Music Star Zarah On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
I wish someone told me to write songs when I first started because they are so helpful not only to your development as an artist but channeling your emotions or viewpoint into a song is empowering and incredibly rewarding.
As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Zarah.
Zarah, also referred to as Zarah Maillard, is a critically acclaimed LA-based singer, songwriter, writer, television personality and producer who performed with the Goo Goo Dolls and dominated the media edutainment scene for youth by hosting the nationally syndicated music-empowering television series called “B InTune TV” as well as a celebrated author of the recently published “Diamonds are For Cocktails”. Her powerful gravelly vocals, catchy melodies, and insightful lyrics along with her unapologetic approach to rock influences with a tinge of today’s pop, create such raw art form of relatable escapism and energetic delivery. Find out more about Zarah here.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
My pleasure. So, I was originally born in Manila, but grew up in Los Angeles, which has been my home for a very long time and served as my creative environment since it is where Hollywood is, the entertainment capital of the world. As far back as I could recall, I always knew in my gut that I wanted to be an entertainer more than anything else in the world. My family loved to sing, dance, and entertain and so I was that ‘victim of influence’ in so many ways besides having my own personal desire that I believe I was born to do. Growing up, music consumed me in every aspect and stage of my life. It was like a shadow following me incessantly that I could never rid of nor I wanted to! I was obsessed with music and I would listen to all my favorite rock bands and singers in all sorts of ungodly hours and practice almost every day performing while letting my imagination run wild at home or elsewhere and occasionally, I would perform for my parents’ guests or in school. Living in LA was idyllic for an artist like me when you’re just starting and trying to figure things out in the business because basically, at that point, the world was my oyster; I could do whatever it is that I wanted and so, I did. Hence, I did anything to everything doing modeling, acting, singing, writing, auditioning, performing with my band, you name it, that any aspiring entertainers and musicians who have travelled afar would do. After years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work among others along with some unforeseen detours and seemingly insurmountable challenges I’ve had to face in my life, I started to make my own mark in the business.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?
Without a doubt, my love for music and my passion for the work that I do. Plain and simple. I devote my heart and soul and then some, to my creative work. And without that, artists like me would’ve had no sense of purpose nor would’ve had the proper outlet or platform to express myself for my creativity that is important to me and a crucial aspect in the overall process. Being artist in of itself already demands a lot of you let alone channeling your emotions or your ability to create that you have no choice but to constantly replenish like a river or a stream that flows in life and if you don’t, you become stagnant. It has saved, healed, and restored me in countless ways far more than anyone could ever imagine. In addition, it was self-evident growing up that I love performing and I’ve long accepted that it’s been a huge part of who I am before I could even begin to articulate what life is about. My journey not just in music, but in the entertainment field in general was challenging to say the least nonetheless, very fulfilling and rewarding and certainly worth the motivation. I had the right amount of drive and ambition that I was willing to pay the price for and so, I was always in search of improving myself and taking my career to the next level. I took music, guitar, piano, singing lessons, etc. and began to dabble in songwriting, though my love for performing always took precedence each time. That’s when I knew more so than ever, that I was meant to be an entertainer. When I was finally granted to perform for a major rock band Goo Goo Dolls as their opening act across the country, my career started to take a turn in the right direction. Then, came the popular music-based television series for teens I hosted called “B InTune TV”, which used music as a tool and Hollywood stars to help teach and entertain 13 to 17 years old that was syndicated nationally, broadcasting to an all-time high in 120 million homes in America. This opened the door for my entire writing career when I became the contributing writing of the show and years later, I authored my first murder mystery novel “Diamonds are For Cocktails”. The book was featured on Times Square billboard in New York and endorsed by Fox News, bringing me to the release of my music and so far, both “What Have We Become?” and “Blind Woman” from my upcoming debut album of the same title have been critically acclaimed and added to over a hundred Spotify and Radio Playlists worldwide.