Zella Day

Last updated

Zella Day
Zella Day 11 21 2017 -21 (26817203779) (cropped).jpg
Day performing in 2017
Background information
Birth nameZella Day Kerr
Born (1995-03-13) March 13, 1995 (age 28)
Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active2009–present
Labels
Website zelladay.com

Zella Day Kerr (born March 13, 1995) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician from Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona.

Contents

Day began recording music in her early teens, independently releasing her debut album, Powered by Love, in 2009. Following its success, Day worked as a songwriter for BMG Publishing Group and eventually landed a Hollywood Records artist deal. In 2015, Day released her major label debut, Kicker , which was preceded by singles "Hypnotic" and "East of Eden". Day followed the release with promotional appearances for publications including Vogue , Playboy , and The Huffington Post , and on televised programs including Late Night with Seth Meyers and Conan . In 2016, Day performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Early life

Raised in Arizona, Day was immersed in the café and art space her parents helped to create in their small mountain town of Pinetop-Lakeside. She was first encouraged by her mother to learn guitar as practical means for achieving a sustainable career as a musician. Her first songs, written soon after picking up the guitar at age 9, took influence from the classic singer-songwriter records of her parents and the mystique of the rugged desert landscape around her. [1] [2] [3]

Career

2009–2012: Powered by Love and Cynics vs. Dreamers

In 2009, Day self-released her debut album Powered by Love. The album was funded and recorded by a family friend. The initial success of Powered by Love brought the attention of BMG Publishing, who connected her with John Paul White of the Civil Wars and Meghan Trainor for writing sessions. [4]

In 2012, Day self-released her first extended play, Cynics vs Dreamers. The album was produced by Wally Gagel and Xandy Barry of Wax Ltd. [5] "Simple Song" was featured in the film Tooth Fairy 2 . [6]

That year she also released a cover of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army", which reached number one on Hype Machine's charts. [7] The song received over 50 million plays on Spotify. In 2013, Day was featured on Sultan & Ned Shepard's "All These Roads" alongside Sam Martin. The single, which debuted in early October 2014 on Pete Tong's BBC Radio 1 broadcast, was celebrated by Billboard for its "ebbs and flows with harmonies and rhythmic shifts." [8]

2013–2015: Major label debut with Kicker

Day performing live in 2015 in Austin, Texas. Zella Day (Austin, Texas, 2015-12-17) (23947310155).jpg
Day performing live in 2015 in Austin, Texas.

In April 2014, "Sweet Ophelia" was released as the first single off of the Zella Day EP with the b-side "1965". The music video was directed by Gianennio Salucci and released on April 7, a day ahead of the 7" release by tastemaker B3Sci Records in coordination with Day's Pinetop Records, an imprint of Hollywood Records. [9]

The Zella Day EP was released on September 23, 2014. It was celebrated as an "intangible tapestry of sound and raw emotion, blanketing the pop, alternative, and folk genres" by Atwood magazine. The EP peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and garnered critical acclaim. [10] The final track on the EP, "Hypnotic", was picked as an iTunes Single of the Week and was later released as the second single from the album. [11] In December 2014, Day was featured as a guest vocalist on the acoustic version of Borns' "Electric Love" off his debut EP, Candy. [12]

Day performing in West Hollywood in June 2015. Zella Day 06 03 2015 -6 (18450997346).jpg
Day performing in West Hollywood in June 2015.

On February 27, 2015 Day announced her second studio album, Kicker. [13] The video was directed by Gianennio Salucci and now boasts over 8 million views on Vevo. In May 2015, Day debuted the single "High", and performed it live the following month on Conan as her television debut. [14]

Kicker was released on June 2, 2015 via Pinetop Records and Hollywood Records. The album title references the old Arizona mining town where Day's parents married while exploring toxic relationships, breakups, broken homes, love and lust. Speaking about the album, she explained, "The music's spiritual resonance is clearly influenced by the Northern Arizona mountains that sheltered my creative energy from any outside implications of city mentality."[ citation needed ] The record was hailed as Day's most intimate yet gorgeously expansive album yet and charted at number 65 on the US Billboard 200 and number 7 on the US Top Alternative. [15] Interview Magazine praised Day's uniquely "own charmed style", and BlackBook Magazine declared, "it's safe to say this girl's on her way to being a household name."[ citation needed ]

On December 17, 2015 Day performed on Last Call with Carson Daly . [16] On January 4, 2016 she performed "Hypnotic" on Late Night with Seth Meyers . [17] Her third national TV appearance was followed by a number of high-profile festival performances at Billboard Hot 100 Fest, Music Midtown, and the iHeart Radio Music Festival. Her debut at Coachella in 2016 caught the attention of Los Angeles Magazine , which described the performance as "hypnotic"; Billboard, which hailed her set as "stellar"; and Consequence of Sound , which exclaimed, "it's entirely possible that Zella Day looks back on Coachella 2016 as the moment that launched her career in the earnest... Day is an undeniably powerful vocalist." [18]

2016–2018: Departure from Hollywood Records

Day performing with Lana Del Rey in October 2019. Lana Del Rey @ Grammy Museum 10 13 2019 (49311021908).jpg
Day performing with Lana Del Rey in October 2019.

On May 4, 2016 Day was featured again as a musical guest on Last Call with Carson Daly, debuting her newest single, "Mustang Kids", live. [19] [ non-primary source needed ] As the latest single ahead of a headlining tour in June, "Mustang Kids" was officially released on June 9, 2016 featuring a guest verse from Florida-bred rapper Baby E. and a music video directed by Tim Mattia.[ citation needed ] Following the North American headlining tour in June 2016, Day embarked on a supporting run with L.A. neo-soul outfit Fitz and the Tantrums throughout July and then another supporting slot with Michael Franti and Spearhead in August.[ citation needed ]

In October 2016, Day released the single "Man on the Moon" and announced a 7" release via B3Sci. November 2016 saw the digital premier of "Hunnie Pie" as a B-side to the "Man on the Moon" 7". [20] On November 29, 2018, Day uploaded a letter to her social media accounts explaining she had been released from her label and production deal. [21] [ non-primary source needed ] On December 14, she uploaded a video announcement alongside a new song titled "I Don't Know How To End" to her website. [22] [ non-primary source needed ] Day appeared as a guest on Lana Del Rey's LA to the Moon Tour in 2018.

2019–present: Where Does the Devil Hide and Sunday in Heaven

Day performed a cover of "For Free" alongside Weyes Blood with Lana Del Rey for her The Norman Fucking Rockwell! Tour show at The Hollywood Bowl on October 10, 2019. [23] The trio later performed the song at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.

On October 25, she released a cover of "You Sexy Thing". [24] After signing a deal with Easy Eye Sound and Concord Records, Day released the singles "People Are Strangers" in April and "My Game" in May, alongside accompanying music videos. [25] On April 27, she announced an EP titled Where Does the Devil Hide . [26] The announcement was followed by the releases of "Purple Haze" and "Only a Dream" in July.

On October 14, 2022, she released her third album, Sunday in Heaven.

Discography

Tours

Headlining

Supporting

Guest

Filmography

Web

YearFilmRoleNotes
2014–2015 DayxDay HerselfMain role; 6 episodes

Music video

YearFilmArtistRole
2020"Let Me Love You Like a Woman" Lana Del Rey Herself

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lana Del Rey</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1985)

Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, known professionally as Lana Del Rey, is an American singer-songwriter. Her music is noted for its cinematic quality and exploration of tragic romance, glamour, and melancholia, with frequent references to contemporary pop culture and 1950s–70s Americana. Her vintage Hollywood glamour aesthetic is presented not only in her music, but also in her music videos. She is the recipient of various accolades, including two Brit Awards, two Billboard Women in Music, two MTV Europe Music Awards, and a Satellite Award, in addition to nominations for six Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Variety honored her at their Hitmakers Awards for being "one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 21st century". Rolling Stone placed Del Rey on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time (2023), and Rolling Stone UK named her The Greatest American Songwriter of the 21st century (2023). Time magazine named Del Rey one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012.

<i>Born to Die</i> 2012 studio album by Lana Del Rey

Born to Die is the debut major-label and second studio album by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. It was released on January 27, 2012, through Interscope Records and Polydor Records. A reissue of the album, subtitled The Paradise Edition, was released on November 9, 2012. The new material from the reissue was also made available on a separate EP, titled Paradise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lana Del Rey discography</span>

American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey has nine studio albums, three extended plays, 38 singles, 18 promotional singles and one box set. She also has one leaked demo album, which was not released officially. According to Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Del Rey has sold 32 million singles and 15.5 million albums in the United States. Billboard ranked her as the 37th Top Rock Artist of the 2010s. Del Rey has also sold 7.1 million singles units in United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Jeans (Lana Del Rey song)</span> 2012 single by Lana Del Rey

"Blue Jeans" is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey and the third single from her second studio album, Born to Die (2012). Interscope Records released the track to Italian radios on March 30, 2012. Del Rey wrote it with Dan Heath and producer Emile Haynie. The song combines sadcore, trip hop, and gothic pop over a balladic production.

<i>Paradise</i> (Lana Del Rey EP) 2012 EP by Lana Del Rey

Paradise is an EP by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. It was released on November 9, 2012, in Australasia and November 11, 2012, worldwide by Polydor & Interscope. It was additionally packaged with the reissue of her major-label debut studio album, Born to Die (2012), titled Born to Die: The Paradise Edition. Del Rey enlisted collaborators including producers Rick Nowels, Justin Parker and Rick Rubin. The album's sound has been described as baroque pop and trip hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cashmere Cat</span> Norwegian DJ, record producer, musician and turntablist (born 1987)

Magnus August Høiberg, known professionally as Cashmere Cat, is a Norwegian DJ, record producer, songwriter and musician. He is best known for producing songs for artists including Kanye West, The Kid Laroi, Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande, Tory Lanez, Major Lazer, The Weeknd, and Kali Uchis as well as his own critically acclaimed musical output.

<i>Ultraviolence</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Lana Del Rey

Ultraviolence is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released on June 13, 2014, by Polydor and Interscope Records. Originally dismissing the possibility of releasing another record after her major-label debut Born to Die (2012), Del Rey began planning its follow-up in 2013. Production continued into 2014, at which time she heavily collaborated with Dan Auerbach to revamp what she initially considered to be the completed record. The album saw additional contributions from producers such as Paul Epworth, Greg Kurstin, Daniel Heath, and Rick Nowels, and features a more guitar-based sound than Del Rey's previous releases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Coast (Lana Del Rey song)</span> 2014 single by Lana Del Rey

"West Coast" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey for her third studio album, Ultraviolence (2014). Written by Del Rey and Rick Nowels, it is a melancholy love song about a woman torn between love and ambition, and as a dedication to the West Coast of the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Endless Summer Tour</span> 2015 concert tour by Lana Del Rey

The Endless Summer Tour was the third headlining concert tour by American recording artist Lana Del Rey in support of her third studio album, Ultraviolence (2014). The tour began on May 7, 2015, in The Woodlands, Texas and concluded on June 16, 2015, in West Palm Beach, Florida finishing with a total of twenty shows over the span of two months. The first seven shows of the tour were supported by fellow alternative rock singer Courtney Love, while the majority of the remaining tour dates were supported by synthpop singer and producer, Grimes. Most of the tour dates were sold out instantly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Børns</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1992)

Garrett Clark Borns, better known by his stage name Børns, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.

<i>Kicker</i> (album) Album by Zella Day

Kicker is the second studio album and major-label debut by American singer-songwriter Zella Day. It was released on June 2, 2015, through Pinetop Records and Hollywood Records. Production was mostly handled by Wally Gagel and Xandy Barry of Wax Ltd, and features production from Blueprint. Guest vocals on the album were provided by Baby E.

<i>Honeymoon</i> (Lana Del Rey album) 2015 studio album by Lana Del Rey

Honeymoon is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. It was released on September 18, 2015, by Polydor Records and Interscope Records, and was produced by Del Rey alongside longtime collaborators Rick Nowels and Kieron Menzies. The album marked a departure from the more guitar-driven instrumentation of Del Rey's previous album Ultraviolence and a return to the baroque pop of Born to Die and Paradise. Lyrically, the album touches on themes of tortured romance, resentment, lust, escapism, and violence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hypnotic (song)</span> 2015 single by Zella Day

"Hypnotic" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Zella Day for her second extended play (EP) Zella Day (2014) and her second studio album Kicker (2015). The song was released on February 27, 2015, as the latter record's lead single through Pinetop Records and Hollywood Records. The song was written by Day, Nick Bailey, Xandy Barry, and Ryan Orgen. Production was handled by Wally Gagel and Xandy Barry of Wax Ltd, with additional production from Blueprint. Musically, "Hypnotic" is an alternative, folk, pop song with hip-hop, country and dream pop influences. Lyrically, it discusses the struggle and eventual loss of power in a new relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East of Eden (Zella Day song)</span> 2014 single by Zella Day

"East of Eden" a song by American singer-songwriter Zella Day, for her second extended play, Zella Day (2014), and her second studio album, Kicker (2015). It was released on June 27, 2014, through B3SCI and Pinetop Records, and was the second single to her eponymous EP. Produced by Wally Gagel and Xandy Barry from Wax Ltd, the song was written by Day, Bonnie Baker, Barry, and Gagel.

<i>Zella Day</i> (EP) 2014 EP by Zella Day

Zella Day is the eponymous second extended play by American singer-songwriter Zella Day. It was released on October 21, 2014, through B3SCI Records and Pinetop Records. Production was mostly handled by Wally Gagel and Xandy Barry of Wax Ltd, and features production from Blueprint.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lust for Life (Lana Del Rey song)</span> 2017 single by Lana Del Rey featuring the Weeknd

"Lust for Life" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey featuring Canadian singer the Weeknd. The song was written by the artists, Rick Nowels, and Max Martin and produced by Del Rey, Nowels, Dean Reid and Kieron Menzies. Martin handled the additional production. It was released on April 19, 2017, through Polydor Records and Interscope Records, as the second single from her fifth studio album of the same name (2017). A dream pop and bubblegum pop song, "Lust for Life" is reminiscent of 1960s music, especially from girl groups like the Shangri-Las and the Angels; the latter's 1963 song "My Boyfriend's Back" is referenced in the lyrics. It also quotes the poem "Invictus" by the English poet William Ernest Henley (1849–1903).

