Rising star Zeliha joins us on Close-Up Culture to discuss her music journey and the big things still to come.
Hi Zeliha, welcome to Close-Up Culture. Can you tell us about your background and what led you to music?
Sure! I’ve been surrounded by music since I was young, with artists like Ray Charles really inspiring me. I’m self-taught – starting by recording myself and learning through trial and error. Later, I took a few lessons to refine my technique. I also played in a blues rock band, which helped me explore different genres like funk, reggae, and R&B. For me, music has always been about expressing myself and connecting with others, and that’s what led me to pursue it full-time.
What are your earliest memories of performing?
One of my earliest performances that I remember was when I was about 15 years old. I got up in front of the whole school assembly to perform a song by Mariah Carey. I was so nervous, and halfway through, I completely froze and forgot the lyrics! I ended up running off stage, totally embarrassed. It’s funny looking back now, but at the time, I was really upset. That moment definitely taught me about the nerves that come with performing, but it also fueled my determination to get better and not let fear stop me from doing what I love.
You’re releasing a new song this month. Can you reveal anything about it?
Yes! My new song is called “A Million.” It’s a track that was born from a really special moment in 2021 when some friends and I were watching a rare meteor shower. We got talking about our dreams and our place in the universe, and I had this realization about the power of manifesting your desires. It felt like the universe was reminding me that when you dare to dream, anything is possible. The song captures that feeling of limitless potential and hope. I’m really excited for everyone to hear it!
What’s your creative process like?
It honestly varies. Sometimes I’ll be walking down the street, just feeling a certain way, and suddenly a melody will pop into my head – maybe a few words that feel right within that melody. I’ll start by constructing a catchy hook, and then I’ll take it to my producer to fully flesh it out. Other times, I might create a demo at home and bring it to the studio for my producer to add those special touches that make it really stand out.
I also love improvisation – it’s one of my go-to methods. When I’m not overthinking, my subconscious seems to bring out words or melodies that I’ve been trying to express. It feels really authentic and raw, like the music is just flowing out of me without forced effort. That’s when I know I’ve found something special.
Many of your songs have gone viral. What’s your approach to TikTok and other social media?
I’m still a fairly new artist, so I’m lucky to be working with a team that has a lot of expertise in marketing and has had success breaking songs in the past. It’s definitely a bit of trial and error at times, but what’s most important to me is making sure my story is universal and resonates with people. I want my music to connect on a deeper level, and social media is just one of the platforms where I can share that. It’s all about authenticity and finding ways to engage with my audience in a way that feels real.
What are your hopes and ambitions for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about the journey I’m on with my music, and I’ve got some big plans for the near future. “A Million” is just the beginning—I’ll be releasing a follow-up single and an EP early next year. I want to continue connecting with my fans, sharing my personal story, and creating music that resonates with people on a deeper level. I’m also planning to hit the road with a tour in Australia and possibly the US in 2025, which will be an amazing opportunity to engage with my audience live.
But it’s not just about the music for me – I’m also passionate about fashion and other creative projects. I’m working on launching my own fashion brand, something that reflects my personal style and the themes in my music. I think fashion and music go hand in hand, and I’d love to create a space where I can blend both worlds, using fashion to tell the story of my music and vice versa. My ambition is to build a brand that feels as authentic and empowering as the messages in my songs, while exploring other creative projects that allow me to express myself in new ways.
Ultimately, I want to keep growing as an artist, expanding my creative horizons, and building a community of fans who are inspired by both my music and my other ventures. It’s all about staying true to who I am and sharing that with the world.