Q&A: Zoe Ko Embraces Her Boldest Self in “I’m wearing all black”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY RILEY HUNT ☆
Hannah Fard
IN THE EYE OF THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SCENE IS WHERE YOU’LL FIND ZOE KO — As a NYC-raised and LA-based artist, Ko understands the rebellious nature of metropolitan life more than most. The connections you make with people, unique style and never-ending drive all contribute to the world of Ko. She’s a breath of fresh air for all who find themselves drifting away from the ordinary.
Ko recently released a new track titled “I’m wearing all black,” which lives and breathes the honest truth of living life on your own terms. Its manic feel paired with an emotional defiance creates an addicting track you can’t stop thinking about. Ko knows how to lay herself bare in her lyrics, a feat that can feel like an uphill battle for most. This new release is undoubtedly her most electric, intimate work yet. Beware: She’s dressed to kill and ready to rock.
Luna spoke with Zoe Ko on everything “I’m wearing all black,” personal expression and inspirations. Read the full interview below.
Hannah Fard
LUNA: Your latest release, “I’m wearing all black,” is energetic, honest and undoubtedly freeing. Could you walk us through the creation of the track?
KO: I wanted to write this for so long! But I chose to wait until a few months after my breakup, when I had really lived through it a bit. After going through my horrendous breakup, I became such a stronger version of myself, and instead of letting him break me down, I got more punk and in your face. I started wearing more black and more plaid.
I went into the studio with Frequency and Colin, showed them some Slayyyter songs, some Peaches, some Sleigh Bells and we started making a track. We knew it had to have a driving, distinct bass guitar and good drum groove. I just started vomiting thoughts, words and experiences onto my Notes app and improving it. That’s how the verses came to life. I asked Colin to do a surf rock guitar part, which then became the post-chorus. The chorus came together in what felt like five minutes, too. This song perfectly captured how I’d been feeling after the breakup for the last few months. It barely changed from that first day session!
LUNA: When you first started releasing music, your sound was widely different compared to what you’re releasing now. “I’m wearing all black” is louder, grittier and more dominant than anything you’ve released thus far. What prompted this musical evolution?
KO: Honestly, I think I genuinely changed. A lot of life has happened — heartbreak, hardship, also lots of good, and I feel way more confident now. My music is always a true reflection of how I feel and where I’m at in my life. It will always be that way to be honest, so as I continue to change, my music will probably do the same (laughs). I used to be a very small version of myself back then. And now I’ve really come out of myself. It’s freeing.
LUNA: Independence from the men in your life is a common theme that appears in your lyrics. Are the experiences solely your own, or do you also pull inspiration from others?
KO: Sometimes the details may not be exact, but for the most part, it’s exactly what I’ve experienced! Solely pulling from my own life and inner feelings.
LUNA: Your work demonstrates an embrace of the liberated woman within and the power that comes with donning a leather jacket. Has personal expression always come naturally to you?
KO: Personal expression definitely has always come naturally! I attribute it to my mom and growing up in NYC. Individuality and self-expression were always celebrated in my city and in my home growing up.
LUNA: Reminiscing on your performances at the GRAMMY U Soundstage at GRAMMY Week 2026, Lollapalooza 2025 and at Elton John’s AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, what are some of the most notable lessons you’ve learned about live performances?
KO: To have fun! And to put WAY less pressure on any given moment or performance. To be present and enjoy sharing that night with those wonderful people.
LUNA: One of the most satisfying collaborations to see in this industry is two powerful women supporting each other's work. With that said, you’re currently opening for Ella Red for her Summer tour! What are you most looking forward to throughout the experience?
KO: It’s always such an honor and so fun to be on an all-female bill! So far, it’s been the absolute best time. Her fanbase is one of the sweetest I’ve met and seen, so just getting to know them every night has been so special. I’m truly enjoying partying with fun, sweet people every night the most! Every show is just a big dance party.
LUNA: It’s been established that you’re wearing all black, but where do you find inspiration for your punk-glam-infused flair?
KO: Betsy Johnson, Vivienne Westwood and Lady Gaga specifically have been my biggest fashion inspirations!
LUNA: What’s on the horizon for Zoe Ko?
KO: Lots more music on the way! Hopefully a first headline show too!
