Today we’d like to introduce you to Zenya.
Hi Zenya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Zenya. I was originally born in Australia, but I embarked on a global journey, singing in my teens. In Bali, I lit up nights in Kuta singing with a big band and spent my days recording my original music. Returning to Australia, I performed and recorded, but craved bigger opportunities. Saving up, I networked with major artists that would be on tour in Sydney, then moved to New York City to explore bigger opportunities. I started out by demoing songs and building a reputation for my vocal precision in the studio and my skills in vocal arrangements. Networking paid off. Eventually, I gained an opportunity through a music director to sing at the Time Square Ball Drop New Year’s Eve Show in NYC with Demi Lovato. I did a couple of shows with Demi, and soon after that, I was asked to sing as a background vocalist for Justin Timberlake. That tour took me around the world and landed me from living in NYC to Miami, then to Los Angeles (where I now live). I spent 8 years touring as a member of Justin’s band “The Tennessee Kids.” It was an incredible experience to learn from the top of the top. It did, however, divert energy from my solo career. You see, when you tour with a top artist, you barely get energy or time for yourself, so when the tours ended, I took some time to reset in Jamaica before coming back to LA and experiencing lockdown in 2019. Luckily, the songs started to flow, and I had plenty of time on my hands. I wrote song after song until I finally started feeling out my sound. From living in Bali, Jamaica, and Hawai’i, I always had to incorporate an island feel, and as a toddler, I grew up with African music and it’s also listen to music, so I infused the two with a pop format, and it felt right. The release of my single “I Still Love You” caught the attention of Dancehall King Bounty Killer, leading to a killer remix. I’ve also collaborated on “Good Love” with Kheilstone from Jamaica and Egar Boi from Nigeria. I’m extremely excited to share more music this year; I’m just getting started. Check out my music on all platforms!
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?
In terms of obstacles and challenges along this journey, I would have to say it would be knowing my worth at all times. I’m a master at my craft. I’ve spent way over ten thousand hours singing, writing, and performing professionally, so I think it’s important that people know I’m well-seasoned and I’m not new to this business, so the check needs to reflect that if I’m being approached for business.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Apart from singing, performing, and writing for myself, I write with other independent artists. I teach vocals and develop new artists. I’m a mentor of sorts, helping with vocal production from the studio to performance training.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the opportunities in Los Angeles. Everything is tangible. Anything could happen at any time; you just need to be ready. Being an island girl, I do find the beaches are not up to standards for me, but I appreciate being on the coast. Other than that, this city is tough. It’s not cheap, and it’s not pretty, but it will refine you to become great if you stay focused and fearless.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Misszenya
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5VdFvnCUn8iB5eLSPjLt1V?si=K8MX2ys8RVa0RtZnbCTJjw
Image Credits
Liz Evans
Mark Von Holden
Jus Bus
Mark LAShark
