“D.O.Z.”, also known as Dragons of Zynth, is an American band from New York, NY. The band is fronted by twins, Aku and Akwetey Orraca-Tetteh, alongside Chicago native Jason B. Lucas aka ‘Bizza’ on drums.
 
Trained classically since the age of 5, Aku and his twin began playing together years after having studied music theory and performance with saxophonist/flutist Yusef Lateef. Future travels to Ghana and South America gave way to new paths in their musical direction.
 
Born in New York and raised in Cleveland, OH, the twins returned to NY to unearth new explorations in sound. Engaging Lateef’s “auto-physio-psychic” theory of composition, the OT’s set out to carve new sounds out of rhythms and melodies at once familiar and far out.
As early demos took form, the band’s live shows caught the attention of TV on the Radio and Yeah Yeah Yeahs producer David Andrew Sitek. The producer lent his talents to their debut, 2007’s critically acclaimed album Coronation Thieves. The album features guest appearances by TV on the Radio, Antibalas, and Celebration.
 
Following the recording and release of Coronation Thieves, the band has garnered international acclaim sharing stages with Television, The Roots, Modest Mouse, Saul Williams and Grizzly Bear.
 
Currently in studio, D.O.Z. are working on new music with trip hop pioneers Massive Attack and mixing their new, yet to be named, full-length album with recording engineer Russell Elevado (D’Angelo, Erykah Badu).
 
Guest Appearances:
As the Dragons prep new material, guest appearances have complemented touring and songwriting.
Aku helmed duties on bass and keys for pop songstress Santigold’s two-year worldwide Master of My Make Believe tour. Dates with the Red Hot Chili Peppers were followed by more D.O.Z studio sessions and select dates in support of poet, actor, and musician Saul Williams. In 2012, Aku joined singer Solange Knowles touring band in support of her TRUE EP. The tour also featured producer and Blood Orange artist Dev Hynes. Aku features on ”Tiger” off the debut album of Maximum Balloon. This album features additional contributions by Celebration’s Katrina Ford, The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O and David Byrne.
 
Akwetey features as a vocalist in “Good Name” off the 2014 album Who is William Onyeabor? (Luaka Bop) a Time magazine selection for Best Albums of the Year.
 
Akwetey contributes original song and narration to Grosse Fatigue, the 2013 video essay by french artist Camille Henrot. The video was the recipient of the Silver Lion award at the 55th Venice Biennial.
 
The twins album recording and touring has also been complemented by onscreen appearances in T.V. and film. Aku and Akwetey make appearances in Black Swan, Boardwalk Empire, Time out of Mind, and most recently the Martin Scorsese/Mick Jagger produced Vinyl, scheduled to air on HBO in 2016.
 
D.O.Z official site
D.O.Z on Twitter
D.O.Z on Facebook
 
photo credit: Manolo Campion