ZAY, The 16-year-old independent artist takes the Sacramento indie-pop scene by storm! From his Debut in April 2019, ZAY has shown us the dark side of his mind. His Debut EP “Suicide” talks about the dark times he went through in his mind and with the people around him. “I don’t want to fake or fabricate my stories and what I have to say to people, every artist wants to make people happy and make people feel not alone and so do I”. From that EP emerged his First Hit beloved by all fans and new listeners “Seashells”. This Acoustic Pop Summer Hit was one of the first songs to get ZAY into the live music scene of Sacramento. With more music releases that the 2019 year such as the “Sunny Day’s EP”, ZAY was working on his debut album “15 Going On 16” which Released January 2020 with such songs like “Seashells”, “Landline”, “Blue” and “The Fall Of Lucifer”. 2020 has been filled with his EP “16” filled with love songs and his upcoming EP “dreaming” about the dreaming he’s done about what life would’ve looked like with no covid-19.
Where are you based?
Sacramento CA
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been writing songs for almost 2 years now. I’ve been playing piano for almost 2 years. Been playing guitar and ukulele for a lil more than a year. I’ve been producing and putting out my own music for more than a year now.
What genre would you consider your music to be?
“Bedroom Pop” mostly. I’m trying to cross into more of the “Pop” genre but the “Bedroom Pop” sound is just something else
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I knew I always wanted to make music, I just didn’t know how. My freshman year of high school my grandfather gave me my first keyboard and I just self taught myself some chords and started writing. My amazing freind Graven helped me find my sound and Inspired me to become an artist. I’d have to say Graven & My Grandfather are the people who Inspired me to make music…..and Lady Gaga, DUH!
What are your biggest musical influences?
Sonically speaking I’d have to go with Cavetown, Girl In Red, Chloe Moriondo, Conan Gray. Lyrically I’d have to say Taylor Swift. I love all genres of music and they all Inspire me in some way. Pop, Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, Classical, Indie, Rock, Alternative, EDM, Country etc.
Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
Independent Artist! I’m very proud of it! I love nothing more than being in charge of all aspects of my music and my brand.
What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
I think with everyone it’s money. Not having the money for new equipment or equipment in general. I’ve been building from garage band and a small $15 mic. I now have Logic X Pro and an Audio Technica 2020 mic. It’s all about making the best with what you have or what you can afford. Money should never stop you from making art. Never ever!
How many songs or albums have you released to date?
I Released 2 EP’s in 2019. Suicide & Sunny Day’s. Released my Debut Album in 2020 “15 Going On 16”. Released my 3rd EP “16” in April this year. My upcoming 4th EP “Dreaming” is set to be released august 2nd.
Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
My newest single is probably my best song yet! It’s called “A Sunflower Summer” it’s the lead single of my upcoming EP “Dreaming”. This song is just about the perfect summer. Late nights @ 7/11, playing at the beach, making out at moonlight peak etc. This song just summarizes my perfect summer.
Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
My upcoming EP “Dreaming” is being released on August 2nd. I wrote all the songs in quarantine just dreaming about all the things that would be different if covid-19 didn’t happen. There all very upbeat summer songs. Very pop rock, and of course very meaningful! It’ll be my best project to date!
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