. Admission is free so come on down. For more information check out ZO2.com.
(Grade: B)

2. Besides not having to share your future fortune with another guitarist, why did you limit the band to just three members?
We felt that the ZO2 sound was big enough as a trio and we didn't want to clutter it with a second guitarist. If you think about it, most bands really are just a trio with a singer. We've always admired power trios that could deliver the goods such as Grand Funk Railroad and Rush. Plus, the decision-making process becomes a lot easier with fewer members.

3. I'll ask it, because it's the law in any rock interview. Who are some of your musical influences?
KISS, Led Zeppelin, Rush.

4. How much work goes into really trying to make it big in this biz? What's a typical month like for you guys?
I would venture to say that this is the hardest business to make it in, in that there are no rules, steps or guidelines in what it takes to "make it." Bands have "made it" in some of the craziest of circumstances. That being said, there really is no such thing as a typical month or even day for that matter. It can range from playing shows, to promoting at other shows, to doing interviews, to keeping up the website and so on and so on. The only thing typical about everything that happens is the hard work and dedication it takes to do it all.

5. What are some ways you think the Internet has changed the music industry?
It has made music, as a whole, more accessible to people. Unfortunately, sometimes it's at the expense of the artists. As we all know, music is readily available online and can easily be downloaded for free. This does, in fact, get the music out there and heard by more people but, at the same time, it diminishes record sales and, consequently, a part of an artist's livelihood. For a band in our position, though, the Internet is a key ingredient in helping push the band. Something as simple as an e-mail list has revolutionized the way in which bands can promote their shows. I can't begin to imagine how tedious and expensive it would've been using snail mail to individually mail flyers to every single person on your mailing list. Internet promotion is a bit of a paradox in that you rely on it when you're up-and-coming to spread the word and music, but once you've reached the level where you¹re actually making a living off it, pirated music becomes the very thing that can halt the band's progress.

6. When you scored a gig as the opening act for a tour with KISS and Poison, were you more excited about the money or the pussy?
What money? It's always about the pussy!

7. Who gets more ass: KISS, Poison or ZO2? And, after you tell us ZO2, compare the groupies for KISS and Poison.
Well, you've sort of answered your own question. And as far as a comparison goes, we can't kiss and tell on their behalf.

8. Are you flattered that Tuesdays and Thursdays is one of maybe six albums I've actually paid money for in the last five years?
We're always flattered when someone is into our music. The fact that we're one of only six tells us you either really like the band or writing these articles isn't fully paying the bills. ;)

9. Do you think great musicians are born, learned or a combination? In other words, how much of a person's musical talent do you attribute to a sort of gift, and how much is hard work?
I believe that music is a gift that needs to be nurtured. Like any other gift that someone's born with, it needs to be worked on in order for it to fully blossom. Granted, anyone could learn the notes of a scale and how to play notes on an instrument but, in my opinion, that's far from the underlying characteristic that makes a musician. Musical ability can be learned, but musical talent cannot. Anyone can learn music, but not everyone can be musical.

10. Ever been to a Turkish prison?
Once, and it hurt like hell.

11. Where can PK.com readers experience your music, both online and in person?
ZO2.com is the Grand Central Station for all ZO2 information. It's packed with music downloads, videos, pictures and show information.

12. 2005 is slowly drawing to a close. What does ZO2 hope to accomplish by the end of 2006?
TAKE OVER THE WORLD!

Paul's Recap: Thanks a ton to David Z. for illuminating a bit of what it's like to be an aspiring rock star — one with a real shot, not a hack like me who can't even remember the chord progression for American Pie.

Keep checking ZO2's show information to see when they'll be playing in the area next. I believe David will be touring with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra through the holidays, so you might have to wait till January 2006.