Nashville pop artist and FRTYFVE Records signee Zoe Clark is a powerful vocalist and talented songwriter who has been paving her way to stardom. Harnessing her life experiences to deliver raw, honest, and vulnerable songs that are very relatable and cut to the heart, Zoe has made a name for herself as an exciting emerging talent.
‘Wrong Time’ is pop perfection – resonating with a relatable sense of love and pain through flawless lyrical storytelling while delivering a punchy hook. Opening with acoustic guitar and Zoe’s effortlessly charismatic and silky vocals, the track soon bursts into its giant, fluorescent ear-worm chorus. A euphoric, danceable backdrop contrasts the honest, emotional lyricism brilliantly to deliver a track deserving of commercial success.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Zoe about the music, dream collabs, musical memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest project?
“Wrong Time,” is for all the hopeless romantics and the people who crave an emotional connection with someone! I think in today’s day in age, because social media is so prevalent, dating apps and talking to people online has become such a norm and has made love feel non-existent. This song is about wanting a deep connection when it comes to a romantic relationship!
How does this project compare with your other release(s)? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
I like to think that “Wrong Time,” is a bit more mature than my other singles like “Last One Standing, Hot Mess, and Zero Feelings.” While my other singles are very lyric driven, I really wanted “Wrong Time,” to focus on production and allow the instrumentals to tell its own story. I wanted the chorus to be uplifting and powerful and take listeners on a journey!
What motivates you to create music?
When I was growing up, I always looked to music as a form of therapy. Music has an incredible way of making someone feel seen, feel heard, and feel understood in under three minutes. I have countless memories of hearing specific songs and feeling like it was written just for me – I want to do that for others. I want to connect with others and make them feel like I have written the song just for them!
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
Writing my first single “Last One Standing,” was my most powerful music memory. I remember walking into the session not wanting to write a song. I felt hopeless, I felt lonely, and I felt like no one understood me. When I walked into the room, the first thing my writer said to me was “Zoe…. are you bitter right now?” and I just started venting and word vomiting all my thoughts onto paper. When I posted the song on Tik Tok and saw the most incredible viral response to it, I felt heard and seen and realized that other people felt the same way I did. The ability to connect with others and help others is the reason I write music.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
I mean… I have two people in mind. The first person I would love to collaborate with is James Taylor. I grew up listening to James Taylor 24/7 – my family even has his Christmas album that we listen to every year. My parents joke that I became a songwriter because I grew up listening to one of the greatest storytellers of all time. James Taylor is magic and I truly believe he has opened my eyes to music. The second person I would love to collaborate with is Taylor Swift. I remember listening to “Teardrops on My Guitar,” when I was 11 or 10, and felt like it was written just for me (even though I never experienced heartbreak at such a young age). That was the day I learned that someone can write their own songs and was the day my dad bought me my first guitar and songbook. Taylor Swift taught me that my music is my dairy, which is why my lyrics are honest and 100% authentic.
What was the last song you listened to? And who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
The last song I listened to was “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), by Natalie Cole. I listened to it last night as I was making dinner with my family! It makes me feel nostalgic and reminds me of summer nights with my family and friends. One of my favorite all time artists is Taylor Swift because I have learned so much about songwriting from her. I like to think of her as my music mom haha.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
I love connecting with people via Tik Tok and Instagram! My Tik Tok is zoeclarkmusic and my instagram is zoeclarkofficial! Please DM and reach out to me because I love talking to everyone 🙂 I am Zoe Clark on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, etc.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you so much for having me!!! I am so excited to share what I think are my best songs yet..
