Harmoni Zax
In this interview, Harmoni Zax reflects on the inspiration behind Precious, discussing love, faith, personal growth, songwriting, and the life experiences that continue to shape her heartfelt, uplifting music.
1. Your new single Precious began with a simple melody your partner sang before you completed the song. How did that spontaneous moment grow into such a personal and heartfelt love story?
The tune came immediately so I was spurred on to write the lyrics which was honest words from the heart of our journey, love for each other and came easily. The love I feel for my partner and appreciation I feel for god came pouring out on the page.
2. Precious celebrates love while acknowledging faith as the force that brought you together. How important is spirituality in your songwriting, and how does it shape the messages you want listeners to take away?
Spirituality is very important to me in my songwriting and I have 2 new songs to be released detailing the beautiful relationship you can have with god. That particular song is called – Oh so Beautiful
My Pearl is the second song which details how god has helped me through the years. I would love it if listeners could take away the message that ‘God loves you and wants a relationship with you his child’, that’s a cue for another song!
3. Your music explores a wide range of themes, from mental health and philosophy to love and overcoming alcoholism. What draws you to write about such deeply human experiences, and how do you decide which stories become songs?
What draws me to write about these experiences is mainly helping others, but it also brings healing to me too. I hope people may listen and identify and see there’s a way through this. The stories that become songs are the ones with clearest, boldest messages.
4. As a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts-trained singer-songwriter, actress, and Creative Support Worker with Collective Encounters Theatre for Social Change, how have these different creative roles influenced your songwriting and performances?
LIPA mainly taught me and influenced how I sometimes have different beats and backing in the background along with the lead vocals. I learnt a lot in LIPA and it inspired me greatly.
Collective Encounters took me from a weary, fearful, unconfident person from dark experiences to a confident, flourishing artist who is now helping others through my songs and work.
The acting helps me to genuinely put emotion into my songs and influences my performing of the songs. So overall they have shaped my journey magnificently.
5. You’ve been writing songs since the age of seven. Looking back, how has your songwriting evolved over the years, and what do you feel is the biggest difference between your earliest work and the artist you are today?
My earlier songs were very simple and seen through the eyes of a child. They were part of my experience and journey and now my songs still have an element of simplicity but they are more detailed and carry messages to help, inspire and comfort people.
6. With Precious introducing listeners to this chapter of your journey, what are your hopes for the single, and what can fans expect from Harmoni Zax in the months ahead?
My hopes for the single are that it finds its niche of listeners that identify with the song. In the months ahead, well this month actually! I have a new album out called ‘Another Door Opens’. I hope to keep writing, sharing and performing my songs thereafter.