"Zanya's music rank's amongst the best! She has a stunning voice with a rich melodic, jazzy blend of neo-soul!"
-Trakheadz.com
Sounds Like: Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu
Latest News
Zanya Laurence, currently residing in the Mile High City, is preparing for the release of her 5th original release! Please visit the website for more information! www.zanyamusic.com
Biography
Zanya's sweet, yet moving sound showcases her early influences of urban R&B, and jazzy Soul. Born in Southern California and raised in New Mexico, Zanya began performing at the age of six. From dance to choir, she was clearly a natural. Before honing her songwriting and performance skills, her musical evolution encompassed learning to play the classical guitar at her fathers knee. Influenced and inspired by genres such as R&B, Hip-Hop, Funk, Blues and Jazz, Zanya has incorporated her creative writing and raw emotion into the lyrics found on her just released, independent debut, "Soul Theory", recorded at her privately owned studio, "Soul Spot Music".
She's had 2 songs nominated in the New Mexico Music Awards in 2004 and 2 more that were nominated in the R&B category in 2007. * Zanya was always involved in music growing up, whether it was playing in band or singing in regional talent competitions, but it wasn't until 1999 that she was introduced to her first studio experience. It was at that point that she realized she had found her niche, & with years of struggle and desire, came the sweet proof of an aspiring artist growing toward her prime. Feeling trapped, she knew she had to make a move. It was either New York or California. She found MI, sent her application with her recording and was accepted that very week. So she packed her car and drove off to the place "where dreams come true".
She soldiered on emotionally and financially, and graduated from the Vocal Institute of Technology at the Musician's Institute in Hollywood, California with extensive training in theory, performance and music business, while also studying the art and roots of Jazz and Blues. Selected by A&R, she came in first place out of 50 of MI's finest singer/songwriters in the Artist Development Program, earning the respect of her musical peers and instructors alike. She performed the Hollywood area regularly with The Zanya Laurence Band and is currently back in the studio, creating the soulful grooves you love to vibe to.
Although she has been compared to several established artists, her unique style can be heard through her passionate expression, phrasing, and thoughtful delivery. At the end of the day, Zanya's sound is truly one of a kind.