Daily Inspiration: Meet Zaie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaie.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my journey of singing and songwriting around the age of nine. I also joined school choirs around age ten; which started my vocal performance journey. Over the course of my life, I have written many different songs; most of which will never see the light of day. However, I think it is important to keep creating no matter the direction or intentions; or whether you plan to release it or not. Sometimes just the act of doing things creates a new path that wouldn’t have been clear otherwise. Going back to my childhood, I did not always have much growing up; but I quickly realized it’s not what you have but how you use what little you do have. I spent every afternoon and evening after school writing songs and planning out concepts and ideas for the future (my future self). I felt like at the time, there was a lot that I was limited to; whether it be from my financial standpoint, age, confidence or lack there of, my location and place of residence. Some of these aspects may have delayed several projects from ever materializing; but the point is that the ideas were there and ready. I have never stopped creating no matter what; and I never will. I take that same momentum with me everyday now; as I’m working to build my brand and future endeavors. I think it’s important to never stop evolving your sound or patterns but also never stop evolving as a person; and strive to be the best version of yourself everyday. You will have no regrets.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has had its twists, turns, bumps and obstacles throughout my time; so far in this world. I, like many others within in my community, have faced significant challenges growing up and even in my adulthood as I have been finding myself and executing my concepts into fruition. I have been homeless, living amongst the many programs available here in Atlanta, along with my family. I have been abused, both emotionally and physically. I definitely have childhood trauma as far as my identity, whether it be gender identity/expression, or my sexual orientation; it was just never something I was able to explore until later into my adulthood. I have also had my fair share of mental health struggles and still deal with some of my physical struggles; like my E.D. (Eating Disorder), which I am still learning to deal with and navigate today.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer and songwriter; and have recently been finding ways to help strengthen my songwriting abilities and collaborative experiences. I recently was inducted and participated in a writers camp last month called the ATL Collective “Songwriters Camp Series” that is hosted annually. I do believe this helped reinvigorate my love for not only writing songs for and with myself but with others. I am also currently developing some business models that I hope to launch into actual companies and release next year. I am also currently still in school finishing my degree; on top of working my main job and doing some freelance content advertising. This and next year I would also like to dive into a dance class and start working on my choreography for this new era as well as develop a new fashion brand that I am also working on currently.

How do you think about happiness?
I think peace at home makes me happy; because when I have peace at home I can freely create and be myself. I have no boundaries or limitations I think are placed by society and the world. Whether it be in love or alone; I think having and maintaining a level of peace and comfortability goes a long way. When I am cooking a meal from scratch, planting in my garden, or even watching my favorite show, I think I am happy in those moments because I am just healing that inner child that just wanted to be themselves and live freely. Doing basic house things but doing them because I want to not out of desperation. What makes me the happiest outside of that of course is my family, my friends and most importantly my music. Without all of these years of creating, writing and performing, I don’t think I would have ever been the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zaieofficial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaiemusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zaiemusic
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/zaiemusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zaiemusic
• Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/zaiemusic
• Other: https://hyperfollow.com/zaiemusic