We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zee Underscore. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zee below.

Zee, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have NOT been able to earn a full time living from singing and performing just yet. I have been performing in plays, musicals, and all sorts of concerts since I was in kindergarten. However, I have only been seriously pursuing my music career since 2020. I know it is a long and hard road. Fortunately, I am in a position that allows me to earn a full-time living as an Electrical Engineer, while still making time to pursue my artistic passions.

Around 10th grade I started to realize how difficult it would be to make a living off of art. With the influence of loved ones, I decided I better pursue something that seemed to have a higher guarantee of financial stability than singing- and plus I was good at math haha, so electrical engineering it was! As a creative it is easy to get caught up in, so I am grateful I had influences in my life that brought me back to earth when I needed. Now I use my 9-5 to support my music dreams that will someday takeover and it is working out pretty well so far!

Zee, 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?

I am a singer, songwriter, electrical engineer, event coordinator, host, performer, and mentor. I like to look at my life as a song with three verses:

Verse 1: Zee Underscore- singer, songwriter, performer. I started a new life as Zee Underscore in Kansas City when I moved here for an electrical engineering job. I knew no one and had never been to Kansas City prior to moving, so stepping out into the local scene all alone was a huge feat I am happy to have taken on. It has shaped me in more ways than I can imagine, and provided me with a countless amount of opportunities to grow as a performing artist.

Verse 2: Founder of ZNTL Entertainment. In 2021 I started an entertainment company focused on creating a platform for local artists to shine like superstars through paid performance opportunities. When I entered the Kansas City music scene I realized that there are SO MANY WONDERFUL ARTISTS HERE! One thing I noticed though, were that certain local platforms always give opportunities to the same artists time and time again. This was something I felt was unfair considering the immense amount of talented performers, so I created ZNTL Entertainment to spotlight great artists, regardless of their popularity. We have done a Pajama Jam concert each year, First Fridays concerts, festivals, and continue to work with other local organizations to bring opportunities to deserving artists.

Verse 3: Electrical Engineer. As mentioned above, I moved to Kansas City for an electrical engineering job (power engineering) when I graduated from University of Cincinnati in 2020. I use my role to mentor students of all ages who are interested in STEAM fields. I am currently studying for my Fundamentals of Engineering Exam so I can get my Professional Engineering License. My goal is to become a team lead before my music career takes over and allows me to go full time with my passion of performing.

Chorus: “Z-Underscore-B-E-E-1, Z-Underscore-B-E-E-1!”
(If you haven’t seen me perform live, you may not know what this is, you have to catch me at a show to witness the magic!)

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

It’s not that serious. I promise, it’s really not that serious.

I had to learn that life is not that serious, and that I need to embrace EVERYTHING I’m scared of in order to truly live my life to the fullest. Not taking life so seriously has allowed me to ride a jet ski in the ocean- (My best friend couldn’t fathom this decision, considering I barely know how to swim, haha! To me, the worst thing that could happen is I drown, and I’ve already accepted when it’s my time to go, it’s just my time to go!)- to continue to get up on stage after getting booed, and overall challenge myself in ways that I never would have if I let fear get the best of me. The things you’re most afraid of are the things you should lean into when able. Because it’s really not that serious, and you will be a changed person on the other side!

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is sharing my energy with people. I love being able to make people smile and have a good time every time I perform. It’s the most fulfilling thing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zeeunderscore.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/z_bee1?igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZeeUnderscore1?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@z_bee1

Image Credits
Drea2x, Kevin