Meet Zhenel | Alternative Artist, Producer, Songwriter & Mentor

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

Hi Zhenel, why did you pursue a creative career?
I started singing when I was around 3 or 4, and my mom is actually a singer and songwriter under the name of ‘April Cole,’ and my father used to rap back in the day, and is a Producer and used to DJ when I was growing up. I grew up singing in church and listening to my parents write and make music, and I was influenced heavily by that. I never wanted to be an artist or even release music until a few years ago, when I going through a very rough time in life. Dealing with family issues, trying to break generational curses, and finish high school, and going through my first heartbreak and more, really took a toll on me, and my step mom and dad suggested that I release an EP, expressing myself musically. I’ve always been passionate about giving back to others and helping, healing, and just spreading positivity and love all around the world, and we all decided that it would be wonderful to put it into project form. I’ve dedicated all of my music to everyone who has ever felt lost, alone, and more, and I offer an uplifting perspective on life, allowing you to reflect on everything. My music is like one big warm hug and deep conversation that you need every once in a while.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“Heal & Empathize,” is something that I’ve lived by for a very long time. Helping others through music and outside of music, has always been very important to me because I’ve honestly never liked to see anyone hurting, struggling, or in pain. I understand that this is apart of life, but I truly believe that God placed me on Earth to give back to others, and lead them towards the light. My music captures the very essence of this. I’m transparent, loving, and God-fearing and uplifting others and keeping myself uplifted is my way of walking in truth. It wasn’t always easy, juggling being the oldest of 6 kids, divorced parents at a young age, and experiencing a lot of turmoil through the years to get where I am today, but it’s important to me that I break generational curses through music and through love. I want people to know that it’s okay to have feelings. It’s okay to pray. It’s okay to love yourself and show up for yourself. Speak your truth. Speak up for yourself and shine the light that you were given.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a huge fan of amusement parks and rollercoasters! So I would definitely say taking a trip to Kalahari, or the Great Wolf Lodge, and Cedar Point in Ohio is absolutely the move. Also, eating dessert at one of my favorite Vegan restaurants in Cleveland, “Cleveland Vegan,” is another great spot to have lunch and chat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a major shout out to my grandparents on both my mom and dad’s side. Their prayers, love, nurture, home cooked meals, and many years of wisdom and supporting me in many ways possible have kept me grounded in the Lord and in my life. I’m so thankful that they’ve been able to watch me grow. My life wouldn’t be the same without them. My elders mean the world to me.

Website: https://zhenel.wixsite.com/zhenel

Instagram: https://instagram.com/zhenel_

Twitter: https://twitter.com/zhenel_

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

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/Zhenel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/zhenel

Image Credits
JusDevin Urbn_Randi Chris Heidel