meet zola simone, purveyor of androgynous pop
All images courtesy of Ric Morshower
nobody does androgyny or pop quite like our very own boston native zola simone.listening to her music is like hopping on a fun ass rollercoaster. you’re never sure quite what you’re going to get, but one thing is for sure: it’s going to be gay as hell. her candid vulnerability and catchy choruses are enough to draw anyone in, and her discography is even more impressive.
from playing boston calling to releasing three Eps, simone had a phenomenal 2024. with a much anticipated ALbum #2 (kaleidoscope) coming in february, simone continues to raise the bar. Dreamworldgirl zine had the honor of interviewing the multi-faceted artist, the q&A of which you can find below, and if you’re not yet a fan, you will be by the end of it!
Q1: Zola! What is your origin story? How did you get into music?
A: My origin story! That sounds so official. I’ve really always been drawn to music. I come from a family of music lovers, but it’s funny because on my birth moms side of the family there is really no musical talent. (It’s ok they all know it.) My mom Lisa, taught me how to harmonize and she has a great ear and voice, but mostly it’s always been an innate calling of mine. I had the drive and passion at such a young age but it really was my parents that motivated me to continue to work on the actual skill of singing. I have had a lot of amazing opportunities at a young age, some that I created myself and some that fell into place, that just allowed me to express myself through music. I’m very lucky to do what I love.
Q2: In your own words, would you describe your music and who are your biggest inspirations?
A: I describe my music as androgynous pop! It’s a little bit of everything and ambiguous in all the same ways that I am as a person. Oh, and very queer of course! My current inspirations are THE Midwest Princess herself Chappell Roan, the coolest person in Palo Alto- Remi Wolf, Conan Gray, Isaac Dunbar and also Doechii and Ethel Cain!
Q3: How has social media played a role in your marketing as an artist?
A: Oh lord, well it’s been tough mentally to deal with the reality that as a musician in 2025 you also have to be a content creator! But it’s also introduced me to so many other amazing creatives as well as connected me to so many fans and listeners I wouldn't have reached otherwise! It’s been a great way to express my personality and creative side outside of music- but the marketing is definitely a work in progress.
Q4: What about being queer? How does your identity shape your artistry? Or! Is it the other way around?
A: I would say my identity shapes my artistry completely. I see my music as an extension of myself rather than an“ artist project.” Although I AM an artist and I’ve put out many projects under“ Zola Simone” at its core it’s just who I am as a person set to music.
Q5: Talk to me about Kaleidoscope. What is that project and what can listeners expect from it?
A: Kaleidoscope is a testament to the complexity and multifaceted nature of life and the people who live it! You can be more than one thing, and many things can be true at once. I’ve had people tell me I’m too this and too that, and sometimes those things contradict, but it’s ok to be a walking contradiction, and it’s even cooler to be one that sings! Kaleidoscope bends genres, themes, and aesthetics in a really cool way (i think!). From being a somewhat slutty masc to a yearner with attachment issues, to struggling with the loss of my grandparents, and grappling with the ups and downs of success, this album is all the parts of me that make up the whole.
“From being a somewhat slutty masc to a yearner with attachment issues, to struggling with the loss of my grandparents, and grappling with the ups and downs of success, this album is all the parts of me that make up the whole.”
Q6: What are your career and personal goals for 2025?
A: TOUR TOUR TOUR! Also collaborating with other really cool artists I admire. Oh and also world domination.
Q7: What would you tell someone who’s about to listen to your music for the first time?
A: Prepare to leave gayer then whence you came.
