Zosia
Singer/songwriter Zosia released her new single “Overthrown” on May 11th.
After the release of her debut single “Water” released in 2017, Zosia is back with an emotional and poignant new single. The Los Angeles-based artist addresses an important message towards society’s treatment of sexual assault victims.
“As a victim myself, I have spent my life battling shame and issues of self worth. I was depressed and angry for ever other victim who has faced and will face this sort of dismissal of their pain.We don’t have to be either vulnerable or strong; vulnerability is just another form of strength,” explains Zosia.
“Overthrown” is now available everywhere.
Introduce yourself.
My given name is Anneke Lada but my stage name is Zosia, borrowed from my grandmother. I’m a California native, currently living in Los Angeles.
What’s your story?
I grew up in Silicon Valley but was drawn more to music and visual art than tech. I couldn’t wait to leave and discover more about myself, so I spent time in Boston, Indonesia, and London. By then I realized I wanted nothing more than to pursue music, and LA is one of the best places to do that.
What / who introduced you to the musical path?
Definitely my mom, who was always playing guitar and piano when I was young. In elementary school, she took me to buy my first guitar so that I could put chords to the songs I wrote.
At what point did you decide to pursue music as a career?
During college, I interned in the music business and found I wasn’t interested in that path. I would never be satisfied unless I pursued the creative side. I had just turned 21 when I moved to LA and became serious about this path.
When did you know you could sing?
I sang all the time when I was younger, in church or in school plays. I didn’t fully believe it when I was told I had a good voice, but I kept doing it for fun. Eventually I took singing lessons and learned to use my voice properly. It was only a few years ago that I really became confident in my ability to sing.
What is the first song you’ve ever written? What was it about?
All my early songs are embarrassing! I was singing about falling in love and getting my heart broken when I was ten because I wanted to be like Britney Spears.
How would you define Zosia, the artist?
I named myself after my grandmother because I wanted my alter ego to be a strong, independent, and wise women. I am very inspired by powerful female protagonists in films and other media, so many of them have shaped this character. At the same time Zosia is flawed and vulnerable, and I wanted to highlight that side with "Overthrown.”
Coud you tell us about your latest single “Overthrown”? What message did you want to convey through this record?
The message behind “Overthrown” is very important and special to me. Sexual assault is so prevalent in our society, yet the topic has been rarely discussed. Even if you aren’t a victim, you are part of a culture that perpetuates sexist ideas, and that affects everyone. It feels to me that there is a quiet frustration growing under the surface. I want to remind victims that they are not alone, and that there is no reason to feel shame about what was done to you.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this record?
I want people to feel a gut punch, to realize we can’t keep ignoring this problem. And that, in fact, so much beauty and strength comes from surviving this sort of trauma.
What appeals you the most in songwriting?
I love formulating ideas that have never been said before. I love finding the beautify in things that are typically dark or frightening. Songwriting helps me organize my own fears and flesh out my philosophies.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
In addition to Britney, so many 90s pop stars inspired me to write. More recently I’ve been very influenced by Bat For Lashes and Bon Iver. I love the worlds they create with their music.
How is it like to be an artist in Los Angeles?
LA is filled with so many passionate creatives which is both inspiring and at times overwhelming. I love that we all support each other in the highs and lows of pursing art. But so many struggle day to day and that can be very disheartening.
What do you like the most about LA?
The best part is all the amazing and talented people. Everyone who moved here came for a reason and has something unique to share with the world. I love meeting and collaborating with new talents to make something I never could have myself.
How would you define yourself?
I am made up of many contradictions: I can be both extroverted and introverted; I enjoy spontaneity but also meticulously update my calendar; I am quite self-assured but then second guess myself a lot; I am idealistic and pragmatic.
What are the things you are the most proud of?
I’ve been in LA for over five years but only started officially releasing music last year. I’m proud that I finally stopped holding myself back.
What message do you want to deliver to women around the world?
Shame is a terrible burden that no one deserves to carry. We have nothing to be ashamed of. We must stop defining ourselves by what others do to us or how they perceive us. Don’t let anyone else shape your self worth.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
This is a heavy question. One thing I would like to see is more authenticity. More focus on what really matters and not what society tells us should matter. But, like, fewer school shootings is more important.
Any upcoming project?
I just shot a video for “Overthrown” so that will be out soon. Also another single in the pipeline…stay tuned!
What’s your purpose?
I want to use my music and art to inspire others to think differently. I want to contribute to a new culture that is switching up the gender roles.
Connect with Sozia: