Originally posting guitar and singing covers of her favorite songs, Zilpah Louise is ready to share her own work out of love for performing and creating.
With style and musical inspiration from multiple female icons such as FKA Twigs, Lucy Dacus, and Lana Del Ray, Zilpah stands out among the crowd.
Earnest and forthright in her lyrics expressing feelings of yearning for connection, and experimenting with fashion that perfectly combines elements of femininity and edginess, Zilpah can best be described as “defiantly feminine.”
She hopes to relate to anyone who shares similar, sometimes emotionally challenging interpersonal experiences that come with relationships.
Tell us about your story as an artist.
I’ve always been a writer. I wrote stories as soon as I learned how to read, and I developed a fondness for poetry in middle school. Since I was such a shy and quiet girl, I never really tried to sing with any seriousness until I was a freshman in high school, but I loved it immediately, and I began to write songs soon after I discovered I could use my voice.
What do you think is the most important aspect of your life right now?
Right now, the most important thing in my life is seeking happiness. I hope to figure out what I want from life, and what I need from people, because I think that’s a big part of finding happiness.
What makes this song special in your opinion?
I think the song is unique in its eerie yet comforting sound. The simplicity and repetition are calming, especially in the chorus, which conjures up imagery of falling slowly. It also includes my favorite chord, B7, which is special to me.
What inspired this track?
This track was inspired by a reoccurring dream I had as a very young child. I would dream that there were holes in the floor. The holes had faces like clowns and vacuums for hands. I had to run across my living room, trying to avoid their hungry eyes, hands, and mouths.
Eventually I got used to the horrifying imagery of the dream, and it stopped being scary. When it stopped being scary, it ceased to exist. There is definitely an acceptance of darkness in the song, because it’s just a dream after all.
What are some of the core messages here?
The song certainly has themes, but with so few lyrics, I wouldn’t say the song has any core messages. The tone of the lyrics is sort of cautionary. It’s a warning: “There is darkness here; beware.”
How do you think tiktok and social media are contributing to change an artist’s career?
Social media, TikTok in particular, is a double-edged sword. It makes life as an independent artist more stressful, but it also opens a lot of doors, allowing artists to reach new audiences. Unfortunately, it can be very easy to measure your worth by numbers in the digital age of music, and when you share your art, there will always be criticism that is not so constructive.
What excites you about your life?
I get excited imagining the pets I’ll have throughout my life, along with the amazing meals I’ll eat. I want to spend my life surrounded by animals and I want to try every type of fancy cheese.
What are some of your core values as a human being?
I value empathy. I want my actions to reflect that I care for others, and I don’t have any patience for those who take no measures to avoid doing harm.
What are your projects for this year?
I’m writing a lot of new songs so I can record a full album soon. Lately, I’ve also been doing vocal exercises; last year I had an appendicitis, a broken wrist, and a wisdom tooth removal back-to-back, so I took a break from singing and lost some range. Thankfully, my voice has improved and I’m back to writing songs.
