With smooth falsetto, fearless harmonies, and a gift for lyrical storytelling, Zay Jackson is crafting his own universe, one track at a time. The Virginia-born singer-songwriter returns with his most emotionally cohesive and vocally daring project to date: 'Cheat Code', a six-track EP that unravels the arc of a love story destined to fall apart.
Already drawing co-signs from heavyweights like Timbaland, Zay is proving he’s not afraid to lay his heart on the line. Each track on 'Cheat Code' follows a distinct narrative thread, charting a relationship from forbidden beginnings to its inevitable unraveling. From the aching truths of 'Parts Of Me' to the smooth sting of the title track, 'Cheat Code' shows Zay at his most introspective and his most refined.
So with the new EP available now, we caught up with him to discuss his background and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I remember the first time falling in love with an instrument was watching Prince play the electric guitar and piano. Prince had such a way with instruments that truly captivates you with just a few notes and chords. He really understood what it meant to be a musician.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a lot of Brandy and Jazmine Sullivan. The rasp in their voices always drew me to them vocally as a child. Another favorite of mine was the group Day 26 because of their incredible harmonies.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember owning or having was my dad's CD of ‘Rapture’ by Anita Baker. My dad is a huge Anita fan so ‘Sweet Love’ was a staple in my household.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I wish I could have written ‘Butterflies’ by Michael Jackson. It is such a beautiful song with a beautiful sentiment and I have always admired Marsha Ambrosius’ ability in not only writing said song but her vocal ability as well.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Well, I don't have many experiences to draw from and have a lot of life to live, god willing. And so, as far as habits or rituals go, I like to draw inspiration from tv shows, books, or by simply talking to people. I find it easy to write something a lot of people can relate to by talking with people who share their life stories.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I’m an avid listener of Lucky Daye and H.E.R. They are so great in their own individual artistries, and I find myself gravitating towards them a lot right now.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Opening for Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., or Jorja Smith would be amazing. Daniel and H.E.R. I would like to open because I love their material and am a fan of them personally. I would love to open for Jorja also because I just love how free her music and shows are, you can really tell she enjoys what she does.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to express yourself in a creative way. There is just something so fascinating about writing your first song, singing in front of people for the first time, or playing your first instrument. It doesn’t just leave a lasting impression on yourself, but the people around you as well.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is people trying to police what an artist is or is not supposed to sound like. Music, just like art, can be interpreted and experienced in all different ways and I don’t think that it’s fair to try making artists fit in boxes that shouldn’t exist in the first place.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“Do not seek approval of your music from others. Find what you love about listening to music and put that same love into your own” I was told this at a young age from my oldest brother and it has been my one rule when it comes to my music ever since. I don’t make music for the sole purpose of hoping people like it, I make music to prove to myself that I can keep getting better and display my passion for anyone to see whether they like my music or not.
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Zay Jackson's new EP 'Cheat Code' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.