Megann Horstead
Social Media Editor
Artist: Zaena
Album: Harlequin – EP
Recently, Zaena’s debut EP “Harlequin” was released from the world’s first free music label. Following successful performances at SXSW, she was named one of ten artists to look out for by Elicit Magazine.
Through her music, Zaena looks to challenge and even strengthen the media’s portrayal of female artists. In doing so, the self-proclaimed “comic book nerd” brought forward Harley Quinn, a comic book character, to tell a story through song.
Much of the electro-pop artist’s album is experimental—sonically and conceptually. In particular, “Whiskey and Beer” goes the distance to juxtapose conflicting yet compelling links between the forces of sticks and stones and whiskey and beer. With a hint of jazz, “Whiskey and Beer” comes off as smart and sexy.
But, the appeal doesn’t stop there. “Top Of the World” chimes in (literally) and places its own spin on the idea of gender, identity, and role bending. It’s equally as indisputable to refute how “Hatin On Me” goes Superman on us. The narrative quality that the song possesses helped to pump up the idea.
Running down the track listing, energy feeds off of itself moving track by track. The song “Vogue” sets the tone, “Young Thang” provides the air that the EP lives off, and “Favorite Tune” shuts it down with flair. Going all the way to redefine the role of women, it was an unforgettable experience. To see the controversial debate sashay across the beat, “Harlequin” summons an attack with force, attitude and urgency.
Rating ***
