Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Bayani.
Hi Zoe, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was put in various music classes throughout my childhood, at as early as four years old. Since my first piano lesson, all I ever wanted to do was play music in some way or another. I started writing music at around 12 or 13 years old, but being a socially awkward and goody-two-shoes child, I never had anything to write about so I didn’t take songwriting too seriously until the end of high school. I would just make things up before then, and those songs will never leave the journal pages or notes app. I feel as if since then, my songs have become much more personal, reflective, and existential and I have definitely developed a niche sound and style as I get older and put out more music. I truly think that my songs would not get the recognition they do if I didn’t put so much effort into the writing. I also formed a band shortly after my first release, and I owe much of my success to them as well. Live shows are the best way to organically grow an audience, and I wouldn’t be able to put on shows that accurately portray my music without my band! They are also some of my best friends and best motivators. It has been a joint effort to get to where I am and to where we are together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have such bad imposter syndrome! I always am worried that I sound like I am trying to copy someone or portray some certain image and I never am but for some reason that is my biggest struggle and insecurity usually. And to be completely transparent, I also suffer from pretty bad depression and there’s been a lot of times where I felt like nothing I was doing mattered and I have gone through long periods where I have zero inspiration and zero drive to keep creating anything. That is definitely the hardest thing to get through for me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter, and I make folky indie rock music. I am most proud of how far I have gotten myself on behalf of my own will. Before putting out music, I struggled to ever follow through with hobbies, assignments, and responsibilities. But so far, I have done everything I have set my mind to when it comes to my music and I am so proud of myself for that. And being a completely independent artist is super hard, especially when you are new to the scene!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think the best way to network is to insert yourself into whatever environment you want to be recognized in someday. The easiest way to do that with music is to go to as many shows as possible and try your best to talk to anyone who looks like they are doing any type of work! I have been lucky enough to meet most of my connections from Georgia State, being a music management student. But in general, I would just say put yourself in spaces where you know you can learn from someone or something, and be confident enough to talk to strangers.
Contact Info:
- Website: Zoebayani.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/zoeibayani
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zoebayani
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0qAiQ7a5epCnbBeqex8loG?si=1LX_w7kkSqefWI3czCVKxw
Image Credits
Scout Hunt, Avery Adzima, Sofia Sonera, Anjali Shenoy, Sam Kapoor
