IN CONVERSATION WITH KENZIE ZIEGLER
interview by JANA LETONJA
Singer and songwriter Kenzie Ziegler infuses every song with immense sensitivity, along with the same disarmingly genuine presence that’s earned her a major social media following. She will be releasing her third studio album 'Biting My Tongue' on 26th July.
Kenzie, you're releasing your new album 'Biting My Tongue'. Tell us more about it and what inspired it.
For a long time, I've been biting my tongue on a lot of things, and I've been scared to talk about how I feel. The title is a reference to that I'm not biting my tongue anymore and I'm being my true authentic self.
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jewelry SAINT LAURENT
shoes HELSA
How exciting is it to release a new album after 6 years, and how has your music evolved during this time?
I'm so excited and I'm super proud of it. My music has evolved so much because I've been writing my own music, and I feel like I have finally found my sound over the past 2 years.
A lot of your songs are connected to love. How and why does love as a subject so easily inspire a lot of your songs?
Relationships and love to me are very important and I just gravitate towards that topic because it's really easy to talk about and people can relate to it.
How does songwriting, and letting your thoughts and feelings flow into words, make you feel?
I use songwriting as a form of therapy for myself and it feels so good to just get everything out. I always feel so content after writing a song.
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How and when did you fall in love with music?
I fell in love with music at a very young age. I loved ‘High School Musical’ growing up and I wanted to be Vanessa Hughens. But also listening to music constantly while dancing definitely shaped my love for it and that's when I knew I wanted to do it as a career.
If you had to pick only one, which artist would you say is your biggest influence and inspiration?
I take a lot of inspiration from Phoebe Bridgers as of recently. Her music is so rare and I love how authentic it sounds.
Retrospecting on yourself as an artist, how would you describe your style and what makes you stand out in the music industry?
My music style is constantly evolving. For this album specifically, it has a mix of dark and sexy songs, but it also can be rare and sometimes sad.
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Living in the public eye is something you are quite used to with your huge following on social media. How do you deal with the negative aspects of social media, and how do you make sure to always stay true to yourself?
It was really hard not to read those negative comments since I grew up on the internet. But now, I just don't read them and I try to stay off social media because it's such a highlight reel and nothing is always as it seems.
Tell us more about your other passions and hobbies. How would your ideal day off look like?
I've been picking up a number of hobbies lately. I started surfing and it's so fun. I caught my first wave the other day and my friend teaches us. I am also learning how to crochet and I'm currently making shorts for my sister.
With the release of your new album, what other projects do you have coming up this Summer and later in the year?
I am hoping to do more performances and I'm going to continue to write more music.
full look PHILOSOPHY
TEAM CREDITS:
talent KENZIE ZIEGLER
photographers PHIL CHESTER & SARA BYRNE
stylist MARC ERAM
makeup KATRINA KLEIN
hair GRAHAM NATION
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN