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Raised in a small artistic community high in the Arizona mountains, it was simple living for Zella Day growing up. Now she resides in LA, where she incorporates her simplistic roots with eclectic sounds of the West Coast. A distinct raw grit has come to define her latest singles “Sweet Ophelia” and “East of Eden,” and it is safe to say she has definitely been on the grind.
GroundSounds recently caught up with Zella for an exclusive interview—check it out below.
For those just discovering Zella Day, can you tell us about your upbringing in the Arizona mountains and your passion for music?
I was lucky enough to be planted in a mountain town. Nobody has control over where they grow up so I feel privileged to have grown up in such a beautiful area. I was a kid strumming a guitar and never stopped.
You played SXSW this year as an official showcase artist. What was that experience like?
It was all over the place. Being a part of SXSW felt good as an artist. There was some personal stuff going on that made it kind of weird for me and made everything else feel a bit chaotic. I can’t wait to go back next year when I have a better understanding of the whole deal and a clear head.
You started your musical journey playing Dylan and Elvis covers at your parents’ coffee house. How have those early years shaped your musical style, and what other artists would you cite as influences?
Most definitely. Dylan is so poetic and shaped my love for lyrics. I’ve got a bunch of artists that I hold close to my heart. Stevie Nicks, Mason Jennings, and John Prine just to name a few.
Your songs are consistently described as being highly personal and sincere. What sources of inspiration do you use when writing new lyrics?
I imagine my brain looking like Spongebob: It’s yellow and sucks in everything my eyes see and my ears hear. My inspirations are constantly changing. I like a good book and writing from prospective, I cry from a broken heart, I laugh on a road trip… it’s all hanging out up there in my head.
Your single “Sweet Ophelia” was well-received by critics and fans. What’s the back story behind the song, and what all went in to recording it?
Sweet Ophelia is about losing your virginity. People don’t usually write about that particular subject because people don’t like to talk about it. I started the song on my guitar and built the track around it. It needed more then just a guitar. “Sweet Ophelia” has a bigger sound that deserves the weight of the track. I’m happy with how it turned out; it gets the message across.
What do you enjoy most about performing live?
The out of body experience. When I’m really tapped in to what I’m singing I don’t feel human. All that exists is movement.
What can you tell us about your upcoming debut album?
I’m entering a different phase of my life with this album that I can’t wait to share with you guys. It’s all about discovery and imagination.
