ZHANEL photographed by Terrence Day
1. At what age did you realize that music was your passion?
“I was 8 years old”.
2. When did you really start pursuing music with laser focus?
“I started pursuing music when I was 13, but really went into laser focus when I was 15”.
3. What advice would you give those who get stuck on this journey?
“It gets better. Inspiration definitely comes and goes in waves especially when there’s some disappointments. But sometimes it just all comes pouring back. Never give up on yourself”.
4. What’s your favorite song that you’ve made?
“An unreleased track called “Find the light”.
ZHANEL photographed by Terrence Day
5. If you had to pick 1 person... who has impacted you the most?
“My mom. Because after everything she has never given up on me when I’m down and just out of it, she picks me up when I fall every time.”
6. If you could thank 2 people right now who would it be and why?
“Both of my parents, for being a huge part in why I have a music career in the first place. They’ve put so much into me, I can’t wait til I can pay them back for it all”.
7. What artist did you listen to most growing up?
“A lot of Rihanna even though most of her music was explicit. And I’m still waiting on that 9th album haha”.
8. What has been your most memorable moment on this journey?
“When I made it to Vegas to meet a great group of people who love doing this as much as I do! My parents took me and my brothers on a very long 29 hour drive there and back. And I will never forget that trip we made as a family”