Meet ZADA

We recently connected with ZADA and have shared our conversation below.

ZADA, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I spent most of my adolescence in Whistler, and I loved growing up there, but there were a few moments where I didn’t always feel represented in my experience. Nowadays, my hometown is even more diverse, which makes me really happy – and, of course, it helps that Whistler is an inclusive resort. When I think back to when I started developing as an artist, I struggled a bit with who my audience was. I wanted to talk about what it meant to be black and celebrate my heritage, but I also didn’t want to disregard the culture and audience I’d grown up around. Once I recognized that only I could make the space where I could flourish, I started noticing that more and more people felt the same. I’m still building my community to this day, but it’s with curiosity and openness.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an Alt-R&B singer-songwriter who’s grown up bouncing from the ski hills in Whistler and recording studios (Vancouver, LA, England). My passion is to write music that recognizes my roots, journey, and life to date. I love visually representing British Columbia in all its natural diversity – from snowy peaks to the Pacific Rim and the Interior – and contrasting those elements with hints of fashion-forward streetwear/glam. On August 4th, I released “Atlantic Times,” which I recorded at Real World Studios and performed at this year’s Honey Jam in Toronto. I will also perform at Mondo in New York, where I plan to debut some unreleased tracks from my upcoming album.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The hardest thing can sometimes be giving yourself the space and time to fumble creatively, to learn the balance of self-editing while trusting the process. And knowing that to reach the hard notes, you will at first crack…to write those heartfelt lyrics, you’ll probably say something stupid at some point. I’m most proud of my work when I know I’ve tried and put in everything, that I didn’t play it safe.

Tension and Release. At times the absence of intense composition or that dissonant chord before the crescendo can be the most essential moment. Which can also be the most frustrating element to record/capture, haha.

Knowing when to tell yourself you have finished a song. I’ll always want to add and dissect more; I’ll wake up at night and wonder about the possibilities. My remedy for this itch is to write another song, haha!

There isn’t a formula for songwriting, at least for me, so the only way I can improve is through trial, error, and commitment. I don’t think I’d have it any other way!

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?
Both of my producers (Brian West and Chin Injeti) have been crucial in my journey as an artist; their advice has gone above and beyond song creation. A lot of what I previously spoke on (“three useful tips”) was realized through my collaboration with West and Injeti. Of course, I have my whole team to thank; everyone has taught/shown me something valuable!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
– Top left – Blake Jorgenson – Top Right – Bonnie Nichoalds – Middle left to right – Blake Jorgenson – Bottom left to right – Lukas Güti

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,