Effective period / Period of releases: 1997

Members: Mark Lee Townsend, Otto Price, Jason Halbert, Jeff Deyo

Zilch began as dc Talk's traveling band, forming into an independent act in 1997. The initial recording lineup was lead singer & guitarist Mark Lee Townsend, keyboardist Jason Halbert, and bassist Otto Price. Zilch released its first album, Platinum, in 1997 on Gotee Records but received little publicity. Platinum featured a modern rock sound with clear influences from 1960s pop music. Jeff Deyo was added to the touring lineup as lead singer in December 1997.