Two years ago I came across a Funkadelic inspired music video on YouTube. The nearly three minute music trip ended and thus my obsession with the Zyah Belle began. The video was for Belle’s then single “Forbidden Fruit” directed by Natho for OGMedia. The Bay area native is a delightful blend of Jazz, Soul and Hip-Hop. With big vocals and an even bigger personality to match, Belle is a must for R&B/Soul music lovers.
I had the opportunity to catch up the Sammie Award “Best R&B/Soul” and Robert Brookins Music Academy “Next Big Thing” award winner to talk about her latest project New Levels, her brief departure from the music scene and more. Check out the full interview below!
Prior to the release of New Levels you took a hiatus from the music scene. If you would like to, can you tell me what caused your hiatus?
“I did take a bit of a hiatus, I had been doing so many shows prior to New Levels and I just wanted take time to focus on my artistry. I had also went through a disappointing experience with a project I was working on prior to New Levels and I needed time to re-coop and get back to the art.”
What was the inspiration behind your latest project New Levels? Who did you work with producer, engineers, where was it recorded?
“The inspiration for New Levels was not just video games. But the underlying inspiration was me wanting to challenge myself to reach new heights and levels in my career. It was me pushing myself to own my artistry and believe that I could make it with the best of them. Rayintosh, a producer from Sacramento,Ca produced the entire project and a good friend of mine by the name of Brandon “Durty” mixed and mastered the project as well as recorded.”
Without any featured collaborations on New Levels you’ve made a huge splash. Was that a choice you deliberately made? Are you open to future collaborations on your solo projects?
“I did deliberately have no features. I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else that I could hold down a project on my own. As far as doing collaborations in the future. I am currently working on collaborating with a few singers and rappers int he industry so be on the lookout for either a vocal or writing collaboration from me.”
Female empowerment is taking over the industry as women entertainers alike are joining to take to unify their voice. You are an advocate for female empowerment. What advice would you offer other recording artists combating slut shaming with online trolls?
“I would advise women int he industry and for those looking to get into this industry to advocate for themselves. Not to settle for less or compromise their artistry or morality in this industry. And to own who they are cause that alone inspires others.”
Are you looking to sign with a major record label or do you plan on staying independent?
“I am looking to stay independent. However if a perfect deal comes around then ill be open to it. But who knows if those exist these days.”
What’s next for Zyah Belle?
“I relocated to Los Angeles so expect to see me working with new artists and to be not only releasing new music but also writing and arranging music for various artists.”
Stay connected with Zyah Belle on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on her official website www.zyahbelle.com. Take a listen to Belle’s full project New Levels and be sure to let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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