ZOE
ZOE is a British singer-songwriter whose indie-pop music is an engrossing blend of ambient melody and poignant lyricism. After finding joy, healing, and a creative outlet through recording meditative mantras for yoga classes, ZOE started taking tentative steps into the musical mainstream in 2022. Since then, she has steadily built a body of work which retains an underlying spirituality while adding lyrics notable for their honesty and authenticity.
ZOE’s new single, ‘Women‘, was released recently (28th February) in the build-up to International Women’s Day. It epitomises her approach to songwriting so far: elegant, stripped-back keys provide the melody and structure to support her heartfelt ode to feminine empowerment.
We spoke to ZOE about ‘Women’, her experiences as a relative latecomer to the music industry, her approach to songwriting, and more…
FAULT: Tell us about your creative pseudonym – ZOE has a macron over the capitalised ‘E’. What’s the significance of that?
ZOE: It’s purely a design touch, emphasising the pronunciation and giving the name a unique flow.
You took the decision to embark on a career in music later in life than a lot – maybe even the majority – of budding singer-songwriters. In most creative industries, it’s fair to say that the more life experience a person has, the better the art they produce. Why do you think there’s such a different mindset in the music industry?
The music industry often favours younger artists—marketability, trends, and connecting with a younger audience all play a role. But life happens. As artists grow, they take on new responsibilities—families, careers, commitments—which can sometimes hold back talented artists.
That said, age should never be a barrier to creating. Great music comes from real experiences, and sometimes, that takes time. The industry seems to be shifting, people connect with authenticity. Raw, lived-in storytelling will always stand out, no matter the artist’s age.
How would you describe your sound?
Atmospheric pop – ethereal, emotive, and immersive.
Name some of your key inspirations, musical and/or otherwise?
Billie Eilish, Rick Rubin and real-life experiences – music that feels raw, honest, and personal.
Your previously-recorded work includes collaborations on several meditative mantras. How did those come about, and will you continue to release similar tracks in future?
This is how I first got into music. I created meditative mantras for my Kundalini yoga classes as a trained teacher and sound healer. That journey led me to explore a more mainstream sound and, while I don’t plan to create mantra music, my music will always have a spiritual core. I’m still discovering where that will take me.
You’ve described your new track, ‘Women’ as being for “every woman who has ever felt like she has had to be everything for everyone.” While that’s a challenge many women face, one could argue that it’s particular relevant for mothers, given that parenthood entails the acceptance of so much additional responsibility and, indeed, a new identity. With that in mind, how has motherhood affected your approach to songwriting?
I’ve only ever written songs as a mother and stepmom, so I can’t compare. But I do feel it makes my music more connected to deeper feelings. Motherhood brings so many layers – love, sacrifice, and identity shifts – and I want my music to resonate with women and the challenges and reflections they may face.
BBC Introducing recently featured your singles, ‘Tell Me’ and ‘Tunnel Vision’. What has been the impact of that? And how did it feel to have a British institution support your work?
Yes, it was encouraging to have BBC Introducing support some of my music. It gave me confidence and helped my songs reach new listeners, which means so much as an independent artist.
Your Instagram reveals your passion for women’s physical (particularly breast implant illness) and spiritual health. Do you see your role as an artist evolving into becoming more of an advocate for these or other issues you feel strongly about?
Yes, I guess so. I didn’t really have that intention at first but as my music develops, and as I go through my own experiences that speak to women, I’ve realised that I’d love to weave some of those into my music.
Empowering women to embrace who they truly are is something I want to do. There’s often a lot of competition and insecurity among women, and I want my music to be a space where we feel seen, heard, and encouraged to step into our power. It’s about embracing our true selves and owning our stories.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Anything you’re particularly looking forward to?
My music video for ‘Women’ is out soon, and I’m excited to share that! I’m also looking forward to taking some time to connect and grow with my audience, not to mention performing live and continuing to create more music!
What is your FAULT?
Moments of self-doubt, but I remind myself of why I create: to connect and uplift.