Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zoe Jade. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Zoe, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I have known that I wanted to be a musician since I was 10 years old. I remember learning “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele on acoustic guitar and going up to my parents bedroom one morning to play it for them. When I was done, they were beside themselves. They called a bunch of my family members and had me play it for them over the phone. Ever since that moment, I have been known as the girl with the voice. Everyone around me has always expected me to go far with music, so it became an expectation for myself. Looking back, that expectation I put on myself was in fact genuine and not created by others, but I have still had my doubts. I have considered giving up on music and pursuing a different career many times but nothing has ever felt right, except for music. Moving to LA and becoming an adult here really forced me to look at myself on a deeper level. Every time I’ve gone on stage, since I was 10 years old, I have felt more free and true to myself than I have anywhere else. When I write music that impacts people and when I put my past struggles into song, I feel an overwhelming sense of purpose. I now know that creating music that people can relate to, and creating a family through my shows, music and overall message, is what I’m meant to do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a 23 year old singer, songwriter and guitarist originally from Seattle, who moved to LA 3 years ago. I consider myself an alternative rock artist, but that is just a general term. I am inspired by many genres, ranging from Metal to R&B. I aim to be a genre-defying artist and I write and produce all my music. I have been performing live with bands since I was 10 years old and have played with a multitude of incredible musicians over the years. I have played many genres including rock, pop, R&B, blues, metal and folk. In my youth, I learned to perform at my private middle school, which had an incredible music program and teacher, while simultaneously being in my first band “Blacklight”. This time was very formative for me, but where I truly learned to be a performer was at the weekly Thursday blues night in my hometown. I sang there with a group of very talented adult musicians almost every week. We never practiced together, it was always improve, so this is where I really learned the importance of feeling the music. It was here that I also got into my second band “Red Tape” and then eventually formed my own solo project. Back in Seattle, I recorded my debut album “Now” at the legendary “London Bridge Studios”. I loved performing with my band back home and I loved the community I was a part of , but ultimately I was ready for bigger things, which lead me to LA. Since I have been here, I have played at The Whisky, The Viper Room and many other local venues, I have learned how to produce my own music and I have met so many incredibly talented artists, some of whom are my closest friends. I am fully dedicated to my own music career and making myself a successful artist. I know what sound and message I am aiming for and I finally know I am on the right path towards greatness! I plan to keep playing shows and working on my second album that I hope to release by the end of the year!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Confidence, Resilience and loving what you do. You have to fight a lot of battles in this industry so it is important to be strong and get back up again each time. With that being said, that is not going to change unless you develop confidence in yourself and your art. It was a long road to figuring this out about myself but it was the ultimate game changer. And at the end of the day, you better love what you do if you are putting all the work in, or else what is the point! Look inward and really identify if this is your calling, and take as much time as you need to do so.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My parents. They have guided me throughout all of this with genuine support. My dad has been to practically every show of mine and always supported my music. My mom has also supported my music but she has given me a lot of great advice about working with people and developing confidence. I’m so grateful for her patience, because I’m sure it was like talking to a brick wall at many points. They have comforted me during my failures and guided me through all the difficult decisions I’ve had to make They have never given up on me I am forever grateful for that. I wouldn’t be here without them.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.zoejademusic.com
- Instagram: @officialzoejade
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zZKjmDqnu4FP6PK8WfQ94
Image Credits
Tamara Lee Carroll- @tamara_lee_carroll Don Marcelo – @marcdphotos @mr_Manugram
