Growing up in the small, largely French-speaking city of Rouyn-Noranda northwest of Montréal, Zach Zoya developed a diverse musical palate from his family. Introduced to African music by his South African father who fled to Canada during apartheid, and North American soul and pop music by his French-Canadian mother, Zoya was immersed in rhythms and melodies that spoke to him even when the English lyrics didn’t.
Though French was both Zoya’s first language and the one more established in the Montréal music scene, he’s rapped in English from the start of his career. Raised without a computer or television in a place with minimal hip-hop culture, Zoya first honed his flows by covering records by Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and credits learning the skill of rapping with improving his delivery as an all-around vocalist.
After establishing himself in the Montréal music scene by gaining the support of 7ième Ciel, a powerhouse label in French rap, collaborating with platinum producer High Klassified (Future, The Weeknd), Zoya partnered with Universal Music Canada and began releasing songs that showcased his signature blend of melodic hip-hop and emotive R&B.
For his debut solo EP Spectrum, released in October of 2020, Zoya collaborated with heavy hitting Toronto producers: GRAMMY Award winner Boi-1da, JUNO Award winner Matthew Burnett, and Multi-Platinum selling producer Don Mills, as well as UK artist, songwriter and producer Angel (Frank Ocean, Moneybagg Yo, Stefflon Don), and Montréal producers Bougo and DTRWRK. Showcasing the versatility of Zach Zoya’s artistry as a songwriter, singer and rapper, Spectrum earned critical acclaim from established culture outlets such as Okayplayer, Rolling Stone France, The Travis Mills Show on Apple Music, ELLE Canada, HotNewHipHop, Complex, EARMILK and Wonderland Magazine and landed Zach on HipHopDX’s “Best R&B Songs of 2020” and Complex’s “10 Best Canadian Songs of the Month” lists.
For his next project, Zach Zoya is leaning further into his first sonic love, the intimaticy of melodic R&B. In June he dropped “Feelings”, the first single from his upcoming sophomore EP and has followed it up with “Understand”, a Banx & Ranx produced summer vibe. With the rare combination of versatile talent, charisma, and perspective, 23-year-old Zach Zoya is poised to be the next Canadian star to build a worldwide following.
Name: Zach Zoya
Genre: Urban
Founded: The day I was born 08/04/1998
# of Albums: 0. I released my debut solo EP in November of 2020 and will be releasing my second EP next year.
Latest Release: Spectrum EP
Latest Single: “Start Over”
Latest Video: “Start Over”
Favourite musician as a teenager:
Isaiah Rashad
Favourite musician now:
Old Black Eyed Peas
Guilty Pleasure Song:
A bunch of Ariana Grande records (not that guilty though)
Live Show Ritual:
A whole lot of water, a shot of gin with the boys, talking smack.
Favourite local artist:
Nate Husser
EP or LP?
EP
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird
Road or studio?
Road
Any shows or albums coming up? (What do you currently want to promote?)
My “Start Over” music video is OUT NOW and my sophomore EP is coming in early 2021!
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Rapid Fire Qs from Montréal
Favourite local Restaurant:
Mae Sri Comptoir Kuai Tiao Thai
Favourite Street? (Why?)
Duluth – I’ve rarely seen it NOT be a vibe. It’s a pedestrian street with a bunch of cool pubs and cafés.
Favourite Park?
Park Lafontaine
Favourite Music Venue?
Mtelus – it always feels like home
Favourite Montréal Staple?
Poutine, baby what do you meaan
Where can we follow you? (Socials):
Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok | Facebook
