Zee Underscore moved from Cincinnati Ohio to the Kansas City metro area where she grew accustomed to obvious changes. Her head held high with optimism, it was obvious she had a plan to spread positive energy and attract all the right sources. Upon meeting her, I recognized how supportive her energy was. Her authentic nature reminds people to let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are. We interview Zee Underscore today to help understand her mindset, her beliefs and her plans to become the best version of herself!
How did you get into making music?
When I moved to Kansas City in 2020, a song came out that really resonated with me so I decided to make a cover. Once I started letting people hear it and getting good reviews, I started listening to it repeatedly and really fell in love with the experience of creating and sharing, so I started writing more songs. Making music in a space where I was away from friends and family for the first time in my life became my solace and has been ever since.
What or who inspires you?
I get inspiration from seeing other artists on a local level grow and reach new heights. It really is a beautiful thing to be able to watch someone’s first performance, then months later see them headlining shows, or performing at so many other places. Other people’s drive and passion inspires my drive and passion.
What is your songwriting process like?
I usually start with constructing a melody. Whether I have a beat, or just start hearing a melody at a random point in the day, I make a voice note of the melodies I am hearing then go back and find the words to fit in.
What can fans expect from your live show?
Fans can expect genuine radiant energy, solid vocals and interaction at my live sets. I am performing for you, but at the same time, I am sharing this space with you and we’re on the same plane. You will be entertained because I’m entertained by the experience and we’ll transfer energy and have fun through the whole set. Not to mention, you’ll leave with some catchy hooks stuck in your head!
Where do you see yourself musically in 5 years?
In 5 years I will be touring around the world performing for large audiences with other talented creatives.
What do you think is the state of the music industry today and where do you think it will go in the future?
I think the music industry is in an okay state. I would like to see more artists embrace the independent route instead of setting their goal to get a record deal, so corporations would have less control over the mainstream sound. In the future, I do expect to see more independent artists at the forefront, as well as an increase of worldly influences being transferred country to country.
What was the best advice someone gave you when you were starting as a musician?
The best advice I’ve gotten as a musician is to register with BMI/ASCAP and make sure your back end business is in order before you formally release anything.
What was the worst piece of advice someone gave you when you were starting as a musician?
The worst piece of advice I’ve gotten is that I should buy followers on social media. Every time I see someone’s page with 10k+ followers and less than 10 reactions on most of their posts, it just comes across to me as a bad look. I’m all about authenticity and I don’t think I’d ever see value in spending money on followers.
Was there ever a time when you thought about quitting music altogether?
No, never.
What is the most difficult thing about being a musician?
The most difficult think about being a musician is struggling to fund your passion. Living in this country is so expensive already, it’s so important to budget so you can get the most out of every time you get an opportunity to invest in your craft.
Zee Underscore has a spectacular record out called “The Light” that’s out now on every platform! Click here to Stream The Light
Instagram: @z_bee1
Facebook: Zee Underscore Youtube: Zee Underscore
Email: zeebee.notes@gmail.com
