THE ONE WHO KEEPS IT A HUNDRED

In this, ALL RISE interview the cool, calm and collected Zoé Collins talks about being dedicated to a music career of authenticity and integrity while still learning the tips and tricks of the music industry.

Written by Audrey Damier

Although her hushed voice barely competes with the cafe’s blaring sound, Zoé Collins is a force to be reckoned with. With a greek name that translates to “life”, the 28 years-old Brixton based artist has a lively personality that radiates. A perfect reflection of her voluptuous, soft but still fierce artistry. Zoé’s music is a breath of fresh air in the emerging British R&B scene. By making music that can exist within any place and time, the artist is slowly but surely making her way through.

Growing up in church her music is an impeccable blend of Gospel, Jazz & R&B. An untimely sound which has also been influenced by a childhood spent listening to artists in the likes of the Isley Brothers sitting on her dad's lap. Her recent release “Unending” demonstrate her sustained fixation on keeping her artistry simple and authentic. On this 3 minute track, the Nigerian artist displays effortless vocal agility over an afro-swing inspired rhythm. “Would you still love me if the world ends?” she utters in her mezzo-soprano voice. Her lyrics are a letter that captures the complexities of women’s feelings as they relate to our continuing quest for unconditional love. “I’m the most dramatic person” she admits. The feelings that she describes go even beyond the human realm. “My song can also be understood as a love letter to God” she explains. Whether you’re a lost soul in search of spirituality or a hopeless romantic, Zoé’s music will definitely speak to you. An ambiguity that the artist actively looks for when writing new songs.

“I can’t think of anything else I’m good at”

Zoé has been writing since her teenage years, yet she didn’t consider a career back then. And while she wouldn’t regard her family as particularly into music, she recognizes the host of talent that runs through her family bloodline. So perhaps the musical success of these family members is what led her to go forth with her music career. Leafing through my questions, I start to understand that this music career is more than just a dream it’s a purpose that she feels she has to serve. “I can’t think of anything else I’m good at’’ she replies to me. A purpose that she feels she has to serve inside but also outside the church. “While I love Gospel, I feel like my ministry is not just in gospel’’ is what she tells me. Nevertheless, throughout our conversation, I realise that there’s another driving force behind her determination. Zoé’s talent is a heritage. A heritage that she owes to her grandmother who was a singer. “She wanted to travel to the UK to pursue her career but she didn’t get the chance to” she adds. Zoé’s voice is like a gem passed on from generation to generation and while this gem has been lost between two generations, Zoé is the one reclaiming it. Somehow she’s taking over her grand-ma dream and that’s what keeps her going.

“You need to know the type of industry you’re getting into”

— Zoé Collins

Yet, the music industry can be quite disheartening sometimes. When you look at the rising fame of artists like Doja Cat or Olivia Rodrigo it looks as though success in the music industry is a simple question of perseverance and talent. While this is true, this is also only the tip of the iceberg. Something that the 28-year-old singer-songwriter understood very well. Her experience auditioning for X Factor with her group back in the day lead her to realise that the music industry is not all glitter and gold. “There’s a lot that people don’t see” she affirms. Although she still daydreams of sharing the stage with her favourite artists, she’s still very much aware that there is more than talent that comes into play because unfortunately art is only seen when it sells. “I’m still conscious that my music won’t be seen without some backhand work” she shares.

With a little help from YouTube and some industry friends, she is learning to market herself. Using platforms like TikTok or Reel, networking to find opportunities, scheduling and promoting her music, she does all that by herself while still working a 9-5. “Discipline is key” she admits. ‘’You need to know the type of industry you’re getting into” she fiercely tells me. Because she’s a “control freak” Zoé is not trying to land on the wrong side of the coin when it comes to her career. So, instead of betting on some record label with “360 deals that lock people in”, the Brixton based artist decided to bet on herself. A time consuming yet a more beneficial way for her to make her dream come true. While she admits that chasing numbers is influencing her behaviour, she also knows that “it’s not really about numbers because unfortunately people fake numbers”. If it was about the numbers, she knows there’s a specific way she could look like, specific things she could do or a specific way she could dress to get those numbers. But Zoé is not about that life.

While I’m always dubitative when using the word “kind” to describe someone, I couldn’t find any better word to describe Zoé Collins. Actually, kindness comes with honesty, authenticity and dedication and that’s exactly what she embodies. When I met her about three years ago, we were both at the beginning of our careers. While I was, a simple student in journalism, she kindly accepted to get interviewed. Now years later, we found our way back to each other and the 28 years-old artist still holds the kindness that felt so warm to me when I first met her. Whether it’s her career, her craft or the people she surrounds herself with, Zoé’s dedication to pursuing precisely what she wants is commendable if not a little inspiring.

Stream Zoé Collins latest release "Unending"