Q&A: ZØYA Finds Freedom In New Single “Let Me Go”

 

☆ BY Chelsea Quezada ☆

 
 

DANCING THROUGH THE CITY TO FREE YOURSELF FROM YOUR PAST — is just a little thing ZØYA does to move on. Born in Belarus, raised in Columbus, Ohio, and now residing in Los Angeles, Zoya Naumchik believes music is a remedy to loneliness. She leans on that notion, as well as her faith, to create art that empowers people in a positive way.

ZØYA’s sanguine nature knows no bounds, although it has been tested in her teenage years, which she explored on her debut EP, Veracious Heart. As a proven self-starter, she directed two music videos for her songs ”I Still Believe” and “Chaos In My Head.” In 2020, ZØYA independently released her second EP, Journey, and has since grown her audience worldwide. 

In her synthpop-y new single, “Let Me Go,” ZØYA acknowledges how difficult it can be to have a fresh start once a relationship ends. Produced by Austin Cannon, mixed by Matt Huber, and mastered by Sam Moses, ZØYA was initially reluctant to release “Let Me Go.” But she had confidence in her faith that its moment would arrive when she was unquestionably ready. The music video — directed by Victoria Innocenzi and produced by Glass House Visuals — takes ZØYA up, down, and around Los Angeles, in a blue, pink, and white windbreaker tracksuit to boot.

Below, we talk about the process of writing and creating a video for “Let Me Go,” how to get through heartbreak, and more.

LUNA: Congratulations on the release of “Let Me Go”! What was it like writing and creating the track with your team?

ZØYA: Thank you! I'm happy to finally be able to share it with everyone. I wrote “Let Me Go” — both the lyrics and music. My Nashville team worked really hard on creating it. Austin Cannon produced the song, Matt Huber mixed it, and Sam Moses mastered it. The process was so much fun and collaborative, but it took us quite a bit of time to bring it to light. In the beginning, I think we went in a slightly different direction, and there were a series of revisions during the production stage of the song. We were able to find it eventually and then ended up with this final version. Austin also tracked my vocals in his beautiful studio in Nashville — it was a great sesh!

LUNA: What is your favorite lyric in the song?

ZØYA: Probably the first line of the song: “I’m tired of watching lips that move / I can’t tell if they speak the truth.”

LUNA: “Let Me Go” has such a nostalgic, ’80s sound. Did you know that you wanted to play on that for the music video?

ZØYA: Yes, it’s my favorite decade! I wanted to bring back the ’80s nostalgia to my sound and visuals for this particular heartbreak song.

LUNA: What role did you have in the creative process for the music video?

ZØYA: I came up with the concept and all the dance moves. It was directed by Victoria Innocenzi, shot by Hunter Gulan, and produced by Glass House Visuals.

LUNA: The scene in the music video where you’re running on the steps is just like in the movie “Rocky.” Do you often get inspired by movies and other media to write songs or come up with music video concepts?

ZØYA: This is my first time ever getting inspired by a movie and coming up with such a music video concept for my song.

LUNA: “Let Me Go” is a post-heartbreak anthem. Do you have any advice for people going through a breakup?

ZØYA: Take good care of yourself. Forgive even if you can’t forget. Keep busy, create if you’re an artist, and/or find someone who’s going through the same and help them while you’re trying to heal.

LUNA: You recently did a show at The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles! What was it like to be on stage in front of a crowd again?

ZØYA: It was pure joy to be back on stage at one of my favorite venues, and it felt so good to play in front of a good crowd! I felt at home again. 

LUNA: Do you have any end-of-the-year goals or plans before we wrap up 2021?

ZØYA: Work on some new tunes, and possibly play some more shows.

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