We had the chance to speak to up-and-coming singer/songwriter Ben Zaidi about his new single, musical inspirations, what’s next for him in 2017, and more. Read our interview below!
1. What’s the story behind your new single “Irene”?
“It was one of the hardest songs for me to write. I began writing it last June, the day after the Orlando shooting, but I’d also been writing it internally basically every few months for the past ten years. As long as I’ve been conscious enough to understand gun violence, the feelings have been building and building with each tragedy. Only now, I finally found words for what it was.” You can read the full story here:
2. If you could collaborate with one other artist or band, who would it be?
“Justin Vernon, Bon Iver. Aside even from songwriting, he’s my favorite living producer.”
3. Who are your musical inspirations?
“Right now… Bon Iver, Solange, Sampha, Yussef Kamaal, 40 (of October’s Very Own).”
4. Can we expect any new music or shows coming soon?
“Much more music very very soon. I’m releasing a brand new video in the next few days, and have a lot of new songs to share after that. I’m not going on the road until later this year, but I will be playing at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC on June 3rd.”
Ben Zaidi’s music combines the lyrical solemnity of spoken-word poetry with minimal electronica. Written and produced by Ben in his Seattle bedroom, his songs reveal the sincere intimacy of a private journal.
Zaidi grew up surrounded by the natural serenity of the Pacific Northwest, before traveling east to study poetry at Harvard. He recently broke the airwaves on Seattle’s iconic radio station KEXP 90.3, and has been performing at historical venues throughout the city including The Crocodile and Barboza. He now resides primarily in Brooklyn, New York.
Ben’s Social Media Links:
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/benzaidi
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gpdr2m2nOvvKrEgtbD16W
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgyJ4VqWcOkyu8DK7QGRPag
Facebook – https://facebook.com/benzaidimusic
Twitter – https://twitter.com/benjaminzaidi
Instagram – https://instagram.com/benjaminzaidi
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