An Interview WIth Zhaklina
A single release from Zhaklina brings on this fresh take on edgy alternative pop tonality with Soulful set of vocals that go along with a 90s underground alt beat and this smooth overtone that lets everything sort of flow in a particular direction.
"Pretend" has this very descriptive and honest feeling approach lyrically and the freezing of her words is very unique as is the way that she harmonizes her vocals and creates what feels almost like an additional instrument with them.
This track has gorgeous sets of textures that melt together and create an atmosphere that you become engulfed in very quickly but throughout all of this, it never loses that touch of edge or attitude.
This release gives you somewhat of a sense of how she is personally at times and her presence as an artist really gets a chance to Showcase itself because you can clearly hear that there is a massive love for her craft throughout this entire track.
There's a ton of attention to detail and layers of intricate and mapped Melodies and harmonies that make the song So vast in a way that it feels like you're stepping into a different world at times.
I love songs that let you sort of Escape for a little bit and then almost force you to shake it off when you have to come back to reality again.
This track is a wonderful example of that even though she actually does that for you at the very end of the song When She Says " my hair tie broke but that's okay" giving you a sense of ground again.
That's an example of how the song can sort of let you get washed away with it and let itself get wrapped around you to the point where there's nothing else you can really pay attention to because there's just no room for it but then at the very very end, boom. Snaps you out of it for a Split Second.
This was such a massive and cool track that really showcased a sort of Youth and songwriting that is able to blend different elements of Pop together to create something that is familiar and somewhat comfortable but also refreshing and new at the same time.
With the release of such an excellent single, we wanted to have a sit-down with Zhaklina to find out where this actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
TSWS: Okay Zhaklina, let's start with "Pretend"! This single had this cinematic smooth tonality with flowing vocals! How did this track come about?
My producer, Kelly Bourgeois, and I spent a lot of time working through the feel we wanted the song to have. I wrote the song on piano and he helped me bring it to life instrumentally. We actually changed the style quite a few times until we felt it really fit the groove we were going for. I wanted the track to take you to a different space and make you feel like you were watching a scene in a movie!
TSWS: How did this all start for you musically?
It started on the piano! I was writing about how easy it is to lose your identity through trauma and life experiences and found myself putting those lyrics to music on the keys.
TSWS: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
My personal life experiences inspire most of my songs. Everything from my values and faith to my trauma and pain, I like to write from a place of connection and depth.
TSWS: This song has some great styles combinations on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Evanescence, Florence and the Machine, PVRIS, Bishop Briggs, Kelly Clarkson and so many more have majorly influenced me. Celine Dion’s voice is the first voice that inspired me to sing- I can still remember belting “My Heart Will Go On” as a little girl everywhere I went!
TSWS: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I am a birth doula, nanny, the Creative Manager and Co-owner of a family owned graphic design company called “Genuine Creative Art,” a big fan of hiking and exploring/traveling, a gym-goer, and a lover of quality time with my husband, family and friends.
TSWS: Who's in your headphones right now?
Everyone! Seriously. I am always exploring new music to expand on my artistry and be inspired by different kinds of creativity. I listen to every style of music out there because I feel it all has something different to offer creatively that can inspire something meaningful for my work.
TSWS: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Yes! I host Mental Health Songwriter Nights in Nashville, TN and have a show coming up on Sunday, May 7th at City Winery in Nashville !
TSWS: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this?
We recorded this song in Kelly’s in-home studio.
TSWS: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
More music, more shows, and more birth content (#doulalife)
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you. Your time and energy spent listening to my music is something I appreciate. I hope my music inspires you to believe in your truest, most whole self and that you never feel alone or forgotten. I love you all!