Following the release of her brand new single Easy, we caught up with artist and songwriter Zola to find out more about the music, her journey so far as a creative, and her plans for the future. Here’s the conversation in full.
* * *
HI Zola, thanks so much for the interview. Love the new single; it has a real soulful trip-hop vibe about it, which feels nostalgic yet fresh right now. Who or what would you say first inspired you to start making original music in this way?
I have always had a deeply profound love for music, I’ve been listening to music my whole life, and started singing soon after. I think what first inspired me to start writing was just the hardships of life to be honest. Music has always been an incredible outlet for me, so I combined my love of singing with my outlet of writing and the rest is history I suppose.
Did you produce the track yourself, and what’s the live performance set-up generally like?
I initially produced the track, I started writing and composing it in my bedroom using Logic Pro and my mic. After that I brought it into the studio and my producer and I re-recorded and redid the instruments – he added a lot, he’s incredibly talented. After that we re-recorded the vocals. Most of my songs start this way, with a sketch I do myself, but Arc adds so much and really carries it all the way to the finish line.
What does the song Easy mean to you, and what do you hope people take away from it?
Easy is about a forbidden and secret love. To me the message behind it is about opening yourself up and not always taking the easy way out, because most of the time the hardest things are the most rewarding. I hope that’s what people take away from it.
Are you vocally trained, or just self-taught?
I am vocally trained… I’ve been working with my vocal coach for 7 years, she’s amazing.
Is there more music on the way, and have the events of 2020 impacted you in either a negative or potentially positive way?
Yes! There’s so much new music on the way, we have been working hard on my debut album, Now You See Me, for the past 10 months. I am so so excited for the world to hear it. It should be coming early next year!
Who would you collaborate with if you could choose anyone at all?
Jon Bellion, he is a musical genius and just an overall great guy. His musicianship and creativity are unlike anyone in the business. I had the privilege to meet him a couple years ago and we talked about our music. I am definitely planning on sending him the album when it’s finished.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
nope:)
* * *
Find & follow Zola on Instagram or visit her Website.