<i>Lust for Life</i> (Lana Del Rey album) 2017 studio album by Lana Del Rey

Lust for Life is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released on July 21, 2017, through Polydor and Interscope Records worldwide and Urban Records in Germany. Marking a return to the "hip-hop inspired" sound of her major-label debut, Lust for Life features production from past collaborators Rick Nowels, Kieron Menzies and Emile Haynie, while also working for the first time with producers Boi-1da, Max Martin, Benny Blanco and Metro Boomin. It also features guest appearances from The Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Stevie Nicks, Sean Lennon, and Playboi Carti. The album and its title were announced on March 29, 2017, through a trailer on Del Rey's official Vevo channel on YouTube.

<i>Where Does the Devil Hide</i> 2020 EP by Zella Day

Where Does the Devil Hide is the fourth EP by American singer and songwriter Zella Day, released on August 28, 2020. Preceded by four singles including "My Game" and "Only a Dream", the visual EP was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. The record marks Day's first release under joint record deal with Concord Records and Easy Eye Sound.

References

  1. ↑ Thomas-Hansard, Artemis (June 2, 2015). "Indie-Pop Songstress Zella Day Comes From a Long Line of Hardcore Bitches". L.A. Weekly . Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Zella Day: "I'm Not Entitled to Anything"". Read.tidal.com.
  3. ↑ Thomas-Hansard, Artemis (June 2, 2015). "Indie-Pop Songstress Zella Day Comes From a Long Line of Hardcore Bitches". L.A. Weekly .
  4. ↑ Accomazzo, David (July 19, 2016). "When Will Pinetop Native Zella Day Get The Break She Needs to Become a Star?". Phoenix New Times . Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  5. ↑ "Zella Day: The Best of What's Next". Paste. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Tooth Fairy 2 (2012) Direct to Video - Soundtrack.Net". Soundtrack.net. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  7. ↑ "Zella Day". 1883 Magazine. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  8. ↑ "CODE First Play: Sultan & Ned Shepard featuring Zella Day and Sam Martin: 'All These Roads'". Billboard. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Zella Day – Sweet Ophelia". Blahblahblahscience. February 25, 2014. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  10. ↑ "Zella Day: Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  11. ↑ "Join in on the Obsession with Zella Day's "Hypnotic"". Atwoodmagazine.com. October 21, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  12. ↑ "Video: BØRNS feat. Zella Day – "Electric Love" (Acoustic)". Pursuit Of Dopeness. December 12, 2014. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  13. ↑ "Zella Day Reveals 'Kicker' Album Details". Buzznet. March 17, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Zella Day – High [Live on Conan]". Dailymotion.com. June 11, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  15. ↑ "Zella Day – Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  16. ↑ "Last Call With Carson Daly – Luke Bracey/Zella Day/Torres". IMDb.com. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
  17. ↑ "Zella Day 'Hypnotic' Live with Seth Meyers". Dailymotion.com. January 5, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
  18. ↑ "Coachella 2016 Festival Review: From Worst to Best". Consequence of Sound. April 18, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  19. ↑ Day, Zella (May 4, 2016). "Had so much fun performing Mustang Kids on Last Call with Carson Daly. Download the song here" . Retrieved August 2, 2017– via Twitter.
  20. ↑ "Zella Day – Man On The Moon/Hunnie Pie". blahblahblahscience.com. November 18, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  21. ↑ "Answers" . Retrieved December 17, 2018– via Twitter.
  22. ↑ Day, Zella (December 14, 2018). "Happy 12 days of Christmas everyone! Watch the interview to find out more and then head over to" . Retrieved December 17, 2018– via Twitter.
  23. ↑ Breihan, Tom (October 10, 2019). "Lana Del Rey, Weyes Blood, & Zella Day Sing Joni Mitchell's "For Free" Together: Watch". Stereogum.com. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  24. ↑ "You Sexy Thing – Single by Zella Day". Music.apple.com. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  25. ↑ Anna Milo Devine (April 24, 2020). "Zella Day Debuts New Single and Video, "People Are Strangers"". Noisetrend.com. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
  26. ↑ "NEW MUSIC: Zella Day Releases "People Are Strangers"". B-sides.tv. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.