Getting close-up with Zawandi

With a strong desire to sing, and an infinite potential of talent, Zawandi was destined to do music. She grew up in Jamaica Queens N.Y. in a house full of music. She has been singing from the age of 2, and has been influenced by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Stephanie Mills and so many others. Zawandi’s endless talent flows into her songwriting, which she has been doing as long as she can remember. Over the years Zawandi has worked with many up and coming artists, she was lead singer in a band, and has done shows from N.Y. to N.C. Her goal has, is, and always will be, to please the masses with her phenomenal singing and songwriting talents.

How long have you been singing?

Zawandi: I have been singing since I was 2 years old. My mom told me that she would play records when I was a toddler and I would sing the tunes she was playing.

Who were your first and strongest musical influences that you can remember?

Zawandi: My first musical influence were so many different artist. I can remember listening to Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Chaka Khan as a young child just to name a few and I knew then that I wanted to be a singer.

Who are some of your favorite artist today?

Zawandi: I love Mariah Carey, Deborah Cox, Jill Scott and so many others, just too many to name. lol

What do you feel are the key elements people should be getting out of your music?

Zawandi: I want to give people a glimpse into my life. I know some of the things I sing about other people have been through too. I want them to know that they are not alone and that life is full of good and bad times, but we are united through our experiences.

What do you think separates you from the crowd of artists emerging right now?

Zawandi: I think what separates me from the crowd of artist emerging right now is I’m bringing old school music back. The music that told a story of real love and heartbreak. The kind of song where you would be thinking “Yeah girl I know what you talking bout” lol

If you could sing a duet with an already well-known artist right now, who would your choice fall on?

Zawandi: I would love to sing a duet with NEYO

Are your lyrics predominantly based on real events and personal experiences, or are they drawn from your creative storytelling skills?

Zawandi: Most of my songs are from personal experiences, but I do have songs that are drawn from my story telling skills.

What would you consider a successful, proud or high point in your career so far?

Zawandi: The release of my first single “Can’t Let You Go”

What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life so far?

Zawandi: The most difficult thing I have had to endure in my life has been losing my parents.

What key ingredients do you always try and infuse into your songs, regardless of style or tempo?

Zawandi: The one key ingredient that I try to infuse into my songs is the Truth. I try to always tell the truth about what I say and feel.

Do you also produce the beats and write all the lyrics on your songs or do you collaborate with outside sources in any of these cases?

Zawandi: I always write my own lyrics and I do work with various producers.

Which aspect of being an independent artist and the music making process excites you most and which aspect discourages you most?

Zawandi: What I love about being an independent artist is The control I have over my career. I have the last word about everything. What excites me the most is when I get new music from a producer and I immediately know what I want to say in my song. I am not discouraged about anything when it comes to my music.

How do you market your music? Do you have a team to help you or do you do and control everything by yourself?

Zawandi: Yes, I have an amazing team that I work with and I have to say I am so blessed to have great people in my corner to help make sure that I am marketed the right way.

If you had the opportunity to change one thing about how the music business works right now, what would that be?

Zawandi: The only thing I would like to see change is real singers get the accolades that they deserve and record companies start looking for real talent and not just focus on what you look like.

If someone has never heard your music, which keywords would you personally use to describe your overall sound and style?

Zawandi: My overall sound would be R& B with a sprinkle of jazz.

Do you consider Internet and all the social media websites as fundamental in building a career in music today, and what is your personal relationship with the new technology at hand?

Zawandi: I do consider internet and social media a great way to build your career in music today. I have been able to reach so many people through Instagram and Facebook. I have gained access to so many of my fans through social media. I love it.

Tell us something about your latest release and where fans can find it.

Zawandi: My latest release is called “Can’t Let You Go” and you can find it on iTunes and Google Play. This is a love song about finding someone that basically fulfills your every need in a relationship and it is an anthem to all the ‘Good Men’ out there. I think that they should be celebrated.

What is your relationship with visual media? Do you think videos are important for your music? Do you have a video you would recommend fans checkout and are you busy working on something new for them?

Zawandi: Yes, I do think visual media is very important and I am working on the video for “Can’t Let You Go” as we speak. I am super excited about it and I hope you guys like to too.

Do you prefer working and creating in a studio environment, or performing live in front of an audience?

Zawandi: Oh wow, that’s a hard question. I absolutely love creating music in a studio environment, but I have to say the high that I get when I’m performing live is like no other.