Limbic System, the debut album from Zealyn, marks a new direction for Los Angeles-based former pop singer. While the alternative/electronic switch may be a huge step, Zealyn pulls it off effortlessly in her second single, “Sleep On It” and brand new track, “Limbic System,” featuring JMR, which can be streamed below. Keep an eye out for new music and follow Zealyn at https://www.facebook.com/zealynmusic.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for any readers who may not be familiar?
I grew up surrounded by music. For as long as I can remember I’ve been singing, and I always knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So, for the past three years I’ve been releasing pop music under a different name, and just a couple months back made the alternative / electronic switch, now going by Zealyn.
You’re getting ready to release your album, Limbic System this summer – what are you most excited for listeners to hear on it?
Oh man, literally everything about it. Each song is so unique and packed with so much emotion. I hope people enjoy the creativity of the music, the depth of the lyrics, and can feel how genuine the emotion is. At the same time, I hope people jam out to it.
It being your debut album, is there anything you want to accomplish with Limbic System? Did you have any major goals for the album?
My biggest goals are that this music reaches more people than my previous music ever had, and that I can tour consistently with this album. Most importantly, I hope that my music can just have a significant meaning to someone.
How do you feel that you’ve grown while writing and recording the album?
Working on this album was the first time I didn’t put up any walls (creatively) and didn’t make any sort of expectations of how it would end up sounding. Going into the studio, I trusted Aaron Marsh (producer) and David Williams (co-writer) to help me create an incredible album, and experiment with sounds I never would have thought of. It stretched me so much as an artist, got me out of my comfort zone, and showed me that my way isn’t alway the best way.
How does Limbic System compare to any previous projects you’ve been part of?
You really can’t compare them. I was a different artist with a completely different sound on my previous project. All I know is that this time around I had so much more creative freedom, more time to be experimental, and had a more enjoyable experience over all. I think when the studio time and creative journey of an album is more enjoyable, it always makes for a better outcome.
“Sleep On It” was second single you released from the album – what does the track mean to you?
That track was such a pleasant surprise to me! We wrote that on the last studio day and finished it in less than 12 hours! It explains what I have been going through in this season of life. A lot of big decisions that need to be made and not wanting to screw anything up. Wanting to be patient and not rush into anything.
You’re also just releasing your new single, and title track for the album, which features JMR. I feel like your music and his sound are very similar, so what was it like working with someone who’s on the same wavelength as you, so to speak?
First off that’s a huge compliment because his stuff is amazing! When the idea came up for him to be featured on this song, I was so excited. Literally the next morning he sent over the finished version of his verse. Right when I heard it, I was blown away.
Can you tell us a little bit about the track “Limbic System”?
Last spring, before I went into the studio, I started researching things to get inspired. When I was looking at parts of the brain I stumbled across the Limbic System. It fascinated me. Not only does it help store memories, but it controls and regulates our emotions. It’s such an important part of my body I could never live without, that I never knew existed. In this song, the Limbic System is a metaphor for the thing in our life that we can’t live without and that gives us purpose. This song is one big question to myself about finding what that “thing” really is.
With the album dropping this summer, can we expect any shows or tour dates coming up?
Yes! I am going to make tours/shows a priority. My favorite part about being in the music industry is performing. It is where I feel most confident.
Thank you for taking the time to talk with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much for reaching out and doing this interview! I hope you all enjoy the music.
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