“Deep End”
On November 6, up-and-coming artist ZADA released her newest single, “Deep End.” ZADA is gearing up to release her full-length album, Water in the Desert, in February 2024. Currently based in British Columbia, ZADA is involved in all stages of her music, coached under Lis Lewis, and studied songwriting at the Songwriting School of Los Angeles. After working on her craft for over a decade, ZADA began releasing tracks in 2022.
“Deep End” is ZADA’s third release in 2023, following “Atlantic Times” and “Sweet Things in Life.” The beat and the melody have a familiar and nostalgic feel, tickling something in the back of your brain that feels like home. Simmering underneath, pizzicato notes bubble with a slight distortion, surrounding ZADA as she dives deeper into the track. There are several clever production choices that invoke imagery of diving into a body of water headfirst. During the choruses, the instrumentals become shimmery and glittery, like looking up at the surface of water from below. The final 30 seconds of the song are instrumental, fully immersed in feeling before fading out.
ZADA’s skill is clear, as her vocals are clean and move effortlessly. A slight tinge of R&B reverb adds depth and color to her voice, but do not detract from her natural ability. Lyrically, ZADA expresses that it’s time to live her life all-in, diving into the metaphorical “deep end.” ZADA has said that creating this track was a creative whirlwind. Her team had been working on a different piece initially, but suddenly realized they were inspired to write something else. After spending six hours in a frenetic, hands-on collaboration session, “Deep End” was born. The track’s lyrics capture the importance of last-minute decisions and trusting yourself enough to jump into something if it feels right, no matter how unrealistic it might seem in the beginning.
The Ethiopia-born and Canada-based artist says that she feels “tethered to nature” and that is clear in her work. Music seems to flow naturally from ZADA, with her smooth vocals and dynamic writing style. She gets inspiration from everywhere, crediting skiing the snowy mountains of BC, taking in her surroundings while horseback riding, and feeling the rhythm of the ocean while she surfs.
As we enter 2024, it’s clear that ZADA is only just getting started. Be sure to give her a follow and keep an ear out for her album release in February.