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Well, there’s been plenty of interesting stories that happened along the way as I’ve always felt that my life has never had a dull moment especially in the industry that I am in. But the one that comes to mind each time is the fact that most if not all of my career happened by accident even though I was fully aware of what I wanted to do growing up while pursuing my goals and dreams. For instance, I never thought in a million of years that I would get asked to performed with the Goo Goo Dolls who is still touring to this day, but one thing led to another and before I knew it I did it time and again. Same went with my television personality career as I never wanted to be a host of anything because that I felt that was more in line with acting, but wound up doing it. However, nothing topped my writing career to a point that I even surprised myself by writing lyrics to my own songs and publishing my first book “Diamonds are For Cocktails” considering it was some of my weaknesses growing up. Nonetheless, I am grateful that I was determined whatever it took because it changed the trajectory of my fate that led me to the accomplished writer that I am today.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
The one thing that always stuck to mind was when I opened up for the Goo Goo Dolls for the first time. I had to fly across the country and so as my band to prepare ahead of time and get ready for the concert performance I came in for. I wasn’t given that much time to prepare of course, but as a professional, you have to adapt. During this time, a few unexpected things did not go my way. First, I discovered that my band didn’t have an engineer to take care of my sound when we were rehearsing and so, when I asked my music director, he just basically shrugged off his shoulders. I immediately felt the blood drain off my face and body! But it must’ve been my lucky day since the Goo Goo Dolls decided to help me out by lending me their sound engineer; I was thoroughly grateful to Johnny and Robby for it. But then, my make-up artist/ hairstylist was a ‘no show’ that evening and I had only so much time to get ready from my hotel, onto the concert hall, all the way to the stage to premiere myself as an artist while trying to deliver the goods. Even though in the end, I’ve managed to get through all the difficulties that stood my way since then, I’ve had back up plans to back up back plans and relied on no one. Lessons like these have a searing effect on me thereby have prepared me to not ever have to go through that again. I don’t even think it was funny then, but it is funny now that I’ve gone through it!
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My late husband. He had such a profound influence on me when it came not only in the entertainment business but also, the business world in general and how to conduct myself at that level as well as in life. Spending a lot of time with him whether business or personal was incredibly beneficial to me because there were many things that he taught me. He was my mentor and my teacher even when I was resisting to learn in the beginning and I only have him to thank for it. And it’s unfortunate because his untimely death was only my huge loss. These are the kinds of stuff that people go to school for and buy books from the latest experts in order to gain the tricks of the trade and it was all handed down to me for free because someone who cared about my future wanted to share that priceless experience to me. I’m grateful for that.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I’m glad you asked. Well, besides than publishing my “Diamonds are For Cocktails” novel and releasing my music where my both my singles “What Have We Become?” and “Blind Woman” have been critically acclaimed and have received worldwide acclaim thus far, I am working on producing a couple of television shows as well as a feature film for my book “Diamonds are For Cocktails” on the horizon. But perhaps of most importance here, is my charity work involving my thought leadership in the re-emergence of our global edutainment initiatives for youth to re-create what I’ve started with my late husband such as bringing back the “B InTune TV” along with other media plans and various youth programs but from a global standpoint to help support and promote the humanitarian efforts of our partners like the United Nations as well as accomplish our own comprehensive goals by using the healing power of music focused on young adults in every capacity whether abused, displaced, ill or lost, disadvantaged or disabled or with special needs through our media capabilities in the edutainment space.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
It’s important in the entertainment industry particularly when a scene or a story is being portrayed whether or not in a form of a song, film or television because for one, it has to be realistic and represent life. And you see all sorts of people from all walks of life and as a writer or creator, you would want to be as accurate in life as much as possible. I think this sends a good signal to have a positive influence not only to society, but for the generations to come not to mention empowering the dreams of young minds, which is actually what I’ve done and continuing to. That said, it truly has to represent a diversity of people and not just skewing one or another. Equally important, is the talent of entertainers since they do have to deliver the goods. But I think we’re already there. For the last couple of years, I’ve seen nothing but drastic moves and changes happening in the entertainment industry especially in film and television. You watch studios like Netflix and their movies and other studio giants greenlighting diverse blockbuster films, we are basically there.
