Q&A: Zoe Bayani Comes Out With “My Dog”
Join us in an insightful conversation with Zoe Bayani, a rising musician whose heartfelt lyrics and rock-infused melodies capture the essence of personal growth and musical evolution. From her humble beginnings to aspirations of touring and collaborating with icons, Zoe shares her journey through music, influences, and the creative process. Delve into the depths of her soulful compositions and discover the stories behind her favorite singles. Uncover the dreams and aspirations driving Zoe's musical career as she navigates the intersection of passion and profession in the dynamic world of indie rock.
LUNA: Introduce yourself: who is Zoe Bayani? How and when was the project born?
BAYANI: Zoe Bayani is just me. I started releasing music in October of 2021, but I started taking writing music seriously a few years earlier. My later years in high school and early college were really what finally gave me experiences that I was able to write about.
LUNA: How has your music changed in the past few years?
BAYANI: It has definitely become more rock influenced. Previously I was really into the dreamy indie folk sound, but after playing my fair share of shows I started making music that was more upbeat, with grittier sound and grungier vocals. You’ll be able to hear that on my upcoming debut album.
LUNA: Who inspired your music? Who are your biggest influences?
BAYANI: When I started writing music I was very inspired by songwriters like Phoebe Bridgers, Julia Jacklin, Stevie Nicks, Lana Del Rey, Adrianne Lenker and even some Joni Mitchell. I made very introspectivel, raw, sad girl music. Lately my influences have shifted over to artists with a bit of a heavier sound like Indigo De Souza, Wednesday, Veruca Salt, Heart, and Courtney Barnett.
LUNA: Could you introduce your favorite singles you've released so far?
BAYANI: My favorite singles have been Cherry Tree and Contemplate. Cherry Tree to me has such a great sound and really marked the start of my musical style shift, and it is so fun to play. I also love my lyrics in that song, as I think they are very witty and clever. Contemplate is another favorite because that was the first single I recorded with my current band, so it feels even more personal and meaningful than it already did before getting help from my band.
LUNA: How did you develop this style? Will you experiment with other genres in the future?
BAYANI: I developed my style from my favorite artists, the musical influences around me as a grew up in the south, and my love for playing live and realizing what types of songs are the most fun to perform live. I would love to make a completely acoustic folk song some day, and I would love to make a badass classic rock song like Edge of Seventeen or Barracuda.
LUNA: Let's talk about "My Dog:" what inspired it and how did it come to life?
BAYANI: It was inspired by the comfort I received from my mother after a terrible breakup early last year. I started reflecting on all of the times she helped me through friend troubles and relationship troubles, and I realized that I always trusted her judgement, but only if it was coming from her. I usually hate taking other people’s advice, but when it is from my mom I will believe anything she says. The beginning of the song is me detailing my appreciation towards her and how much I look up to her. During the bridge, when the dog metaphor comes in, the message shifts and is about how I might some times make bad choices, or choose to be with people (the guard dog) who she does not see fit, but at the end of the day when “my dog dies”, I will always go back to her for guidance.
LUNA: Who produces your tracks? How do you choose which producers to work with? Do you have some dream producers you'd like to work with?
BAYANI: My producer is a man up in Maysville, Georgia named Lee Davis. He has been in the business for 30+ years and has recorded and toured with a plethora of notable country artists. I have not worked with any other producers so far, honestly because I am always hesitant towards change of routine, and it was already hard enough to open up and truly be myself in front of someone who is recording me. I also don’t know many other producers, but I would love to one day record something in Electric Lady Studios and Sound City Studios.
LUNA: Is music your main occupation at the moment? If not, how are you conciliating your day job with your music career?
BAYANI: Unfortunately it is not my main occupation yet. On the side I work at a vintage clothing store/warehouse. I have worked here for a few years and my bosses are super flexible and understanding of my dedication towards my music career, and I have honestly gotten so much support from them and my coworkers. My schedule is not too overwhelming, especially now that I am finally out of college.
LUNA: Have you ever been on tour? If not, would you like to embark on one? If yes, tell us about it.
BAYANI: I have never been on tour! I have played a few out of town shows, and a few back to back shows, but never a full tour. It is one of my biggest dreams to go on one! I’d really love to play somewhere in the northeast and on the west coast because so far I have only played shows in Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. I also hope to play abroad one day! I have a lot of listeners in the UK and Canada, so it would be amazing to play in both of those places.
LUNA: Who's your dream feature?
BAYANI: Stevie Nicks!
LUNA: Where do you see yourself in one year as a musician?
BAYANI: Touring with an artist I love! Or on the lineup of Shaky Knees, my favorite festival here in Atlanta.
