Rising Music Star Zeliha On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry

An Interview With Eden Gold

When I first started, I wish I had known to trust my instincts more. I used to second-guess myself a lot, but I’ve learned to follow my gut, which makes everything feel more authentic.

As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Zeliha.

Rising Australian artist, Zeliha is known for her eclectic blend of electronic, pop, hip-hop, blues, and jazz. Starting her musical journey at five, her global upbringing shaped her unique sound. After being a finalist in the 2019 Battle of the Bands, Zeliha turned personal challenges into creative fuel, leading to opportunities like touring with the Harlem Globetrotters and supporting Kid Ink on his Australian tour.

Her 2022 single “Like Me” explored self-love and validation and her newest release, “A Million” releasing November 29th, captures themes of hope and pursuing your dreams. Zeliha’s music continues to inspire, connecting deeply with audiences through her resilience and talent.

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?

Zeliha’s upbringing is nothing short of international and adventurous, having lived in a wide range of countries throughout her life. Born in the United Kingdom, she spent her childhood in places like the Netherlands, Turkey, and Australia. This exposure to diverse cultures shaped her identity and influenced her music, giving her a unique perspective on the world. Growing up, music was her outlet, a source of comfort as she navigated life’s challenges, including frequent relocations. She discovered her passion for music early on — around the age of five — and even started recording herself and pretending to be a radio host. This was the beginning of her musical journey, and it’s a thread that has remained central throughout her life.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?

Music was always something I gravitated towards from an early age. Growing up in different countries exposed me to various sounds and cultures, which inspired me to experiment with music. At first, it was a personal hobby, something I did to escape and express myself. But as I got older and started performing in local competitions, like the Battle of the Bands, I realized that music could be more than a passion — it could be my career. The turning point came when I competed and made it to the finals. That experience sparked something in me and gave me the confidence to pursue music professionally.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I’ve had a lot of cool and unique experiences throughout my career, and people often tell me that I’m quite lucky to be in the situations I find myself in. To be honest, I’m not sure how it happens, but it always feels like I’m in the right place at the right time. I’m incredibly thankful and blessed for it all. I have a strong faith that I continue to practice, and I believe it’s that faith, combined with following my passion, that leads me to serendipitous moments. It’s as though I keep meeting the right people who truly believe in me and my music. I’ve learned that when you follow your passion, lead with love, and stay true to yourself — even in tough times — it can bring you the right opportunities. Holding onto hope and believing in yourself has taken me further than I could have imagined.

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?

I remember one gig when I was starting out, I got so nervous that I completely forgot the lyrics to my own song! It was so embarrassing at the time, but instead of freezing, I made up new lyrics on the spot. The crowd actually loved it, and it turned into a funny and unexpected moment. It taught me that sometimes mistakes can lead to the best moments — people appreciate authenticity and humor.

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?

I’m incredibly grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout my journey. My family has always believed in me, and their encouragement has kept me going, even when I doubted myself. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders, and their love has been a constant source of strength. I’ve also had friends who’ve helped me through the toughest times, offering not just emotional support but also pushing me to be the best version of myself, whether through advice or by just being there. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. One memory that stands out is when I was struggling with my confidence and questioning whether I should continue pursuing music. My friends reminded me of why I started in the first place and helped me refocus on my passion. Their belief in me was the fuel I needed to keep going. I’m truly thankful for having such a strong support system that helped me stay on track and never give up.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I’m really excited about my upcoming single, A Million, which is set for release on 29th November 2024. It’s a song I’m particularly proud of because it marks a shift in my sound and lyrical depth. In addition to that, I’m also working on an EP and have some collaborations in the works. It’s a thrilling time, and I can’t wait to share all these new projects with my fans!

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?

Diversity is crucial in entertainment because it allows for a broader range of voices and experiences to be heard, reflecting the reality of our global society. It also fosters creativity, as different perspectives bring fresh ideas and unique stories. Finally, it helps to break down stereotypes, promoting inclusivity and understanding across cultures. This representation can shape a more open-minded and empathetic society, inspiring change and acceptance.

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?

Staying motivated comes from remembering my “why” — why I started this journey in the first place. Music is an outlet for me, and I find that remembering how powerful it can be for others keeps me driven. When obstacles arise, I tackle them head-on. I reflect, learn, and use setbacks as opportunities to grow. The key is resilience and not being afraid to fail.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

1. When I first started, I wish I had known to trust my instincts more. I used to second-guess myself a lot, but I’ve learned to follow my gut, which makes everything feel more authentic.
2. I also wish I’d been kinder to myself. I used to be really hard on myself, thinking I had to be perfect, but now I realize mistakes are part of growth and imperfection is natural.
3. Another lesson is to surround myself with the right people. It wasn’t until I worked with those who truly believed in me and my vision that things began to click.
4. I also wish I’d understood how important consistency is. It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t happen quickly, but I’ve learned that steady effort leads to real progress.
5. Lastly, I wish someone had told me to enjoy the journey more. I used to focus so much on the end goal that I missed out on appreciating where I was at the time. Now, I try to take in every moment.

Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?

My creative process is always evolving, but I often start with a mood or emotion that I want to express. It could be something I’m feeling or an idea that’s been on my mind. I usually begin by improvising melodies and layering lyrics that come from my subconscious. I like to let things flow naturally and see where it goes. Sometimes it starts with a basic beat, and other times the melody comes first. When it comes to collaborations, I love to work with people who are open-minded and willing to explore. I’m not afraid to experiment, whether it’s trying out new sounds or mixing genres. For me, the best collaborations are those where everyone feels free to contribute and bring their own unique energy to the table. It’s all about finding that balance and creating something that feels authentic to all of us.

Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?

Although I’m still a new artist, I believe what sets my music apart is its authenticity and personal connection. I draw heavily from my own experiences, which makes my music feel real and relatable. I’m not just trying to follow trends; instead, I focus on creating something that speaks to emotions and experiences that we all share. Even though I’m still finding my sound, I’m committed to staying true to myself and bringing something fresh to the table that feels genuine. I think that’s what resonates with my listeners — they can feel the honesty in my music.

How do you connect with your audience?

I connect with my audience by being authentic and transparent in my music. I share personal stories and emotions that many people can relate to, which helps create a sense of shared experience. Through my lyrics and performances, I aim to build a genuine bond with my listeners, making them feel like they’re not alone in what they’re going through.

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 prioritize self-care by setting aside time for myself, whether it’s through meditation, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing. I make sure to stay grounded and focus on what truly matters. Balance comes from knowing when to push myself and when to rest, ensuring I don’t burn out while staying connected to my passion.

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. :-)

If I could inspire a movement, it would be one focused on self-love and acceptance. In a world where we are constantly comparing ourselves to others, I believe it’s crucial for people to recognize their own worth and embrace their imperfections. A movement that encourages kindness, understanding, and authenticity could empower people to live more fulfilling, positive lives, and ultimately create a ripple effect of love and compassion in our communities.

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. :-)

If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be Rihanna. She’s not only an incredible artist but also a powerful businesswoman and philanthropist. I admire her ability to stay true to herself, break boundaries, and use her platform to create positive change. It would be amazing to learn from her experiences, how she balances her artistry with her entrepreneurial ventures, and how she maintains her authenticity in such a fast-paced industry. Plus, she’s a huge inspiration to so many, and I’d love the chance to connect with her on a deeper level.

How can our readers continue to follow your work online?

Readers can continue to follow my work online through my Instagram and TikTok for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new releases. You can also find my music on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. I’m always sharing new projects and exciting news across these platforms, so stay tuned and connect with me there!

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.

Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold.