Today we’d like to introduce you to Zeliha

Hi Zeliha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I’ve always been surrounded by music, but it wasn’t always the plan to turn it into a career. Growing up, my house was filled with all kinds of music, especially vinyl. I remember hearing songs from legends like Ray Charles that made me want to sing along, and I started to connect deeply with music at a very young age. I’m mostly self-taught. I would record myself, listen back, and pick apart my mistakes until I got it right. It was a process of trial and error. I didn’t have the luxury of formal lessons at first, so a lot of my learning came from pure experimentation and persistence.

One pivotal moment came when I was working as an intern at a writing camp in Australia called 50 Songs in Five Days. It was a massive learning experience just being surrounded by incredible producers and songwriters. I was there helping out, delivering coffee and tea, but by chance, I ended up jumping into a session and singing on a track. That was one of the first times I realized that things could happen when you stay open to opportunities, even the small ones. From there, I just kept following my instincts and kept creating, and eventually, I started making a name for myself in the music industry. It’s been a gradual process, but looking back, every step has been worth it.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It definitely hasn’t been smooth. Honestly, I don’t think anyone’s path to success is without its bumps. I had a lot of doubts early on, especially in the beginning when I was still figuring out my voice and my direction. There were plenty of moments where I thought about giving up, or at least questioning if I was cut out for this industry. The truth is, the music world can be overwhelming. You’re constantly trying to find your place while balancing self-doubt and external expectations. It’s easy to get lost in what others think you should be doing or how you should sound.

But every time I faced a setback, I learned something new. I learned that resilience is key. It’s about showing up, even when you’re not feeling confident. It’s about finding your own rhythm, not rushing the process, and not comparing your journey to anyone else’s. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that it’s not about the destination—it’s about how you handle the ride and how you learn from every challenge along the way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I’m a singer, songwriter, and I’ve recently started dabbling in self-producing. Music is my way of processing emotions, and I try to put everything I’m feeling into my songs. For me, songwriting is about capturing moments of clarity or confusion and translating them into something people can connect with. Right now, I’m most proud of my song A Million because it feels like a true reflection of where I am mentally and emotionally. It was written during a special moment—watching a meteor shower with friends, and I realized how much power there is in dreaming big and manifesting those dreams. It felt like a culmination of everything I’ve been working toward in my personal and professional life.

What sets me apart? I think it’s my dedication to emotional depth and authenticity. I’m not focused on following trends or sticking to one genre. I enjoy experimenting and blending different sounds, but what always remains at the core of it is honesty. My music comes from a real place, and I think that’s what allows it to resonate with people. I’m constantly exploring and pushing myself, whether it’s finding new ways to use my voice or trying new production styles. I want to keep evolving.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

I was pretty introspective and creative growing up. I was that kid who’d get lost in my thoughts for hours, whether it was daydreaming or just processing everything I was experiencing. I didn’t always fit the mold, and I think I kind of liked that. I grew up with a strong sense of individuality, especially with my family’s creative background in fashion design. I’ve always been drawn to anything that allows me to express myself—whether that’s through music, fashion etc.

I also spent a lot of time outside, and I loved being around animals. I used to compete in horse riding and travelled and lived in several countries growing up. I guess that upbringing influenced my sense of compassion and my ability to connect with different kinds of people. It also taught me to be independent and follow my instincts. I didn’t always know where life would take me, but I always felt this need to do things my way, even if it was different from what others expected..

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealzeliha