Interview with Zayd

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music, what would you be doing today?

Music has been a part of my life since childhood. My mom was my biggest supporter—she always believed music was in my DNA. She got me my first acoustic guitar, and that was the start of everything. She also introduced me to rock, beginning with bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden. But everything changed in 2000 when I heard Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park. That album hit me like a lightning bolt—I knew from that moment I wanted to be a musician. I never looked back.

I honestly can’t imagine life without music, but if I had to choose another path, I’d still be in a creative field. Maybe filmmaking or photography—something that tells stories in a different way. Marketing is another area that intrigues me since it’s all about connecting with people, just like music.

What do you like to do when you’re not playing music, and how does that influence your creativity?

I’m a huge anime and manga fan, and that plays a big role in my music. I love underdog stories characters fighting through darkness to find the light. That theme resonates with me and influences my songwriting.

How long has your band been around?

I started my solo project in 2020. Before that, I was a guitarist and songwriter in various bands, but after too many breakups and setbacks, I decided to go solo. It was a tough decision, but it gave me full creative control. Everything you hear—guitars, vocals, lyrics—is all me.

My journey started earlier, though. In 2016, I recorded my first song, Father, but I held back from releasing it out of fear. That changed in 2017 when I met my guitar idol, Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alter Bridge), during a guitar clinic on the Alter Bridge Canada tour. I played Father for him, and he told me something that stuck with me: “Let the world decide where this song belongs. Don’t hold back.” Those words lit a fire in me, and that’s when I fully committed to my solo project.

Where are you based, and how has that influenced your music?

I’m based in Saskatchewan, Canada—one of the coldest places in the country. When it’s -40°C outside, you don’t want to leave your house, so it’s the perfect time to write music.

Saskatchewan is mostly known for country artists like Hunter Brothers and Tenille Arts. The rock and metal scene here is nearly nonexistent, which makes it even more of a challenge to break through. But I see that as an opportunity—I want to carve out a space for rock and metal and show that this sound belongs here too.

How did you come up with the name Zayd, and what does it mean to you?

Zayd is simply my name. In Hebrew, it means “plentiful.” No elaborate backstory—just something that feels authentic to who I am.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

My last show of 2023 was one for the books. That night, WWE had a main event in town, and I had no idea that one of my favorite wrestlers, Drew McIntyre, was in the audience. During my set, I got caught up in the energy and climbed onto a table in the crowd—turns out, it was his table. Someone told me after the set, and I couldn’t believe I didn’t recognize him in the moment. By the time I realized, he was already leaving. Definitely a wild experience!

What’s your favorite venue to play, and where do you dream of performing?

I love playing small bar shows. There’s something special about that intimate connection with fans. It feels raw and real.

That said, my dream is to play massive festivals and iconic rock and metal venues. Download Festival, Rock am Ring, and major North American arenas where my favorite bands performed growing up—that’s where I want to be.

If you could create your dream lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Alter Bridge, Skillet, Breaking Benjamin, Bring Me The Horizon, and Linkin Park. That lineup would be unreal.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Be consistent. Stay true to your message. And don’t be afraid to evolve—growth is part of the journey.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Stop overthinking. Just create, share, and grow. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—start putting yourself out there sooner.

Which of your songs means the most to you and why?

Deceit and Desecrate is the heart of my music. It’s raw, heavy, and deeply personal. It captures the battle between truth and deception, faith and failure, hope and destruction.

“Deceit” represents the inner voices of fear and doubt that try to hold us back. “Desecrate” is the self-destruction that happens when we lose sight of what’s sacred. Musically, it’s one of my most intense songs—heavy guitars, relentless drums, and vocals that balance aggression with vulnerability. It’s for anyone wrestling with their past, regret, or searching for redemption. This song is more than music—it’s a declaration of strength.

Which songs are your favorite to play, and which get requested the most?

Right now, I’m taking a break from live shows to focus on my next EP, so I haven’t played Runaway live yet. But based on the response it’s getting online, I know it’s going to be a high energy song when I hit the stage again. Fans have told me it’s the kind of song that makes them want to move, so I can already picture the mosh pit kicking off as soon as that opening riff hits.

In the past, my heavier songs always got the biggest reactions, and I expect Runaway to follow that trend when I get back to performing live.

What’s your creative process like?

I let things flow naturally. I don’t start with a rigid structure—I let a song evolve from a riff, melody, or even a random lyric idea. Once I have a rough idea, I record everything before analyzing it too much. My best songs come from being vulnerable and letting my emotions lead the way.

What kinds of messages do you want to get across in your music?

My music is about the fight between light and darkness, self-doubt, redemption, and unity through struggle. I want my listeners to feel seen, to know they’re not alone in their battles.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you handle them?

One of the perks of being a solo artist—I have full creative freedom. No band arguments to worry about!

What are your plans for the future, and is there anything coming up you’d like to spotlight?

Absolutely! My debut EP, Deceit and Desecrate, dropped on January 30th. This isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a journey through fear, love, and faith, diving deep into the struggles we all face. Every track blends intense instrumentals with raw, emotional storytelling, making this my most personal and hard-hitting work yet.

If you've ever felt lost, if you're searching for something greater, this EP is for you. My hope is that these songs connect with those who need them and remind them they’re not alone.

Listen here: https://lnk.to/deceitanddesecrate

For future updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new music announcements, follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thisizzayd