Darla Z's voice resonates through the ages. Her remarkable vocal talent and ability to write inspirational songs have earned her international recognition. She was honored as the Best International Singer of the Year 2023 by the Rome Movie Awards. Her latest song, "To All the Gabbys in the World," has won over 40 international awards, showcasing the worldwide appreciation for her singing and songwriting skills. Darla Z has written, produced, and starred in television specials, working alongside industry icons such as Ronnie Wilson of The Gap Band, Wayne Newton, Willie Nelson, and the renowned pianist Bob Rozario. Her newest song, "Please Help Me Forgive," upholds her tradition of creating beautiful music with profound lyrics. The awards are already wracking up for Darla Z with her new song "Please Help Me Forgive." Global Film Awards in Los Angeles named it the Best Original Song, Bridgefest in Vancouver awarded it Grand Music Contest Winner, Global Music Awards, awarded Best Song, Christian Film Festival awarded her song Best Song, and the behind the scenes video and music video Best Mini Film, and Best Music Video.
Was there something (an experience) or someone in your life that was the "catalyst" for you to start writing or performing music? Tell us about it!
I began my career in writing by writing children's books about cats. My series is called the Cat Detectives and I have four books in the series. I started writing poetry, too. One day, I had written a poem and I woke up with a melody in my head that went with the poem. The song I ultimately wrote was called Why'd You Go, a country western song. One evening I was in a restaurant and a promoter was there that was promoting a concert with Willie Nelson. My husband and manager (Bill) told the promoter I had a beautiful country and western song I'd written. He told me to stand up and sing it, which I did at the restaurant. The next thing I knew, I was opening in concert for Willie Nelson before a crowd of 10,000. I had never performed with a band before. It was amazing! After that, I was hooked. But I was still writing the books and touring for book signings. My husband asked me what did I really like doing, and I told him I love music. I love to sing. I love to write songs. So he said, let's concentrate on that then. And I've never looked back! Almost 20 years later, I'm still going at it strong!
Let's get this out of the way. What is the CRAZIEST thing that has ever happened to you in your music career? Lots of crazy things have happened during my career. But a funny one is that when I was opening for Willie Nelson, it was at the Zoo Amphitheater in Oklahoma City.
My Dad and Mom had a really nice RV and I wanted it to be my back stage dressing room even though the facility had one for me, too. Well, Dad parked the RV in Willie's spot and boy oh boy, when his tour manager got there, it ruffled the tour manager's feathers.
Dad moved the RV and Willie's guy varoomed the RV into the spot we had vacated. Willie was great to me so nothing happened but I sure felt funny!!
What has been the high point of your music path? Being named Best International Singer of the Year 2023 by Rome Movie Awards and earning over 40 International Awards for my song "To All the Gabbys in the World" was incredible. Especially since my Gabby song was about something I really believe in, and that is, inspiring victims of domestic abuse to leave their abusive situations and start a new life. Now with my new song, Please Help Me Forgive, I've already received several awards so that makes me really happy, too!
So, how do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like?
I start with the lyrics and get them in shape rhythm-wise.
Then I write the melody. Then I work at it over and over until it's just right.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Indie Artists today? Or, if you could ask the music industry to change one thing, what would it be?
I hate the idea of AI and don't want artists or others to substitute real voices, real lyrics, and real emotion with made up mechanical voices and made up lyrics/music. There should be a disclaimer on any music that is artificial. Some people may not want to listen to artificial music.
I know I never will.
If you could share the stage with one other artist or band, who would it be and why?
Celine Dion because she is fantastic!
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough..then tell us more!!
Captivating, beautiful, and inspiring.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else? Tell us why
Recording in studio and performing!
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
Cooking and spending time with my husband, mom and my three cats!
What's coming up in the future for you?
I have many projects currently in the works, including more live performances, writing more songs, and co-producing movies.
Find more at www.darlaz.com