Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yasmeen “ZZAY” Lopez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yasmeen “ZZAY”, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

As a child I always knew that the arts called to me. I remember turning 10 years old and being gifted a karaoke machine and singing “Lovefool” by The Cardigans. I remember singing the high notes at the end of the song, I vividly recall telling myself “hey, I can hit the really high note, I wonder if any other kids my age can do that?”

Fast forward to high school, there were many auditions for the lead play of “Roxanne,” a play no one wanted to be casted for because the antagonist had to wear a huge fake prosthetic nose, and whoever got the lead of Roxanne, had to kiss the lips that accompanied that big fake nose. I knew that I’d be made fun of, but i didn’t care. I knew I could land that role, I knew i would kill it, and I knew that only I could take that role and make it fabulous.

I earned the role of Roxanne, and at that moment I knew I was meant for stardom. I knew that I could not live happily under the 9-5 incubator, I knew that a life as a singer would be hard, and challenging, and mostly a broke life for a long time. It was indeed a broke life for a long time, but never a broken life. In 12th grade, on that stage, I knew that i was meant to be an artist, and an artists life would be fit for me.

Yasmeen “ZZAY”, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is ZZAY, which is backwards for Yazz, my childhood nickname.

I have always been a singer, but became more involved in my craft on a serious level about 6 years ago. I had started a self-made tour called “The Weekend Warrior Tour” in which I aimlessly did over 200 shows in one year. I was able to work with big acts like MURS, the Pharcyde, Blu & Exile, WAR, the B-52s, and Evidence.

I currently do shows and assist people with their song writing, but my greatest accomplishment so far is being able to give back to the youth in my community. I’ve done an array of shows that include POC at risk youth, and have also been able to teach a class to the youth about song-writing and expressing their emotions through writing. I think that has to be my favorite and proudest moment so far.

I am different from others because I am not chasing my fame through looks, I want to be and want to teach others to be their most authentic selves. I want to empower womxn. and teach young girls that its STILL okay to love the skin you are in. It’s okay to look like YOU, and have YOUR body, and to encourage the youth to be proud of the way they think, the way they speak, the way we are beautiful in our own way.

I feel that womxn have come a long way in this industry, but also still find issues finding my voice in this industry. I know I will make deep and strong waves, but it comes at a price. I feel that I have issues balancing my work life, and music life. But I know the artistry will pay off!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I feel like society needs to keep it local, support local businesses, support local vendors, support local artists, be local! I have traveled to Europe and Mexico, and get more support out there than in my hometown which is insane to me.

Majority of the shows I do are created by local venues, and businesses trying to boost other small business revenue and i always thank the people in the crowd for supporting their local circuits. When people buy local, that money goes directly to that business– the owner can directly put that money into their daughters college fund, or invest back into their business. I feel like people look for what’s convenient, instead of what is curated. Consumers and viewers rely on instant gratification. That’s why artists don’t put love into their music. The artists are money hungry, because the consumers want, want and want. We are human beings behind the screen. Real artists showcase their pain, they display their truth. I don’t need listeners or fans who are going to rush a project out of me, i appreciate the fans and listeners who let me take my time.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the fact that it’s so fulfilling, every single part of it. When I’m down, I create. When I’m happy, I create. When I have no motivation, when I’m broke, when I feel alone, I create. Music allows me to channel how i truly feel, deep down. Singing in front of crowds always brings me to a level of feeling out of body. I can escape the madness of the world on stage, and it doesn’t cost me anything. I’m not numbing myself, but actually feeling all of my emotions at once. Being an artist allows me to be free, it allows me to find comfort in my insecurities, it allows me to find pieces of myself that i thought were broken and put my own musical mosaic together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Zzay92
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zzay92/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNOZJLt5msccX5nch7nBXw

Image Credits

Images by Day Hernandez
Jessica Rosa
Safa Salameh

Sade Garcia