As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?
Throughout my entire journey as a multi-entertainer, I’ve had plenty of challenges standing in my way and I’m no exemption. However, I’m of the belief that it’s designed to make us undoubtedly come out better in life. For example, as a professional writer, I dreaded writing growing up until I became one; not your typically story from a writer who loved writing all their lives. Because I was left with no choice but to write in my profession, I simply have to overcome my weakness and accept the fact that I had to succeed. I knew being a songwriter was an asset to me as recording artist because who better to express my vision more than myself though I quickly found out that I didn’t necessarily liked writing or collaborating with someone. So, I forced myself to write my own songs and didn’t wait for anyone to rescue me. Also, when I wrote my first single “What Have We Become?”, a record producer showed his disdain for my work and spate his displeasure, but the moment I released it years later, it was immediately critically acclaimed along with my “Blind Woman” single and received worldwide acclaim, including being added to over a hundred Spotify Playlists. Not too dissimilarly, was becoming a contributing writer of “B InTune TV” and a novelist for my “Diamonds are For Cocktails” and screenwriter for my book’s movie. I remember writing religiously, going around the clock and I had to live and breathe my book for a long while to ‘find my voice’ as the literary experts would say. And to me, writing a book is an enormous task and the most challenging by far and away when it comes to writing. You have to have the discipline of a soldier and a devotion like no other to hone your craft and carve out a good story to appeal to your readers. All that said, I’m thankful for my perpetual drive and motivation as I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for that all because people told me I couldn’t do it. Life is way too short to only wonder what will happen to my music or book, craft or talent or if I ever did this, would I’ve been able to reach that for that matter. Although I’ve been pretty much this way my whole life, but when life taught me, my biggest lesson yet of losing my husband, it completely transformed me in ways that’s so unfathomable that even to this day I’m still trying to figure that one out. And to find success despite of it all, virtually never happens to anyone and this to me, is what dreams are made of. I suddenly became fearless and driven far more than I was a little girl dreaming away to make it big, just when you think you’re just about done in life. I don’t do the ‘could’ve, would’ve, should’ve’ anymore but rather, when I want something done and I’ve committed myself, I don’t think nor feel, I just go for it and get it done. That’s how I’ve been conducting myself both in my creative work and in business.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1. I wish someone told me to write songs when I first started because they are so helpful not only to your development as an artist but channeling your emotions or viewpoint into a song is empowering and incredibly rewarding.
2. I wish someone told me where to get a guidebook in the entertainment industry so my journey as an artist would be a lot easier. Being able to avoid the unnecessary ‘pits and falls’ of the business can save you plenty of detours and when you are pursuing the most important dream of your life, time is precious.
3. I wish someone told me to hone my craft earlier and the younger you are, the better as you’d be better prepared to go out there as an artist when you have to face the fierce competition that this industry has in store for you. Artists come from all over the world all the time to pursue their dreams in Hollywood; you have to be able to hold your own or you’ll get left in the dust.
4. I wish someone told me that you can have a good mentor if you so ever wish to have them when I first started because they are beneficial to a growing artist like I was plus, you will learn a lot and you can apply that to your own experience as you go through your musical journey. All of that can serve you well.
5. I wish someone told me that the leather apparel will be cool forever when I first started since I would’ve never guessed that though I’ve been wearing it for years anyway! Nevertheless, it would be good to know. I think leathers epitomize the look of a rock star and that is timeless to me.
Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?
Creativity is a delicate process that can take a life of its own. There are several factors that are involve here and it’s not an exact science. When you deal with anything artistic or creative, they cover the gamut from your vision, to your emotions, to your mood, and even your current state of mind, etc. that can directly affect the way you write or what direction your song or book is going. Am I happy? Am I hurting? Or do I just want to rock it out? Needless to say, the creative process can be tricky. These are good examples on how I approach songwriting that I have to consider factoring in and this is why there are no rules to it. Sometimes, I pick a theme and put melodies to the chords and melodies are words to me and vice versa. Other times, I can get it going in my head as I hum the hook to a song and start to think about writing the song and its arrangement. But I don’t really do collaborations not unless if I’m meant to do it together with a songwriter to whom I have the good chemistry with though I’m far more productive doing it alone.
Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?
Thank you, and I am very much humbled by this whole experience. Being critically acclaimed on your first song let alone your second is an enormous achievement and I never take it for granted as I know how hard this is to accomplish for any musician. It’s a dream come true moment for any true creators like me. I am an artist at heart and it’s important that I maintain the integrity of my work more than anything else. That’s what I think sets my music apart — its originality. Along with that is its raw energy and its relatable escapism, catchiness of melodies, and its entire unique approach to the modern rock genre where it doesn’t necessarily follow any rules. It’s just good songs to listen to with good energy and lyrics that are done in a poetic style. When I write or create a song or a book, I do it in an honest way where my creativity drives my work and my viewings more times than not could be thought-provoking, to which I am completely unapologetic for. I think listeners see that and that makes a difference.
How do you connect with your audience?
I think that’s an intuitive matter, if you ask me. Multi-entertainers like me have years of experience tucked under our belts, and that becomes incredibly helpful in the long run. In terms of my music, I tend to connect better when my song is a relatable topic or it’s something that they can identify with either through my lyrics, themes, melodies or simply that they feel good about your song and it catches their attention. On the other hand, connecting with your audience while playing live can be more challenging for a front person like me because in so many ways, you have no room for error and there’s more pressure because a lot of times the audience’s focus is on you. And if you do make that mistake live, my job as a professional entertainer is to make sure that it is done seamlessly where no one can ever tell except myself. I think you have to gauge it properly and ask yourself some questions first. What kind of mood is your audience? Are they happy? Do they feel restless? Is your band ready to follow you and share that energy that you have? In my case as a performer, before I even come on stage, I’m already of the mindset of delivering a good performance and hopefully, exceeding the audience’s expectations. That is my sole purpose and focus as a performer. But once on stage, I tap in to the audience’s minds by making eye contact, which to me is crucial because this is one way to send a signal that you are here to entertain them and express your creative work as an artist and a lot of times, they do engage.
With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?
I’m not sure if I’m doing it. As a matter of fact, I can tell you I don’t. Maintaining a balance in your life is not always easy. Self-care is something I’ve less prioritized these days particularly when I’m loaded with my to-do lists and meetings on top of my demanding schedule. I tend to bury myself in whatever I am working on that day, week or month as going through the changes I’ve had in my life lately has been extremely difficult to overcome more than any other challenges I’ve had in my life. Which is why the passion I have for my creative work especially music means everything to me and without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today where I still found success despite of all the odds against me.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Thank you, I do what I do because I simply love my work in all aspects especially the creative part. And if I can influence a soul or two and eventually inspire a movement, even better. As a thought leader for many years besides accomplishing a multi-career that includes being a singer-songwriter, television personality, writer, and producer in the entertainment industry, it’s exactly the kind of youth initiatives that I’ve done in the past, and what I am continuing to do in the near future with all our music and arts advancement efforts. And that is to edutain youth at a global capacity though the power of media in the edutainment space. That is the movement I’ve been involved in for years now, which has been making a difference to the lives of young adults.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
Tom Hiddleston. I’d like to sit down with him and talk more about his passion to explore his work. He’s an interesting actor and his work intrigues me. I think he’ll be a good fit for the main character in my book.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
The best way is to follow me is through my social media channels in addition to subscribing to my website below as it will give you my latest update.
Official Website I https://www.zarahrocks.com
Instagram I https://www.instagram.com/zarahrocks
Facebook I https://www.facebook.com/thezarahrocks
Twitter I https://twitter.com/zarahrocks
YouTube I https://www.youtube.com/@thezarahrocks
TikTok I https://www.tiktok.com/@thezarahrocks
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
