Z.M.A Share Their Captivating Album, “Kingdom”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Have you ever listened to an artist that caught your attention on the first listen? If so, what made them standout? Was it their cadence? Overall delivery? Songwriting? This week, I came across a rising artist that made me fall in love with music all over again. That artist is rising singer-songwriter Zana Messia. Zana is a burgeoning star that has been featured in film/tv, and she has had her songs recorded in 6 languages. To add to her impressive resume, she has performed on stage with Stevie Wonder & Mariah Carey. The emerging singer is raw, captivating, and daring. With her music already having been shortlisted for an Oscar in the past, Messia has continued to build on her traction. In 2020, she connected with her producer Andreas Angel. The two were destined for each other, and their chemistry can be heard on each song they make. Together they are Z.M.A. Now, they enter our pages with their latest album “Kingdom”.
“Kingdom” is a 13-track masterpiece that has made me fall in love with music again. Drawing influence from multiple genres, their genre-bending sound invites you into a world of wonder & innovation. Personally, their songs feature two kindred spirits in deep conversation as they express themselves with their artistic ability. It is like watching two painters paint in unison. I loved the lush vocals, 80s sonics, and the captivating melodies I heard throughout the album. This album made me want to dance, shout, and have fun. Z.M.A had this to say about the album:
BOTD: What went into creating the album?
Z.M.A: “ am currently based in Los Angeles, while the other half of Z.M.A, Andreas Angel lives in Stockholm. I flew over to Sweden and we had 2 weeks to do it all, write, record, produce. I remember sitting on the airplane back to United States and having a hard time remembering the songs:)
This is with the exception of “Sketches”, “Bad Thoughts”, “Magnet For Crazies”, and “Crescent Moon”- which I had written to my teacher Barbara Morrison, who I was hoping would record it, before her unexpected passing”
BOTD: Who were your influences?
Z.M.A: “We were very much inspired by the retro sound of the 80s and artists like Eurythmics, as well as the 90s Swedish duo Roxette. Of course there is always Prince...”
BOTD: What do you want listeners to take from the album?
Z.M.A: “We do not have a preconceived desire for the listeners, but rather hope that these songs will move someone, help someone cope, heal someone and make someone dance all night long".”
BOTD: Favorite song?
Z.M.A: My 3 favorite songs on the album are:
1."Ghost Notes" - a song which compares a love- relationship to a song...
The pre-chorus goes:
"And if you only heard the verse, can you really tell if it'll hurt by the time we get to the chorus
If you really love the verse
Does it matter if it hurts?
And no I don't regret the lows
Both the lows and highs
Make the melody of a song
That will never die
The crowds get stuck on a hook, no not me
I love those little ghost notes you don't hear
The ones in-between"
2. Talk About A Movie
This one is definitely inspired by 80s synth pop and the band Roxette which we grew up listening to. I especially love the bridge at 2:31 sec that takes an unexpected, experimental twist..
3.Sketches is one of the few slower songs on the album and it was written for artist choreographer Mersiha Messia, with whom we have collaborated with for our music video "Photoshopped"
When it comes to my personal taste, my favorite songs were “Talk About A Movie” & “Mission To Mars”. “Talk About A Movie” is laced with Zana’s warm vocals and expressive songwriting. The production was a chef’s kiss. I just want to ride around with the windows down every time I hit play. I could see this song in 1980s film. It’s just that cinematic. “Mission To Mars” is a more soulful and introspective song. There’s more emphasis on the songwriting and the raw emotion in her vocals. This song shows how talented Zana is. Her ability to change cadence and still hit every not was amazing to hear. For me, the production was amazing on each song, but these records showed the range of Z.M.A the best in my opinion. Overall, this was an amazing album, and it deserves to be heard. Stream it below and vibe out!
