Kiki: What would Zale, the artist of today, advise Zale, the artist of 5 years ago, regarding the music industry?
Zale: This is a great question. Today’ s Zale would tell past Zale to find beauty in the process and don’ t be so product oriented in the studio. She would tell her to be willing to wait for the best possible show opportunities, not the ones that come the quickest. She would tell her to let her failures fuel her not tame her. She would tell her to hire a really good PR person.
Kiki: If you could share one of your favorite experiences that involved an interaction with a fan … what would that be?
Zale: A fan a couple years ago took off her necklace after a long hug and said,“ My niece made this for me out of an onyx stone before she passed. I want you to have it for a safe and successful life.” I didn’ t know what to say. I wear it at every show now.
Kiki: What defines“ success” for you?
Zale: I ask myself what success is very often. Honestly, I am still figuring it out. I think it would be making a living playing original music for people that want to listen. I would also love a Grammy and family of my own.
Kiki: Many, MANY years from now when you leave this Earth, what is the legacy by which you’ d like to be remembered … and what message are you leaving future generations through your music?
Zale: I want people to say that I wasn’ t afraid to be myself and be provocative to make the world a better place through the powerful catalyst of music. I hope I am leaving messages of hope, love, connection, and empowerment through my songs. I hope people will see that we are more alike than we are different.
Kiki: What absolutely bugs the bejeezus out of you? And what rocks your socks?
Zale: I hate when people bail or cancel last minute. Just show up, dude. Time is money. And I get my socks rocked pretty easily. I am an enthusiastic person. Short list: cake, thrift shopping, hiking, making new friends.
Kiki: Out of the songs you’ ve written, which most bares your soul?
Zale: Hard to say; they are all my babies! Probably“ Maze”--which depicts an inner struggle to escape from a toxic life I’ ve created for myself. Sometimes I feel too emotional to get through it at live shows. Kiki: If not a career in music— what would be your second choice … and why?
Zale: NO PLAN B. This is the Music Business School mantra. If you give yourself an easier path, you will take it.
Kiki: Do you have some final thoughts? What’ s next for Zale? Please share your links where the readers of ION Indie Magazine can learn about“ all things Zale”.
Zale: THANK YOU SO MUCH for featuring ZALE. We have a regional tour beginning in February to help fund the last couple songs on our upcoming record. We are working diligently with Madison Records’ Tanner Hendon and Wyatt Oates to bring something unique and powerful to the alternative market with these 9 new songs! Find everything Zale at www. zalemusic. com. Follow me at https:// twitter. com / hzale.
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