Getting to Know Chase Zera
22-year-old Sydney native Chase Zera is making her way into the music world, and you should pay attention. Her well-rounded talent is hard to miss as you listen to her airy, yet powerful vocals, and watch her perform on stage. Chase is a professionally trained dancer who centers her live shows around bold choreography and pop-house flare. After graduating high school, she was accepted into the Australian Institute of Music and studied Composition and Audio Engineering, as well as attending Ableton Live School where she learned the basics of music production. With big talent and big dreams on her mind, Chase is anticipating the independent release of her debut single titled "Clovers" on Friday, March 1st, co-produced by Xavier Dunn. I got the chance to chat with Chase Zera to get to know her a little better and learn what this powerhouse is all about.
1. How long have you been a singer? Do you play any instruments?
I've been singing and songwriting since I was 13 and play piano as well.
2. How did you begin your journey into music? Have you always known you wanted to be an artist?
I started out dancing and was always surrounded by music so it was a really natural segway into music and singing. I have always wanted to do something creative and be a performer but it took a while to refine my brooding pop-house sound and pull together the Chase Zera brand and know specifically what path I wanted to take.
3. How would you describe your sound?
Pop-house, powerful
4. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Jeff Buckley is my biggest musical influence of all time. His vibrato and lyricism are second to none. I also very distinctly remember watching the recording of Red Hot Chili Peppers live at Slane Castle (2003) and thinking that would be the dream, that's what I want to do. Anthony Kiedis' stage presence, lyrics and autobiography 'Scar Tissue' inspired my artistry in a big way. I could ramble so many other influences though - Lady Gaga, Kaytranada, James Blake, Madonna. So many.
5. Who are you currently listening to?
I've had Ariana Grande's 'thank u, next' on repeat since it was a released a few weeks ago. Her musicality, her attitude, her voice, she's just killing the game right now. I think it's amazing how she has taken her painful experiences and turned them into art without being bitter.
6. Do you have any mentors in your life that have helped you shape your career so far?
I'm an independent artist and currently self-managed so, to be honest, I've had to figure a hell of a lot out on my own. My friends who are artists and have been releasing/playing shows for a while are probably my best source of advice because they understand the passion and they've got first-hand experience to tell me what they wish someone had told them from the start.
7. How does it feel for you to perform on stage?
Super cheesy but performing feels like home to me. It's what I've always done and love doing the most and nothing makes me happier.
8. If you could play any venue in the world, what would it be?
Madison Square Garden
9. Aside from music, what else inspires you?
I'm hugely inspired by anyone who is passionate about what they do. No matter what industry, my favourite conversations are with people who have such a deep and genuine interest and drive in what they're doing. But personally, aside from music I feel really creatively inspired when I do dance workshops. Similar to producers I think every choreographer has their own flare and after doing one-off dance workshops I've come home so inspired and sat at my desk for hours writing music or choreographing my own dances. It's so motivating.
10. You are releasing your debut single Clovers March 1st. Tell me about what it means to you. Any specific messages that hit close to home?
It hits very close to home. I blush when I play it to people because it feels so revealing. Often, we look for signs in situations, for instance finding a four-leaf clover is seen as a sign of good luck. ‘Cutting Clovers’ is a take on this idea. The action of 'Cutting Clovers' is about cutting out bullshit hope that someone will change and getting on with my life. There was a moment in a toxic relationship where I decided to stop turning a blind eye to bad signs and looking too far into signs telling me to stay is the right thing to do. For ages, I made excuses for that person's behaviour and one day I got the courage to see the toxic situation for what it really was and stand up for myself. Clovers, and the Chase Zera project is all about regaining self-confidence and taking pride in being independent. Creating change instead of waiting for others to change.
11. Any goals in mind for 2019?
I'm really excited to showcase my live show and to keep releasing all the music I've been working on.">">
