Zaida
Miami, Florida, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2001
Music
Press
Zaida was born into art. From early memories of watching her mother’s fingers move graciously throughout the piano keys, she was mesmerized by the experience and took it into her own musicality by learning how to play the piano when she was 12 years old.
From then on her love for music began to branch out into the indulgent act of listening to music. Inspired by musicians such as Rob Thomas, Pink, and Jewel, Zaida is a storyteller in her songwriting that encourages listeners to travel with her.
Zaida states “Although the journey has been challenging, I am not ready to stop showing the people the world through my eyes. My lyrics portray the different journeys my life has taken me through; heartache, hardships, falling in love, and happiness. I want the people to feel what I felt, to see what I have seen, and to know what I have learned.”
Tapping into the likes of her most recent self-produced single “Bulletproof Queen,” we’re immersed in the electric environment that is portrayed in this empowering anthem. Embarking on a sonic voyage that takes personal experiences and caters them to directly relate to her fan base, we hear the narrative delve into a transition from one extreme, to the next.
Amplifying her boisterous persona and the fierce edginess that runs through her essence, “Bulletproof Queen,” has Zaida sky-rocketing to new heights as she expresses a prevailing tone that carries forth her luscious timbres. An electrifying sequence of guitar riffs drives home the unmatched energy that Zaida portrays through this song. Accompanied by the intensity delivered in the notably taut percussion arrangements which are memorable enough to write home about, every musical element meshes together for a colossal expansion of the rock n roll realm ruled by the femme power of Zaida.
Through each moment that conveys seamless anticipation of what’s to come next in the composition, you’re immersed in the bolstering spirits breaking free in what we trademark as a certified hit. Executing her talents on levels that have yet to be explored by the artist herself, we admire the passion that continues to go into Zaida’s melodic creations.
Congratulations on the release of “Bulletproof Queen.” We’re thrilled to hear that you’ve taken your skillset to self-production! What was the experience like when bringing this to life?
The positive aspect about having to quarantine, was that I was able to solely focus on my music and new methods. Thanks to Amazon, I built a home studio in my tiny dining room area, I had the time to learn new music programs, and perfect my recording skills. With Bulletproof Queen, I first produced the entire song in my head, using the acoustic version I had originally recorded on my cellphone. Luckily, by the time I was ready to record Bulletproof Queen, the recording studio in Miami re-opened. It was then that I able to transpose what was in my head onto the sound-board. Although, I did not bring Bulletproof Queen to life on my own. I had an amazing support group behind me. I had sent my band-mates the acoustic version of the song. We then got together and perfected the sound that was already produced in my mind. It all came together very smoothly.
Did producing “Bulletproof Queen,” on your own terms alter your creative process by any means?
I love being my own producer. I set my own goals, and I was able to follow through with all my ideas, and test out which ones work with the song. Producing Bulletproof Queen actually enhanced my creative process. The song is a completely different genre then what I usually compose/record. I wanted to record the song quickly because I had so many detailed ideas that I didn’t want to miss out on trying. I love being able to decide and finalize what sound comes out in the end. From the snare drum to a guitar riff, I love being the one to determine what stays and what doesn’t. Being creatively free is a gratifying feeling.
Do you find that you carry traits from your early start in music to the songs you fashion today?
I do find that I carry traits from my early start in music. I am still a storyteller at heart. Whether I tell my story using a ballad or a rock song, like Bulletproof Queen, the storytelling trait will never diminish.
What is the significance that this song holds to you? What are you hoping that your fan base takes away from it?
Bulletproof Queen, for me, is an anthem about mental strength. Society, nowadays, is harsh on a person. You have to speak correctly, look a certain way, carry yourself a certain way, the list is infinite. It seems that society has set so many unwritten rules for us to subconsciously follow. I, for one, have been “pulled apart”, I have been categorized a certain way, and I have not met those expectations that society tends to put on a person. But, I have come to realize, that yes, “I am who I am”, and that is a good thing. I know who I am, I know what I can do, and I will prevail. I am strong enough to overcome the obstacles that have been thrown at me, because I am a Bulletproof Queen. I want the listeners to feel that same emotion when they hear my song. I want them to think, “yes, I can do this, I won’t let anyone tell me different, I will believe in myself.” I want people to have confidence in themselves. That is the message I want to convey with Bulletproof Queen, you are who you are, and that is an amazing thing! - Buzz Music
Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaida Alfaro.
