Zamaera – Z

By starrymag | April 18, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound is loud with an in-your-face and hear-me-out type of attitude composed of jazzy notes, triple-time and new jack swing flows.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Tupac Shakur, Lauryn Hill, Eminem, Celine Dion, The Police

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Truth.”

 

A) “Truth” unveils my inquisitive character towards consciousness and beliefs. Growing up I had always been curious about my purpose, having intellectually stimulating conversations with my parents and close friends. It feels like, in this day and age of instant gratification, we are lacking a sense of knowing and sentimental values have been replaced with temporary pleasures. I wanted to create a song that sparked thought provoking questions to the listeners so that they are aware of their environment and to be present to their surroundings.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) When they realize that someone else is asking the same questions as they are and are experiencing the same emotions.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video for “Truth” is part of a mini documentary The Chicago Sessions. I think it’s important to capture the entire creative process from the light and humorous moments to the seriousness in recording an album, as well as the frustrations that we overcome. It showcases that I’m human and I have emotions.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It differs for each song. Sometimes I’m inspired by a hook before the beat comes into and sometimes the music sets the tone for what I want to sing or rap about.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) In the beginning I was always intimidated by DAWs (digital audio workstations). They seemed extremely technical and felt as if you need to have a good grasp on sound production to be able to produce. This turned out to be false. Of course, you have to have knowledge to a certain extent but information is so accessible these days. Learning materials are endless via the internet. For this EP, Floyd “Timeless” Thomas produced it entirely, but rest assured I will be more involved in the production of my music for upcoming projects.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Zamaera performance?

 

A) To be inspired by a musical journey, which showcases my personality as an artist that combines humor, passion and love.

 

Q) What songs off your Z EP are you looking forward to performing live?

 

A) ALL OF THEM!

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new EP as a whole?

 

A) I don’t tell listeners what to look forward to. I want them to pick the songs apart, analyze and feel whatever emotion they consciously absorb through the music and lyrics.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) My top favorite performance is still “Baybeats 2018” a heavily rock & metal festival based out of Singapore whereby last year I was the first female hip hop artist to ever perform on their lineup. It was amazing because I did the closing set at the outdoor stage and the crowd was just so pumped and full of energy, it turned into a huge dance mob in the end! To see the excitement on peoples’ faces, even if it was just for forty-five minutes. That meant the world to me…But the cherry on top was definitely because it was the first time my grandmother had watched me perform live. (I introduced her to the crowd and she did a Queen Elizabeth wave and everything. [laughs])

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Joyner Lucas, Swae Lee, Bruno Mars

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

Old: Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon. It’s one of my dad’s favorite albums (which I haven’t listened to up till recently) and also because every song brings you into this adventure like a different scene of a movie…Even the transitions make you feel like you are travelling through time. I’m looking for inspirations from the real and the raw.

 

New: 2 Chainz’s Rap Or Go To The League. It focuses on the power of education and it is sonically so timeless.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Human interaction, emotional connection and all the things that make us realize that we aren’t different from one another.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much in taking time to listen to my music, watch the videos and spread the love by sharing my work. My music is made to reflect my environment, the people I surround myself with, the emotions that any human being undergoes and that sometimes mean both joy and happiness but also sadness and grief. And if you feel unheard, please know that your emotions live through me. I feel what you feel.