What is your name and what city do you rep?
ZyDaShadow Born & Raised in Pittsburgh Pa, but Ohio shaped & molded me. Reppin that 614
Tell us about your latest releases, what inspired you to create them?
My latest release “No Evil” is really about calling people’s attention to things that deserve more attention in the culture, as well as promoting spiritual elevation. I have more music out, but that’s the latest.
What is unique about you and your music?
What makes my music unique is that it usually depicts a story or perspective that is relatable with most people in one way or another. I have experienced various degrees of trauma but have always found a way to persevere and provide my point of view in a encouraging manner.
What shaped your music?
Growing up in the projects, I saw alot of crazy $hit but I also learned a ton through observation & experience. My life really seemed like a movie. My mom was on crack/drugs during my child hood, my children at a young age watch me and their mother get beat by a group of cops, I’ve lost loved ones through the years, etc. All these things and much more built my character, and drives me to strive for greatness personally and for my people. If you listen, your can here an authentic vibration in my music.
When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
From the first time I touched the keys of a piano (at age 6) I knew I wanted to do music professionally, I just wasn’t sure exactly how or what I would be doing.
What type of music do you listen to?
I listen to all types of music, because I produce all types. This can range from Nina Simone, to GreenDay, to The Eagles, Pink Floyd, Lil Baby, Rich Homie Quan, Fat Joe. All genres are treated equal long as the music is good. I like Rock, POP, Hip Hop, Jazz, Classical and everything in between.
What inspires you to write music?
Music is therapy for me, a safe place to feel however I feel and to be ok with it. So that’s my first inspiration, but beyond that I love to inspire, educate, relate to, and inspire our culture.
What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
Take care of my children, I’m a single dad of 4 beautiful children whom I love dearly. Outside of my children I’m really deep into Computer Science & Engineering – I have over 60 IT certifications from Microsoft and Dell. So new gadgets, software, and Infrastructure systems get me excited. Other than that, I like to learn, be in nature, and study spiritual sciences.
Happiness to you is…
Happiness is when everyone that I love is able to enjoy life without the worry of trying to survive.
What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?
Be yourself. It’s ok to admire p
