After the rousing response to his much-loved LP 'Moment In Time' in 2021, Canada-based artist Ziyaad Luceō returns once again to deliver his shimmering new EP 'Our Time Together'.
Capturing more of that rich and enchanting R&B-inspired aesthetic he has built for himself, this new three-track collection makes for a beautifully warm and engaging listen. With his bright and heartfelt voice layered across a progressive production throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more immersive names on the rise right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the piano. It was the first instrument I learned to play. The piano is one of the best instruments to learn to play since it will teach you all the scales and keys you need to perform. As I got older, I shifted to the digital side of music and built a deeper bond with the DAW system, Logic Pro X.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I listened to almost everything. Growing up, I didn’t see music as something you could categorise. Simply, it was just music. I would enjoy most music that I heard. It helped me build an open mind.
What was the first album you remember owning?
That’s an interesting question because I was in the generation where iTunes and streaming services were beginning to take over the terrain of music consumption. Looking back, I have more memories with those online platforms more than listening to a physical copy. Yet with that being said, my family has an amazing vinyl collection and I eventually started my own CD collection as well. So I believe the first album I remember owning was the Beatles’ “1s”. It was a compilation of all their hits from the beginning of their career to the end.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
There are so many! I think once you start making and releasing music, you have a good ear for what makes a good song. Nowadays we are able to listen to a wide range of new artists so there are a multitude of songs that have impacted me thus far in my life. But I think the song that really stands out for me is “Gimme Love” by Joji. From start to finish, that song is an experience.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not particularly. Most recently I’ve refined my craft even further so I’m a bit more detail-oriented now. As for rituals or habits, I guess I have to make sure that my setting is right. Your environment while songwriting, recording and/or finalising is critical to your train-of-thought. You want to be laser-focused on what you are doing so eliminating any form of distraction is very important. Also, you want to have fun and freely create without any awkwardness. So I am very choosy on who I create music with. I like to take this craft serious because I know the impact it has on not only myself but on society. Overall, over time I’ve just found that I don’t need a lot to create, just a clear mindset.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
There’s a lot of mainstream and underground artists that I listen to religiously. Right now, I’ve been listening to a lot of Frank Ocean, especially his album “Blond”. It’s perfect for the autumn season.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
At this point of my career, performance are the next frontier so I’d be eager to open up for anyone. Yet if I had to choose, I’d say Kanye West, The Weeknd, and/or Donald Glover would be awesome to open up for. I’d be grateful to headline my own show one day.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part of being a musician is the sensation of seeing an idea take physical form and shared around the world. I always say that making music and being a professional musician are two different things. Pursuing this career requires a high amount of sacrifice and patience. Even with all the difficulties, once you receive messages from fans and admirers that your creations have helped them with their lives brings meaning like no other. Especially with the amount of toxicity that our generation consumes, it feels amazing to know that you are contributing to a positive energy.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part of being a musician has to be the sacrifice and patience. Musicians dedicate large sections of their lives to be able to be considered professional. Yet with all this work (that often goes unseen), most musicians are only respected once they are signed to a major label or making over 6 figures annually.
For a lot of artists, it is a slow grind to success especially nowadays. Most people think if you don’t have momental success from your first single then there’s no reason to continue. In our generation, it appears that it is easier to make and share music because of technology, yet in retrospect, it is actually more difficult due to the high amount of saturation. Back in the day, you were going up against other musicians in your city, then your state and eventually your country. But now, right off the bat artists are competing against the world and that can be a very overwhelming feeling.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Keep going.
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Ziyaad Luceō's new EP 'Our Time Together' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.