PART 1: MUSIC REVIEW
Zhanel paces herself as a wondrous, gentle soul that advocates for self-care. Comprised of emotional croons, Zhanel’s project readily catches the attention of a fanbase hungry for some soul nourishment. The young singer-songwriter radically sets herself apart, being different from most budding artists.
Her latest single “Guidance II”, is where her ideas of healing and empowerment are preached, mentioning the path of struggle it takes Zhanel to get over loss and grief and come out on the other side where the pain is less, and life can go on. The female singer makes good on her exceptional songwriting to come up with jarring lines about the inevitability of a deeply personal experience.
Zhanel imagines a wishful utopia where circumstances could have been different or avoidable, she understands all too well how much it hurts but comes to term with those highly charged emotions. The singer’s layered vocals create an angelic cushion for her words.
“Guidance II” fosters a sense of intimacy as Zhanel makes an effort to push past the confines of her tedious heartache. She serves as the record’s main anchor, manipulating her way through some light percussion, throbbing drums, and maudlin keyboards.
Zhanel’s voice and her deliberate words are foregrounded above the choral orchestrations and meandering beats. Like amber, her voice is mellow and luminous, adding to the music’s feeling of comfort in the face of all this anxiety.
Still, there is more room for variation and experimentation here, with more ways to animate these conflicting feelings and add more depth and texture to the subtly psychedelic instrumental. “Guidance II” represents dreaminess and safety, like a holy place where Zhanel “has a space to cry and express herself.”
Nonetheless, Zhanel’s pace and tone throughout the song is beautiful. She retains the tormented intimacy of her music while elevating her approach to a more radio-friendly consistency with tremendous energy and care.
PART 2: MUSIC INTERVIEW
Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Zhanel and I am 16 years old.
Any special meaning or significance to your name?
Well, its a play off of my name, kinda separating the art from my every day life.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
I grew up in a family of musicians and singers. My grandfather Phil Guilbeau was a Jazz trumpet player with Ray Charles original small band, and he play with Count Bassie, Young Senators, Black Heats just to name a few.
So its just really ingrained in me and because of that supportive environment it helped cultivate my and my brother Lawrence who does my music…our sound.
Tell us about your new song? And what’s the story behind it?
Guidance II is about the loss of my aunt and my view point of that day. Observing my mom and her reaction while also staying back and trying to take in what was actually happening.
It was hard to talk about for a while. My brother made the track and it was like we were both letting our emotions out through the music.
What makes your music unique?
I write what I feel so everything is raw and you’re getting apart of who I am.
How would you describe the music that you typically create ?
Pop/ Soul/ R&B? Idk the “Zhanel” genre’ lol…
Do you play any instruments?
I play guitar and a little piano.
And why do you love it?
Playing helps me tap into that emotional space I need to be in to start creating or even just to let out steam.
How is your creative process when recording music?
I typically listen to the track and see if it takes me anywhere, then I start to hear a melody and i place the words to the melody.
What makes a good recording session?
A good session is a session is when everyone gets me, when you’re not drowned out by all of the opinions and because I’m so young its harder to get adults to tap into my viewpoint or where I’m trying to go with what I’m doing.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Ooh, that’s a hard one. I don’t have anyone influence the music I make, but I do love listening to several great artist.
Any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Finneas O’connell, Billie Eilish, Summer Walker, and Normani.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
I don’t know, I’m loving everything right now that’s going on. Its hard to pick out one moment.
How do you balance your music with other obligations–family, friends or work?
Well, I work with my family in this process. And I talk to my friends at night when I’m not busy or before I go in to record. If I can’t talk to them then they completely understand. They’re very supportive.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Keep creating, and even when you feel discouraged keep going.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Thank you for supporting my music, you guys are awesome. Your encouraging words mean the world to me.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or tours?
Right Now I am in the studio recording my project. I want everything to be great, so a lot of dope music is being created right now, I cant wait to to share it.
