No stranger to the Irish music scene, ZAPHO (co-founder and musical director of the X Collective) returns to release her 5th single “Listen To Me Child”. Zapho effortlessly infuses LGBT+ themes, female-focused narratives, that cross genres and push musical boundaries, with catchy melodies that feel familiar, yet totally new.
Zapho: ”The music video was shot in New York and Dublin in 2016 with a friend of mine, Dave Fox. I also shot a few scenes in 2023 around Dublin with Adrian Connolly. I wanted to see the two different versions of myself. I feel like I’m looking at a different person with a different life. I was so nervous back then and so unsure about so many things”. In the song titled “Listen to Me, Child” the music captivates with lush and melancholic, electronic production and soulful melodies. We are introduced to a simple yet poignant narrative of a young queer artist who undergoes a transformative journey with her understanding of faith and its relationship to her identity.
Zapho, a talented songwriter hailing from Dublin, skillfully crafts this powerful song. Having already showcased her abilities through earlier releases like Peoples, Tell Your Mother, Big Song Blue and collaboration Pay The Piper with Dublin rapper Celaviedmai, this new single serves as a testament to her versatility as an artist.
Catch Zapho’s debut televised performance on Fanning Whelans Christmas Special airing in December 2023.
“One of the best independent releases currently available”
Northern Winds Newspaper
“Women making waves”
Irish Times
“Luxuriant track, with rich production and an infectious, head-bopping hook.”
Hot Press
“A concoction of perfect pop ingredients”
Nialler9
ZAPHO has been teasing out singles from her forthcoming 13 track debut album which has been trickling out since 2022, featuring new collaborations with artists Ryan O’Shaughnessy, Celaviedmai, Rvstless.
Genre wise an eclectic mixed bag, Zapho draws from pop, alternative, soul, and indie influences, creating a unique sound that is truly her own. Infectious hooks, driving beats, rich electro soundscapes all wrapped up in her memorable alt-pop sound, she is an artist that has been noticeably impressing the industry since her launch in 2019.
With past experiences acting as tour support for Cathy Davey, as well as playing in her band, Zapho was awarded First Music Contact recording stimulus and the Arts Council Agility Award in 2021 in order to pursue releasing her debut album. This artist is about to embark on a truly exciting time, having released Peoples, Tell Your Mother, Big Song Blue and Pay The Piper which received wide support from Spotify, online blogs and radio from her debut album, “Listen To Me Child” comes ahead of sharing this body of work that has been compiled of coming-of-age experiences and heralding the establishment of her own voice and identity.
