In the vast world of music, there are artists who follow trends, and then there are those who forge their own path, fearlessly blending genres to create something entirely unique. ZZ Ward undoubtedly falls into the latter category. Born as Zsuzsanna Eva Ward in Abington, Pennsylvania, ZZ’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With her roots deeply entrenched in the blues, influenced by legends like Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Etta James, and Big Mama Thornton from her father’s record collection, she started singing the blues at the tender age of 8. But ZZ’s musical DNA is not solely defined by the blues. Her older brother, Charlie, a hip-hop enthusiast, introduced her to the world of rap and hip-hop. She soon recognized the surprising parallels between these seemingly distinct genres, and this fusion of blues and hip-hop became her musical hallmark. At just 16, she began performing at hip-hop clubs in Eugene, Oregon, where she honed her skills and found her unique voice. For ZZ, singing came naturally, but performing in front of audiences was initially a nerve-wracking experience. It was the simple act of donning a fedora, reminiscent of her father and his musical idols, that transformed her stage presence. The fedora became her metaphorical cape, granting her the confidence to captivate audiences with her soulful voice. ZZ’s journey from the farmlands of Roseburg, Oregon, to the bustling music scene of Los Angeles was a tale of determination and grit. She busked, organized her own tours, and sold demos in parking lots to fund her escape from her small town. Joining her brothers in LA, she embarked on a new chapter of her career, ultimately signing with Hollywood Records. However, her latest album, “Dirty Shine,” represents more than just another chapter; it’s a rebirth. Now an independent artist, ZZ Ward has embraced the concept of “dirty shine” as her mission statement. In her fan community, “dirty shine” signifies being your authentic self, embracing your imperfections and vulnerabilities. For ZZ, this album represents the pinnacle of her creative expression, unburdened by the constraints of major labels. “Dirty Shine” is a cinematic 14-song journey through a musical landscape that defies categorization. It’s an intoxicating blend of bold electronic textures, rugged hip-hop beats, fierce rhymes, pop hooks, acoustic Delta blues riffs, sensual R&B vocals, and harmonica-driven juke joint grooves. ZZ effortlessly transitions between styles, channeling the mojo of a bluesman while rhyming with the fire of a rapper. The album opens with the empowering track “On One,” featuring artist and filmmaker Jean Deaux. This song not only showcases ZZ’s formidable musical prowess but also delivers a message of empowerment inspired by her newfound motherhood. In the accompanying music video, part two of a mini-movie series, ZZ takes on a rhinestone cowboy chic persona, creating a stunning visual spectacle. “Friends Like These” transports listeners to the eerie world of Delta blues, where ZZ masterfully blends gutbucket vocals with dirty hip-hop beats. The track “OverdoZZe,” produced by the renowned Ludwig Göransson, careens through pop, hip-hop, R&B, blues, and climatic rock soloing, pushing the boundaries of musical fusion. “Dirty Shine” is a testament to ZZ Ward’s fearlessness in exploring the depths of her creativity. The album was produced by a team of award-winning producers, including Mike Elizondo, Jason Evigan, Dave Bassett, S1, and the duo Mark Jackson & Ian Scott. Beyond the music, ZZ’s artistic vision extends to ambitious mini-movies created for her songs, which she collaborates on with her brother, Adam Ward. Her handcrafted signature fedoras, available for purchase on her website, serve as a tangible extension of her unique style. Removing herself from the corporate machine has brought her closer to her fans and her family, allowing for direct communication with her community each morning. ZZ Ward’s artistic evolution has also become a family affair, with her husband, GRAMMY-winning songwriter Evan Kidd Bogart, playing a pivotal role in her label and management. This period of creativity and growth is further enriched by the recent arrival of their first child. As if releasing this groundbreaking album wasn’t enough, ZZ Ward has plans for a slew of additional singles, including “Evil On The Inside,” a candid narrative about backstabbing friends. Her journey as an independent artist has been liberating, marking a career milestone that has breathed new life into her music. ZZ Ward’s “Dirty Shine” is not just an album; it’s a declaration of artistic independence and authenticity. It’s a testament to her ability to seamlessly weave together diverse musical genres while staying true to her roots. With each track on the album, ZZ Ward invites us to embrace our own “dirty shine” and reminds us that imperfections are what make us unique. As she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, we can only anticipate what exciting musical adventures ZZ Ward will take us on next.
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