Hi Zaida, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born into art. My mother is an amazing artist, composer, and musician. I remember sitting on the couch watching my mom’s fingers move graciously throughout the piano keys. It was mesmerizing for me. I learned how to play the piano from my mom when I was 12 years old. From then on, my love for music began, but not for the piano; my love was simply listening to the music.
My professional musical career began when I was 18 years of age. I was naive then. I was signed to an independent music label based in Miami. I spent months at a recording studio trying to shape my own style. I started combining my own original poetry with some basic guitar melodies. That was the result of my debut album, “Train Ride,” which was released in 2000. At that time, the independent label wronged me (to keep it short), and as a result, I became my own producer. The trials and tribulations helped me grow as an artist, and mentally, I had to thicken my skin. I then realized that my family were the people that I can truly count on and trust. I also had to learn to believe in myself, which in today’s society is quite difficult to do.
As an independent artist/producer, my first release was my EP titled “Little Box of Secrets.” I am inspired by musicians like Billy Holiday, Rob Thomas, Pink and Jewel, I am a storyteller at heart. The positive aspect about having to quarantine was that I was able to solely focus on my music and new methods and perfect my skills as a songwriter. Thanks to Amazon, I built a home studio in my tiny dining room area, I had the time to learn new music programs, and perfect my recording skills, the result of my recent self-produced singles, Savannah and Bulletproof Queen. Aside from being a singer/songwriter, I am also a signed author. I released my first cozy mystery novel: The Last Note: A Miami Music Mystery. I am currently working on the second novel to that series.
Although the journey has been challenging, I am not ready to stop showing the people the world through my eyes. I want my music to be the window to my soul for the world to peek in. It is more than just listening to the songs; it is breathing in the words.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My mom is my biggest fan. I have taken her on my musical journey for many years, and when I have faltered, she has led me back onto that journey. I was very close to taking a break from music altogether when my mom was diagnosed with Leukemia. I was at the hospital every day. After her chemotherapy sessions, she had me bring my beat-up classical guitar every time, and I would sing whatever song she wanted to hear. One night she said to me, “I have you sing to me every night you visit because it’s the only time that I feel some normalcy during these sessions.” Even during those tough times, my mom never let me go astray on my dreams.
One night, I was laying in bed, trying to fall asleep, and I had an epiphany. If I give up on music, I am giving up on myself and who I am. I thank my mom for making me bring my guitar to the hospital. My mom has been cancer-free for eight years now. She is my endless song. She encourages me every day to keep striving for the star that is within my soul.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter, performer, and mystery author. I am mainly known for my music. I recently took a picture of what I call “my wall of accomplishments.” I know it sounds corny, but it actually makes my heart smile. My wall consists of the cover of all my music releases and the cover of my cozy mystery book, The Last Note: A Miami Music Mystery. I love receiving text messages from my family and friends saying that they are listening to one of my songs, and they send me a picture of it. Another thing that I am most proud of, again, corny moment ahead, is that I can ask ‘Alexa’ to play my song Bulletproof Queen, and she plays it!
I believe what sets me apart from others is that I am a storyteller at heart. I can fully express myself to others and to myself through my guitar and lyrics. I truly feel what I am singing. And I have remained humble through all the obstacles that have been thrown in my direction.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love escaping to other worlds and dimensions by reading. Honestly, I spend my time reading a lot of psychological thrillers. But one book that has helped me lately is, Know the Truth by Gordana Biernat. It’s about knowing who you are and being okay with it. It is very motivational. I follow her on Instagram and Twitter as well.
Contact Info:
Email: butterflymusic20@yahoo.com
Website: www.zaidamusic.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/zaidamusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/zaidamusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/zaidamusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkB17fGw_VdGI_0partmA2w
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/zaida-music-372783255 - VoyageMia
Born into arts and music, up and coming lyrical artist Zaida learned to play piano at only 12 years old and fell in love with the entirety of music. Using her self-written poetry as inspiration, Zaida showcases her incredible vocal delivery and immense storytelling ability in her new single, "Savannah."
Within "Savannah," each listener will become those traveling the path as each lyric portrays one of Zaida's distinct journeys through heartbreak, hardships, and happiness. Lyrics like "what didn't you see in me" allow listeners to touch on the lowest heartbreaks felt just before the strong growths to follow.
