Artist on the Rise: Zayne Freshley
Zayne Freshley is a dedicated lifelong musician who’s just released his sophomore album earlier this month. ‘IT’S ZAYNE’ is racking up streams on Spotify and it is a signature moment as he evolves his sound and music career. In our earnest opinion, this release is one of our favorite independent artist offerings of 2021.
Given the buzz and momentum swelling around Zayne right now, we decided it was a good time to catch up with him and learn more about his story and review ‘IT’S ZAYNE’ for you. We’ll get to the album in a few, but let’s start with the story behind the artist.
In all of our years working with artists, we’ve seen the full run of influences. From other artists to real-life experiences, to art, culture, and everything in between, artists draw their inspiration from all over. We asked Zayne what some of his biggest influences as an artist were, and here is what he told us.
“Migos and Lil Wayne gave me my first taste of rap and hip hop freshman year of high school, so definitely those two. As far as newer artist, Polo G and Juice Wrld have also had a big influence on me. Outside of rap, older musicians like Michael Jackson and the Temptations effect how I create my music.
We love seeing musicians pull from the new and old school in their inspiration, and that holistic approach will serve him well as he continues on his musical journey. On another interesting part from his musical past, he told us this:
“Growing up I was in choir and band and also played piano and French Horn”.
With wide-ranging musical tastes and a diversified upbringing in music, he brings a lot of unique perspectives to his music. All of that brings us to today, and the recent release of ‘IT’S ZAYNE’.
‘IT’S ZAYNE’
This 13-track album is already gaining major buzz on the independent music scene and it hasn’t even been out for a month yet. We asked Zayne to tell us about the album and here is what he had to say.
“Being that my first album focused on my heartbreak and depression, I wanted to switch it up and create a project that exudes self confidence. A common theme throughout this album is that there haters and naysayers are all around, but in spite of their presence, success is still going to be my only outcome.”
That’s a wonderfully defiant and self-assured attitude that he has brought to this album. Digging a bit deeper, we wanted to find out what his favorite song on the album was.
“It’s hard to pick one, but I’d have to say ‘REMEMBER MY NAME’. It was one of the first songs I wrote when I started making music. I released a different version of this song about a year and a half ago and got positive feedback from it. With the chorus being so catchy it’s almost impossible to forget my name after hearing it.”
On this song specifically, we completely agree. The tropical beat, the catchy chorus, and the intricate flows in the verses are phenomenal. On the whole, this is one of those albums that you can play front to back with no skips. But, if you are looking for a few recommendations here they are.
We are big fans of the hard-hitting ‘Ville to the Stixks’, the edgy ‘First’, and the more laid back ‘My Time’. Again, there isn’t a song we don’t recommend, but these three along with ‘REMEMBER MY NAME’ are can’t miss tracks.
This album looks to serve as a strong launching board for Zayne’s future. On that future, we asked him what’s on the horizon for him.
“My goal as a musician is to be able to express how I’m feeling while giving people something to relate to. If people can take my lyrics and easily apply them to their own situations, then I’ll have done my job.”
Making your music goals about expression and connecting with fans are great ones and we think he’s really delivered on that here. Zayne’s music is honest, sincere, and talented. We asked him to tell us why music fans should check him out.
“People should check me out because I’m real and everything I put out is an extension of myself. This album will have you feeling good about yourself, especially if you listen to the lyrics and take them to heart.”
We are excited to see what’s next for him and to hear more of his music. You can check him out and follow along with the links below.
Spotify
