An Interview With The LA-Based Pop & R&B Singer TAZ ZAVALA!

On July 28th, the Los Angeles-based Pop/R&B artist, TAZ Zavala, debuted her newest single “If These Walls Could Talk.” It follows up her critically acclaimed debut single “Watch Me.”

Listen: https://soundcloud.com/taz_zavala/taz-if-walls-could-talk-taz/s-TSM74

Effortlessly genre-bending between Pop and R&B, TAZ brings together a track that is filled to the brim with glossy and brightly colored synths, along with an R&B grooving bass line that perfectly complements her sultry vocals that begs the song to be listened on repeat.

Already making a name for herself, TAZ is a triple threat of a singer, songwriter and dancer, which is a rarity in pop music today and has her gaining attention from top-tiered producers and labels. After working with such music giants like Randy Jackson, Gerardo “Rico Suave” Mejia, Snoop Dogg and famed choreographer Tricia Miranda (Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Demi Lovato), TAZ has poised herself as the next chart-topping artist for the club driven scene.

Connect With Taz Here:

Website: http://www.tazofficialmusic.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3eCd3jHnEZ6j4odFXw7IwU

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TazOfficialMusic/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tazofficialmusic/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/taz_zavala

Learn more about Taz in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! How has 2017 been treating you? Musically, did you approach this year any differently then you did last year? 

2017 Has gone by super fast! As for my music I felt like I finally had the chance to express myself in music.

Where does this interview find you today? Is there music playing in the background? If so, what is it? What kind of music do you listen to when you are working? What music gets you instantly out of a bad mood?

As of right now, I’m listening to Mila J– that’s my main.

When I need a pick-me upper, I always tend to listen to a few artists- Incubus, Danity Kane, Erykah Badu, Faith Evans and Snoop Dogg.

Growing up, have you always wanted to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a singer. I would sing to my mom while my mom would put her make up on in the bathroom. That was my go-to-spot because I loved watching her get ready and because I loved how my voice echoed. One of the main memories I had was the first time I performed on stage at a local carnival. I sang one English song, one Spanish song and danced to Nelly’s “Hot in Here” with my 2 background dancers. It was such a memorable moment for me. Because I never received an applaud like that before. I really enjoyed the feeling being on stage and giving a show.

If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing?

If I wasn’t a musician today, I think I would still be doing something with music or entertainment. Music is in my soul. I love creativity. I also think that I would get involved with charities, traveling and helping others in need.

I always like to ask artists about where they came from and how that city or town has influenced them as an artist now. So how do you think your home of LA has affected who you are as a musician and the art that you create?

I was born and raised in Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley. I’ve lived here my whole life. Living here has influenced me in many ways. Even though my home town isn’t full of a wealthy up and coming people, I still admire everyone here. Day to day I hear stories and I see people working hard everyday for their kids, wife, husbands, parents. Working twice as hard with not the best pay. But growing up and seeing them hustle with so much grace and pride… That’s what makes me Proud and it reminds me to be grateful and appreciate my parents for giving me a home and food on my plate daily. My parents worked 2 to 3 jobs to keep a roof over my head and I am definitely going to repay them back. And hopefully give them everything that they would like to have.

Let’s talk about your newest single called “If These Walls Could Talk.” What was the inspiration for this track? How do you think it compares to your previous song “Watch Me”?

The inspiration of my new single “If These Walls Could Talk” is something that I feel like men and women can relate to. Some relationships have a little jealousy for some reason.. either from what they bring from the past relationships or from what they think is suspicious from a little insecurity. Im relating to the other side.  I really love my boyfriend but I’m always hustling through work and music and sometimes there can be a little discomfort especially not knowing too much of what I do. This song is a little reminder for our significant other to know that “I am your ride or die and never forget that. And if you do you’re going to lose focus on the beauty of us and push me away”. Its a calling- Saying please its me and you and only us. Lets just keep pushing for the greater of us.

As for “Watch Me” this track was more for a reminder to me to always keep pushing regardless what people would think. It was something for my soul.. “I am a bad-ass and bad-ass people ignore the negativity.”

When do you hope to release a full-length album of new songs? Is this something that you would like to do this year?

I definitely would love to release an album. But as for this year, I’m focusing on my EP which I’m really excited about now.

You have worked with some major music heavy weights so I’d love to know what working relationships have meant the most to you? Who have you learned the most from so far in your career?

I’ve worked with many well known people and I’ve learned from all of them in different ways. It could be by how they worked, what they notice about certain things that I didn’t catch. How humble they were to people but still made sure the job was done. But if I had to choose it would be my really good friend my brother Metta World Peace. I love his advice, I love how he gives back to people, his work ethic, hustle and never letting people fall.

What’s it been like staying connected on your social media pages? What do you think of it all? What’s it been like for you keeping them all updated and current? 

Social media is too much to handle sometimes. Having to post everyday is a struggle for me. I’m always busy and I love to live in the moment rather than try to capture a cute and sexy moment. Lol. I’m in the process of changing that though. As for engaging with the people who support me, I think it’s great. I love to read responses and what things I should change or add on to my projects. I do wish I was more on social media and taking advantage of that. Once more music and shows come, I’ll be right on social media.

How do you think that being a musician has helped you live your best life? Can you talk about the joy that it brings you today?

Being a musician is amazing to me. I love to give people a show. I love to entertain. I love to see people’s reaction. Being a performer is something that makes my soul so happy. God gave me this gift to entertain and I am grateful everyday for it.

What are your plans for the rest of the summer? Do you have any upcoming tour dates lined up?

My plans for the rest of this summer…. Well my birthday is in 2weeks and I’m very excited about that. Having a bbq with friends and family. Making memorable moments. I will be performing my single on my birthday which I’m very excited about. And I have a few more things coming up but I am not allowed to say. But stay tuned.

Who are some of your very favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

I am honestly a big fan of a lot of people. My number has always been Beyonce. I grew up listening to Destiny’s Child and followed Beyonce ever since then. I love Jennifer Lopez and Janet Jackson for their creativity from the way they sing and perform. They give a show. They keep you on your feet. I love Ed Sheeren too. His writing just speaks to me. But my number one as of right now is…. Bruno Mars. I would love to work with him in the future. I love his style and they way he is taking chances with bringing back the funk. He can give a great show and sing his heart out. Love love love him! He’s an entertainer.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

The message I would love my for my fans to get.. is to just be you. I want to be able to speak the truth in my music. Sometimes I want to be sexy but I don’t know how, sometimes I mess up in a relationship, sometimes I’m very insecure, sometimes I don’t want to care about nothing and I just wanna dance. I want them to feel like they are not alone.

What advice would you give to someone just getting started on this music path? Or even to someone young that is thinking of becoming a musician one day?

I would say study your craft. Don’t be afraid or hide behind who you really are just because everyone else is going for the same sound.  Learn how to let go and open your heart on that sheet of paper. Stay true to you and always be honest with yourself. If people don’t see your vision don’t take it and believe grow from it. You have the talent that many people have find out what makes you different and you will be great. Perform everywhere get out of your comfort zone and get out there and show the world! Good luck!