Introducing... Leila Zerai

Leila Zerai is one of a blossoming acoustic-sect we've had the pleasure of stumbling across this year at STA; her music is strident, potent and as she says the tracks are 'songs that you will remember the morning after'.

STA: Hey Leila, what have you been up to recently?
LZ: Recently I have just come back from a break in Japan, and I have started writing some new material which I am hoping to record in the near future. In addition to that I have been in the process of moving into a new flat so it has been very busy.

How would you describe your own music and what do you think are the most important elements within it?
Being an acoustic singer-songwriter my music tends to fall within the folk category, although I would consider it to be a modern day take on the folk genre. I love using darker melodies which I think gives my music a different style, as well as incorporating electronic beats and synths into some of the recorded tracks.

Who are you excited about seeing at this years STA All dayer?
I am excited about all the acts, STA have come up with a really strong line-up. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing 65daysofstatic, as I've not yet had the opportunity to catch them live.

If you could sum up what you do in five words what would they be?
I make music with soul.

What can we expect from your set this year?
From the set you can expect a mixture of the dark and the lighthearted, and songs that you will remember the morning after.

Who is your biggest influence?
I have too many influences to list - they're pretty diverse - but at the moment Sufjan Stevens is someone I'm pretty envious of.

Do you have any words of wisdom to impart before you go?
Enjoy music, whether making it or listening to it, and keep supporting independent musicians and labels!

Leila Zeria Myspace | Image Courtesy Of Uberpup

Posted by andrew on 30th August 2006 at 6:43pm