Meet Zoe Ny | Musician

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

Hi Zoe, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from a small town in Michigan called Clarkston. I grew up on a dirt road in the middle of the woods, so I spent most of my childhood outside or reading something. Words always gave me somewhere to go. When I started writing songs, I felt this incredible freedom and power as a storyteller. My music is Midwestern but also idealistic in a way, because I always knew I wanted to leave eventually. When I moved to Boston to study music I finally felt like I was where I was supposed to be. I was intimidated by the majority of my peers who had come from major cities and had gone to performing arts high schools, but I understand now that my upbringing plays such a massive role in my artistry and voice as a writer.

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.
My music is inspired by soul and folk/rock music, but most people who have seen me play live recently consider it Americana. The first two singles I released were pop, but since then my sound has evolved so much. I’m so excited to share music that reflects my growth over the past few years. I’m moving back to Michigan soon to record some unreleased songs this fall. I think what sets me apart as an artist is my perspective, language, and ability as a vocalist. I have synesthesia, so my brain mixes up colors and letters and I can play with language in a unique way. Early on, I hid behind the superficial nature of the music industry because it’s frightening to be real. I have tried very hard to drive away that fear and to be genuine in front of my audiences. I am always trying to take my artistry one step further and be courageous.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s not much to do in my hometown, so I think I’d drive us up to Marquette Michigan. It’s this little town on Lake Superior with the most gorgeous hiking. The lake was made from glaciers so the views are incredible and you can go cliff jumping. There’s a grocery store with local produce so I always go there and bring stuff back to cook. Cooking for my friends and family is definitely how I show my love. One of my favorite things to do in late summer in Michigan is make a bonfire out by the water. Sometimes someone will bring a guitar & play for everyone or we just sit around and talk, either way it’s lovely.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my mentor Jennifer Kincer who passed away from cancer last November. I wouldn’t be the person or musician I am today without her.

Website: zoenymusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe_ny_/

Other: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5eabxSPm1db7lJCfFc7Sma

Image Credits
Courtney Blackett