Fresh on the music scene in 2012, ZZ Ward has seen huge success in the last year and a half. After releasing a mixtape early in 2012 to much critical acclaim, she quickly gained attention as the face of modern blues — with a twist. Citing influences from Muddy Waters and Big Mama Thornton to Jay-Z and Outkast, she has a unique sound that matches her eclectic taste and the pipes to pull it off. Ward has already collaborated with big names such as Freddie Gibbs, Kendrick Lamar, and Michael Fitzpatrick of Fitz and the Tantrums, and she has high hopes for future collaborations.
ZZ Ward will visit Madison’s Majestic Theatre this Wednesday. We had the privilege of speaking to Ward over the weekend via e-mail as she made her way westward.
I hear that you grew up in a really rural area. Did that affect the music you were exposed to as a child?
“Yes. It gave me a lot of time to discover, listen to, and make music. I lived 30 minutes outside of the nearest city on a 23-acre lot, so it wasn’t the easiest to go hang out with people, especially when I was younger. I spent a lot of time with my dad who was a blues musician and listened to hip hop with my older brothers.”
Your story is quite inspiring. What gave you the courage to make the move to L.A.?
“I just realized that no matter what I did, if I was really serious about achieving my dreams I had to make a move. My brothers had moved down to L.A. so that’s where I felt I needed to be.”
Touring can be tiring, but do you feel like you’ve adapted well to the rigorous schedule?
“Touring is definitely demanding and can be overwhelming at times. It’s hard to find time for yourself or to write new music with such a strenuous schedule. But I truly love being on the road, playing music, interacting my fans, meeting all of the radio and press that are supporting me. My band is like my family, so we have a great time. It’s totally all worth it!”
I’ve heard a lot about the strong influence you have from blues, jazz, and hip hop artists. Can you tell me about a few songs or artists that really inspired you and your sound?
“I’d say I’m heavily inspired by Etta James, Robert Johnson, Big Mama Thornton, Howlin’ Wolf, Tina Turner, and even Son House, who’s song I cover in my set, to name a few. Their music is what I listen to when I have time, and it’s what inspires my songwriting. For example, Etta’s ‘Waiting for Charlie’ inspired ‘Charlie Ain’t Home.’ Hip hop-wise, I grew up listening to Biggie, Nas, Outkast, and Tribe to name a few. Ali Shaheed from A Tribe Called Quest produced ‘Charlie Ain’t Home’ on my album.”
I know you’ve done a bunch of great collaborations with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Gibbs, and Michael Fitzpatrick. Is there anyone you really want to work with in the future? What would be your absolute dream collaboration?
“So many people! Jack White, Dan Auerbach, Azealia Banks, Kanye West, Salaam Remi… the list goes on!”