An Iraqi-British singer-songwriter and composer known by her stage name Zara Ali, Zara is living in London. For inspiration, she looks to the likes of Solange who creates and compose her own music, as well as the likes of MIA.

In 2020, Zara published her debut EP, Deep Down, which was inspired by a former relationship. Dying for Romance, the first track from her next album which will be released soon, is a departure from her previous work, Deep Down, and focuses heavily on the healing process.

It was via co-hosting live performances at her university's student union that Zara's early music career got its start and led to a performance at the O2 Academy in Islington (2020).

hear more about her life and her new book, Dying For Romance, when she joins us for a discussion!

What is your real name?
My real name is Zara Ali

What's your official Showbiz name?
I like to go by just Zara

How did you get into music?
Ever since I can remember I've been obsessed with music and singing especially, I can remember performing to my family at the age of 5. But I didn't officially start making music till I went to university in 2017 and met like-minded people who inspired me to start.

What field or genre are you into and how would you describe it?
This is a difficult question for me to answer as personally I'm not a big fan of the genre, anytime somebody puts me in a box I try to prove that I don't belong to any box. I'm inspired and listen to so many different genres and use elements of them all in my music.

What were your first project and the people you worked with and which year?
My first project was called Deep Down and I dropped it in 2020. It was the first EP I put out, it was inspired by the ups and downs of mental health and being in a toxic relationship.

Zara Unearths New Single Dubbed "Dying For Romance"

Who or what inspires you or motivates you? And why?
My biggest motivator is my inner child, I just want to make little me proud.

Any models you look up to? With reason(s) why?
Musically I look up to Frank Ocean, his music speaks to me.

What do you look out for in this line of business?
I look out for authenticity, I think seeing music as art rather than a way to gain fame is very important and you can hear the difference in the music when someone truly has a love for it.

What are some of the challenges you face in your career path?
Being undermined as a woman in this industry. I think men are taken a lot more seriously and the standards for women are just so much higher.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
I think the internet has impacted music in good and bad ways. It's great that so many people can access your music and the internet has allowed for artists who might have gone under the radar to be noticed and get the success they deserve.

However, it's a shame that people have stopped buying music as this makes it difficult for artists to fund themselves off their music.

Do you have any advice for aspiring songwriters?
My advice would just keep writing and practising. I also believe in not pushing yourself too far, and letting your intuition guide you, when it's right the words will just flow out of you.

What is your current project about?
My song Dying For Romance is about the aftermath of a toxic relationship, wanting a new relationship but knowing you've still got some healing to do.

What are your hobbies?
I love to create art. I like to draw, paint and also love taking photos and creating edits. I'm also crazy about astrology and the occult, but I don't think that counts as a hobby, it's more a way of life.

What do you do aside from this profession?
I work here and there as a photographer but for the time being, I am focused on music.

What is one message you would give to your fans?
Live in the moment and look at your life through your own eyes rather than through the eyes of others.

https://open.spotify.com/album/6PY4pPPC9nMkjZY9xtebla?si=77d9d9b823324d4e

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