The melodic soundtrack creates a united and consistent feeling throughout this musical piece as the vocals grow and dip within each verse's feelings. The background piano ties into Zaida's musical roots and is truly the window for listeners to hear and feel her distinct experiences. "Savannah" has an organic and whole nature that encompasses the unique musical style within this piece.
"Savannah" is much more than just a self-produced single, but rather a storyline for listeners to become a part of. As each of Zaida's songs draws from a unique background, we can not wait to see what she has in store for the future.
We loved your new single Savannah and were wondering what the process was like for you when creating this track?
Thank you for featuring my song Savannah on BuzzMusic! It is very rare that I compose a song in 20 minutes, and that is exactly how it happened with Savannah. I have always wanted to compose a song with a name in it. One night, I was watching a Facebook live show by a local artist, and he called his daughter over to him, her name, Savannah. At that moment, I knew that was the name of my next song. I picked up my acoustic, started strumming a few chords, and Savannah transpired.
You mentioned the immense influence your mom had on your musical journey beginning at such a young age. Have you tried to continue incorporating her knowledge/teachings/journey in your music and if so how?
My mom is my biggest fan. I have taken her on my musical journey for many years, and when I have faltered, she has led me back onto that journey. When my mom was diagnosed with Leukemia, I was at the hospital every day. After her chemotherapy sessions, she had me bring my guitar every time. One night she said to me, “I have you sing to me every night you visit because it’s the only time that I feel some normalcy during these sessions.” Even during those tough times, my mom never let me go astray on my dreams. My mom has been cancer-free for 8 years now, this February. She is my endless song. She encourages me every day to keep striving for the star that is within my soul.
For many listeners your track creates a feeling of commonality and familiarity to their journey and positive/negative situations, do you find that your journeys are written to be entirely unique to yourself, or written into your music in such a way that makes them relatable to others?
The beautiful element of a song is that the listener interprets it the way they see fit. When I write a song, yes, I write what I am feeling, but I also write it in a way where that listener can relate to the words. For example, in my song Savannah, did he leave to “go see Savannah,” meaning the town because he had to get out of where he was, or did he leave to see a girl named Savannah? It’s however the listener wants to interpret the song, what they are feeling at that moment.
Each of your singles is so powerful and lyrically sound, how are you able to tie them all together to create your unique musical brand with such varying storylines?
First, thank you for the compliment. I am a storyteller at heart. That is, what I believe, is to be my musical brand. I tell stories, using my voice as an instrument, to speak the words others can’t say.
What can we expect to see next from you?
My next single (I can’t disclose the title yet), I am truly excited about. Compared to Savannah, it has a totally different sound. And, I am going to have a guest artist singing on the track. That track will hopefully be out in a couple of months. Get ready, because it will have you dancing! - Buzz Music
Discography
Stay - Single (2021)
Bulletproof Queen - Single (2021)
Savannah - Single (2021)
Little Box of Secrets - EP (2008)
Train Ride - Album ( 2002)
Photos
Bio
Zaida was born into art. Her mother is an amazing artist, composer, and musician. “I remember sitting on the couch watching my mom's fingers move graciously throughout the piano keys. It was mesmerizing for me.” Zaida learned how to play the piano from her mother when she was 12 years old. “From then on, my love for music began, but not for the piano, my love was simply listening to the music.”
Inspired by musicians like Rob Thomas, Pink and Jewel, Zaida is a storyteller in her song-writing. Zaida had a few lessons on her first, used and worn-out classical guitar, and started combining her own original poetry with some basic guitar melodies. That was the result of Zaida’s debut album, “Train Ride”. As an independent artist, Zaida released an EP called "Little Box of Secrets." Zaida's latest self-produced singles, Savannah and Bulletproof Queen, takes one on a journey from one extreme to the other. Savannah is a song about love and loss, while Bulletproof Queen is an empowering, rock song, showcasing her expressive vocal delivery, as well as her storytelling. While listening to Zaida's songs, the listener becomes a traveler.
“Although the journey has been challenging, I am not ready to stop showing the people the world through my eyes. My lyrics portray the different journeys my life has taken me through; heartache, hardships, falling in love, and happiness. I want the people to feel what I felt, to see what I have seen, and to know what I have learned. I want my music to be the window to my soul for the world to peek in. It is more than just listening to the songs; it is breathing in the words.”
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