Of all the great albums out recently, I would like to bring the attention of my Not Safe 4 Werk readers to a rather new artist that you need to keep your eyes on! You may remember about a year back when I went and saw Robyn at the Hollywood Bowl, Robyn had an opener which really blew me away.
The twenty seven year old Zhala was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden. In the early stages of her career, Zhala was dancing and singing at local clubs before catching the eye of the legendary “Dancing on My Own” singer, Robyn. Zhala was then signed to Konichiwa Records in 2012 and went right to work on her debut album. Luckily for us, that album was released recently and there was not a second of disappointment.
The self titled album “Zhala” is comprised of eleven songs and each one has it’s own unique sound. The reason why I am so in love with her as an artist because each song feels like an experience, the sounds and vibrations of each song have a way of just moving your body and leave you wanting to sing and feel the passion that was used to create these pieces.
Definitely one of my favorite songs on the album is “I’m in Love” as it was the song that really introduced me to Zhala. I saw a Instagram video of her during sound check a few days before I saw the concert and she was dancing to “I’m in Love” while also playing with one of her stage props that emitted fog at a certain point in the song. I was just totally captivated by it so of course when I actually got to see her in concert, I was so thrilled to see her perform this song. The music video is also a really great piece where she ties in the beauty of her heritage in such an artistic way in which women are simply in a line braiding each others hair. It is really quite fascinating to watch and I recommend everyone watch it right now!
One of my most played songs on my phone right now is “Holy Bubbles”. This song starts off so quietly and enticing until suddenly, the hardest beat hits you and captured me the second I heard that first breakdown. “Holy Bubbles” is an amazing dance song and it truly is so much fun. I would love to see Zhala perform this song at the VMA’s or another awards show because it truly is a song that could electrify the world.
“Right Way’s Wrong” is another track on the debut album, but this piece feels different because the pace is slower. In this song you can really feel the music and let the symphony just sooth your mind. Not only is the song so exquisite, but “Right Way’s Wrong” is also a great example of Zhala’s vocal power. This girl can sing and if you listen to this song you will definitely understand what I am telling you right now!
There are so many other great songs on the album such as the hypnotizing “Prophet”, “Slippin Around”, and “Aerobic Lambada” and much more. You could pick any song on her debut and you would hear something completely different but equally as artistic as the next. I feel that is definitely one of Zhala’s grand talents.
All in all, I am encouraging you all to listen to this amazing album and support Zhala by grabbing a copy of this piece because truthfully, it is something you are going to want to listen to time and time again. Plus I recommended it so come on… it has to be good. She is a one of kind artist and truthfully I think the world needs more Zhala’s in the industry. She can sing a note that will give you chills, her dance moves are hypnotic, and her sound is so unique, I have no doubt that Zhala is only going to continue to kick ass across the world.
Zhala, when you come back to Los Angeles let me know, because I want front row tickets!
Get your copy of “Zhala” on iTunes, stream it on Spotify, and you could even buy her amazing Vinyl! Keep tabs on her by Liking her Facebook page and following her on Twitter!
