Nashville alt-pop singer/songwriter, ENZI spoke with us following the release of her latest single, “Retrograde”, which features a dreamy instrumental paired with ENZI’s powerful vocals.
Since her arrival in the music scene in 2018, ENZI has tallied multiple features across MTV programming and performed alongside the likes of The Head and The Heart and Fitz and the Tantrums, and is currently pursuing a degree in Belmont’s music program. Her advocacy for mental health, relatable lyrics, and spirited live performance has helped ENZI to find success.
BTS: How would you describe your music to someone who may be unfamiliar with it?
ENZI: My first instinct is always to say, “if Taylor Swift and Hayley Williams had a musical love child.” My songs are deeply emotional and edgy, with an ethereal and distinctly pop-alt production style. If you like Billie Eilish, Halsey, or Melanie Martinez, I think you would be into what I’m doing.
BTS: What is the origin of your name?
ENZI: ENZI actually comes from my real name. My music is like a journal or even therapy for me so it was important for my stage name to be authentic. So, I took my name “Kenzie” Dropped the K and the last e, made it all caps for the aesthetic and got ENZI!
BTS: As you continue to grow, are there any genres/instrumentations that you would like to fuse with your sound?
ENZI: I’m always trying to fuse pop and alternative. I grew up listening to rock and alt music and my first band was a pop punk band so a lot of my influence stems from those genres. I’d like to incorporate some really bass-heavy, minimalist production. It can be hard to do well, and the lyrics and vocal melody really need to shine, but I love a good challenge.
BTS: Do you have a go-to setting that you find yourself producing your best work in?
ENZI: I usually write the skeleton of my songs – basic chords, melody, and lyrics – by myself and do any necessary edits with a producer/cowriter. I’m not a shy person but, as I’ve said, my songs are raw expressions of my emotions and life experiences, and it can naturally be hard to dive into those recesses of my brain when there’s someone else around. But I still love a good cowrite! I think it all depends on how comfortable I am with the person. The vibe is very important.
BTS: How has your move from Colorado to Nashville influenced your music?
ENZI: I don’t think I’ve ever thought about this until you asked! Even though Nashville is a hub for music of ALL types and genres, especially pop, the country influence is still really strong. Really great country songwriters are AMAZING story tellers. It’s so specific and vivid and I have tried to implement that into my own writing style while remaining true to myself. I believe there’s always something to be learned when you are working with someone who is an expert in their craft.
BTS: Any artists/songs that you’ve been digging as of late?
ENZI: I’m always going back to Bastille. They are one of my favorite bands and their songs feel timeless. I have also really been digging Conan Grey’s “Kid Krow” album, Orla Gartland, Charlotte Lawrence, all of them are SUPER edgy pop which I love.
BTS: What’s next for you?
ENZI: Well we do have a release planned for September so be on the lookout for that! Beyond that, I’ve been cowriting with some really cool people and I think you all will really like what we’re coming up with.
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