In the ever-evolving world of dance and soul music, few voices resonate as authentically as that of Zoe Kypri. From her humble beginnings in school choirs to the throbbing stages of global music festivals with award-winning bands, her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. With a recent collaboration setting the dance music scene abuzz and an insatiable passion for her craft, Zoe graces us with her insights into her musical world, her inspirations, and her relationship with collaboration.
Dive into this candid chat with Zoe, as we explore her dynamic relationship with KingCrowney, their latest release ‘Coat On’ under the banner of Max Sinàl’s London-based label, and the magic that emerges when two talented souls like Zoe and KingCrowney unite. We get a glimpse into her songwriting processes, her dream collaborations, and the highs and lows of her musical journey. This is not just an interview; it’s a soulful exploration of an artist’s essence. Join us.
WWD: Hey, Zoe! What’s the latest in your world? Are you touring? Making music? What’s keeping your creative juices flowing?
Heyyy! My world is expanding for sure… feeling grateful for it all. A lot of gigs here in the UK and further afield which is always special. Heading to America for a few shows soon too. Have only been to New York once and that was for 2 days so really want to see what it’s all about. Recently more time has been spent getting songs wrapped up as I refuse to let songs that I love be half finished, sat on my hard drive or in my head these days. One of my producers is always sending me little bits and if I need a little release, I will just press record and loop for 10 minutes and freestyle whatever is on my chest, mind or spirit. Then come back to it to listen for the gold bits. The taps always on so i thank everything for that.
WWD: When did you first start singing and when did you steer yourself towards house vocals? Why?
I was about 5 or 6 in the playground singing with my school friends and I just remember a feeling of freedom or release, like after a big cry. It wasn’t a conscious decision but I proceeded to lock myself in my room and sing every day after that. A teacher of mine, Miss Mcardy held a choir which I was in and around the same time an amazing woman named Nicola Bright Thomas encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and sing Infront of people not just in my room, as believe it or not I used to have crippling stage fright as a child and teen. I feel honoured that I feel at home on stage now.
I didn’t consciously steer anywhere in particular other than what made me feel. Early doors I would listen to tracks like ‘touch me’. The combination of those enchanting vocals with the beat is timeless. It was records like that that caught me.
WWD: What vocalists inspire you? Why?
Mary j Blige – her honesty and delivery. Choice of melodies. Feels so Conversational.
Anita baker – complete control and oozes class and power.
Floetry – tone and feel
Sade – so easy and warm. Absence of try hard. I enjoy the simplicity and her choice of melody.
Alicia keys entire diary album was the first I learnt head to toe. Her song ‘ trouble’ is one of my favourites. Melody wise she really gets me
D’angelo – flow and harmonies
Frankie Beverly – I just love that record with maze joy and pain to be honest!
So many more but those off the top of my head.
WWD: What is it about house music you love so much?
The unity. The energy. It holds its own space in its own universe. It’s ability to move you internally and externally. Some get it some don’t. But those that do really do. It’s part of me forever for certain.
WWD: Are you much of a raver, or no?
I am. Yes. I spent quite a lot of My late teens and early twenties in fabric. Ibiza has also been a huge part of my connection to dance music. Performing there over the years, in particular this year has been just mind blowing as I dreamed about it during those early visits. Raving sober over the last few years has opened so many doors for me and I have met some of the most special people in my life today.
WWD: Do you enjoy collaboration? What is it about collaborating you love so much?
I do enjoy it but I won’t tell you fibs I enjoy writing on my own in my bedroom the most. Normally middle of the night vibes 4am. Sometimes when I’m on a train or a plane idea’s come to me. I enjoy then taking these ideas to my producers. Something about a moving vessel. There have been a few sessions in my life time that I have really left feeling wowed by but I love zoning out and tuning in with nothing else around me the most. The times I do bond with people and create magic I really cherish. It has happened and I’m fortunate for that.
WWD: What’s your setup like? Is there a go-to mic you have a special connection with?
Standard SM7B and Universal interface. We recorded horizon red on it actually.
WWD: What’s your songwriting process? How do tracks usually get started?
As I mentioned usually start off freestyling when I need a release. Sometimes track is first. Sometimes guitar and I (im no guitarist but a few chords have gone a long way thus far). Sometimes a melody will come to me, and then lastly alike most writers a little lyric idea will come when I’m feeling and il jot it on my phone or put it down on some paper. I will sometimes not revisit them for months. Then I will feel pulled to it.
WWD: Who, dead or alive, would be your dream producer to work with?
Mmmmmm J Dilla, Timberland, one of my producers I just started working with WOUTER… he’s serious.
Zoe Kypri: Facebook // SoundCloud