Artist Interview: Zoe Fengari
Zoe Fengari, a 19-year-old Swiss-Greek singer-songwriter, has been making waves with her emotionally charged songs that touch on mental health and personal struggles. With a six-year songwriting background and a debut single released in January, Zoe's music resonates deeply with listeners. She recently performed at the Living Room Concert alongside Nucya and Talpa Hill, showcasing her talent in an intimate setting. Let's dive into our conversation with Zoe Fengari.
Tori: Hi Zoe, introduce yourself
Zoe: Hey, I'm Zoe Fengari. I've been making music for as long as I can remember, and I released my first single this January.
Tori: At just 19, you've already been writing songs for six years. What sparked your interest in songwriting, and how has your writing style evolved over time?
Zoe: I started writing my own songs because I needed an outlet for my stress and problems. Music really helped me cope with what I was going through.
Tori: Your music often touches on themes of mental health and personal struggles. Can you tell us about your own experiences and why you feel compelled to share them through your songs?
Zoe: I have struggled with depression myself and have been through some dark times in my life. There were moments when I thought I was alone with these feelings. My goal is to make sure no one else has to feel the way I did. I want to show people that they are not alone.
Tori: Your debut single was released in January, marking a significant milestone in your career. What was the process like preparing for this release, and how did you feel about sharing your music with a wider audience?
Zoe: I wrote the song about two years ago, and I just knew I wanted to share it to show others they're not alone. I was scared to release a song about my depression, but at the same time, I felt empowered.
Tori: "Zigarettenrauch" is your latest song. Can you walk us through the inspiration behind this track and what message you hope listeners take away?
Zoe: "Zigarettenrauch" is about a toxic relationship and how I felt while I was in it. I want to show my listeners that it's not normal to be in an unhealthy relationship, but also that I struggled to leave, and that it takes time to get away from someone.
Tori: Mental health is a significant theme in your music. How do you think your openness about your struggles can help others who might be going through similar challenges?
Zoe: I hope that I can help to normalize mental health struggles and that nobody needs to be ashamed about their feelings. I also want to symbolize "You're not alone"
Tori: As a young artist from Switzerland, you're part of a unique musical landscape. How do you think your background influences your music, and what do you think sets you apart?
Zoe: I think it's a bit harder to reach a wider audience because I'm from Switzerland, but on the other hand, there's such a friendly vibe between me and my Swiss supporters. I think being half Greek also sets me apart, and I'm planning to release some German songs with Greek parts in them.
Tori: Songwriting can be a therapeutic process. How do you find that creating music impacts your own mental health journey?
Zoe: I feel relieved after writing a song about something I was struggling with. It really helps me cope and reflect on my actions and the situations I've been in.
Tori: Your music seems to strike a chord with many listeners. What kind of feedback have you received from fans, and how does it motivate you to continue creating?
Zoe: Many fans have told me that they feel understood and not alone anymore, and those compliments mean the world to me-they are the reason I do this. These messages are why I keep going and why I believe in my dream.
Tori: You recently performed at the Living Room Concert alongside Nucya and Talpa Hill, what was this experience like for you?
Zoe: it was such a great night! It was the first time people came to a place just for me and that is an incredible feeling. I can't wait to perform again.
Tori: What can fans expect from your future music releases? Are there any specific themes or styles you're exploring in your upcoming work?
Zoe: I'll soon release a song about sexual harassment. I also will talk about other mental health struggles I've had and about a person that passed away. There will be many different themes.
Tori: When you aren't making music, what's your favorite thing to do?
Zoe: That's a hard question, haha. I think I'd read a book or spend time with my friends. I also love the beach and the summer in general.
Tori: How do you balance your creative process with the pressures of the music industry? Are there any challenges you've faced that you didn't anticipate?
Zoe: The hardest part of the music industry is that there are so many talented small artists. It is difficult to reach a lot of people. I balance this by putting my phone away and distracting myself. It is important for everyone to do social media breaks!
Tori: What's next for you on the horizon - any exciting upcoming performances or projects that you're looking forward to sharing with your audience?
Zoe: Unfortunately, I don't have any performances at the moment but I have many songs I want to release and my audience can look forward to new music soon
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