Zara Smile
Liverpool-based artist Zara Smile makes original alternative folk music, and has a blossoming presence in the folk music scene. From appearances on podcasts, to features on playlists – Zara is truly making waves and I can’t wait to see what they do next!
What’s Your Background In Music?
Growing up in South London, Zara had their first taste of music through their parents – listening to german punk and the top 40 on their drives to school. From that, Zara discovered both folk artists like Dodie and Orla Gartland and emo artists like My Chemical Romance, Twenty One Pilots and Panic At The Disco. Zara states that this eclectic mix of genres still stands today, and inspires their music throughout the songwriting process.
“I’ve been writing music my whole life, from the first song at 6 years old (which had a lot of ‘woah woah woah yeah yeah’ – thanks One Direction!) and just kept writing. It helps me figure out what I’m feeling as a neurodivergent person especially. From there, I’ve developed both musically and emotionally, and I’ve kept writing!”
What’s Your Biggest Achievement So Far?
Zara has made several appearances on various platforms: Honor Morrison’s Radar 45 playlist for their song ‘Human’, twice on Boot Music’s page, the Sound Advice Podcast, wherearethegirlbands and Liverpool Noise, umpromo’s instagram for their song ‘Typical’, undrtheradr’s Artist Spotlight and finally, featured alongside Jasmine.4.t and NOAHFINNCE in their PRS article about being a trans musician.
Such a wide portfolio of appearances only proves Zara’s relentless hard work and motivation further, allowing more and more people to discover and enjoy their music as well as the messages behind it!
Who Are Your Biggest Inspirations In Music?
Zara has a multitude of inspirations, such as Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling for their folk influences. They also mentioned Lizzy McAlpine “for her use of wind instruments and lyrics” and Black Country, New Road “for their experimental folky vibe”. As well as this, Zara talks about their love for Paramore and My Chemical Romance from their emo days. This brilliant mixture of influences have definitely moulded Zara’s music into how it sounds today, with hard-hitting lyrics and experimental folk instrumentation.
If You Could Collaborate With Any Artist In The World, Who Would It Be And Why?
Zara sings the praises of many artists they’d love to work with, the first being Katy Kirby. “I am in love with Katy Kirby’s music at the moment, I would love to collaborate with her on something as her lyrics are just GORGEOUS!” Katy has a brilliant way of telling a story with an enchanting melody, and making it stick in your head for hours afterwards. I would love to see what this pair could create together!
“The same goes for Haley Blais, I’ve been just so so so so obsessed with her latest album, the production on it is insane and her lyrics are amazing. I’d love to sit down with her and write something!” Haley’s autumnal-folk sound would melt beautifully into Zara’s writing style, I can definitely see this collaboration happen in the future.
“Of course Joni Mitchell is an absolute dream, one of the best folk writers ever I think.” Joni is a staple in any folk fan’s playlists, influencing artists with her brilliant storytelling and raw vocals. I’d love to hear a collaboration between Joni and Zara!
Recommend Me A Single/Album/Soundtrack
Zara recommends ‘Coolest f*cking b*tch in town’ by Haley Blais, and I’d be lying if I said this song didn’t make its way into my playlists straight away!
“I’ve been completely obsessed with it for about a year now, I just keep coming back to the song no matter what other music I find and it’s just so so so so good! I love the vibe that the production brings and the lyrics are so relatable but also so metaphorical.”
What’s Next?
Zara is releasing their new single ‘Fight Back’ on the 10th July, “it’s all about imposter syndrome and the perpetual feeling of never being enough, or never doing enough no matter what happens.” They mention writing ‘Fight Back’ around the music scene, the demands of making, releasing and promoting original music in such a rapidly evolving industry.
“We are expected to be doing 50 million jobs at once, along with creativity in practice. ‘Fight Back’ was written to feel like a 5 minute long panic attack.”
How Can We Find You?
Zara can be found on social media, their website, Spotify, YouTube and Bandamp via their Linktree:
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