Meet Zere Amirbekova

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zere Amirbekova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zere, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing that people might not fully realize about the music industry is how dangerous and intimidating sometimes it can be, especially for female artists. Behind the glitz and glamour, there’s a side that’s often overshadowed by the headlines. Many female singers face an environment where harassment and exploitation can be all too common. From navigating unwanted advances to dealing with power dynamics that can feel overwhelming, it’s a constant challenge to maintain both personal safety and professional integrity. The pressure to conform to industry standards while staying true to oneself adds another layer of difficulty. The road to success often requires not only talent and resilience but also a lot of courage to stand up for oneself in a high-stakes and sometimes perilous environment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a 19 years old independent artist based in LA, primarily focused on writing pop and R&B songs, though I’m exploring various genres to find my unique sound.

I’ve been singing my whole life, participating in international music contests, festivals, and concerts. I started by publishing cover songs on social media, which received great feedback from the audience. This exposure led to increased attention from industry professionals, opportunities to open for larger artists, and collaborations with global brands.

At 17, I graduated from high school and was accepted into several universities in the U.S., with UC Berkeley being my top choice. However, I also received an important contract offer from the leading label back in Kazakhstan at the same time. At that age, making a decision that would shape the next 4-5 years of my life was really stressful for me. I ended up taking a gap year, ultimately rejecting both offers from UC Berkeley and the music label contract. I realized I didn’t want to live in San Francisco and study intensely without time for music, nor did I want to limit myself to singing only in Kazakh or Russian languages. I believe I can reach more audience around the world by doing music in English, which is much easier and fun for me somehow.

A year later, I made what I consider the best decision of my life by moving to LA on my own. Even though t’s been a tough year, adjusting to the new environment, it already feels like home. I’ve made many wonderful friends and met many talented people in the industry. Several months ago we released a cover remix song “Daylight” that already got almost 1 mil streams only on Spotify. I’m currently working on my first original song, which is really personal to me, and I can’t wait for people to hear it. I am also looking for talented people to make more music&content together! I truly believe that this industry is not about competition but collaboration, support, and creativity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend from Boston is visiting me right now and the first place we went to was of course In-N-Out. We also caught a movie at the Americana, watching “It Ends With Us”—I loved it, even though I’d read the book first. This weekend, we’re planning to head to my favorite beach, Laguna Beach, to watch the sunset. One of my favorite restaurants in LA is definitely the Italian spot in Downtown, called “Hearts&Flame”, where I perform; the vibe is very relaxing and the food is amazing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. Even though they still believe in the importance of a formal education and often remind me of its value, their support for my creative pursuits has been unwavering. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders from the start. They introduced me to ballroom dancing, which I enjoyed for nearly eight years, and they encouraged my seven-year journey through music school, where I studied violin, music literature, and piano. Most importantly, they’ve stood by me as I transitioned into my passion for singing. Their belief in my dreams, coupled with their guidance, has played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. Even though they are not really involved in anything that I do right now, since I moved to the U.S. and doing here pretty much everything by myself, I’m still incredibly grateful for their support and love throughout my journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zereamirbekova?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zereamirbekova?si=XP9sW8PBfp9a5oWK

Other: TikTok; https://www.tiktok.com/@zere_ami?_t=8orph4CMOGF&_r=1 Spotify; https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LM8NzWBzAjlevHSkyJaa5?si=rJVMj6wDQsak__bOVMYdfg Apple Music; https://music.apple.com/us/artist/zere/1554448717 

Image Credits
I have all the rights&permissions for the images