Zayd Interview 02/03/20205

MM: Can you tell us about your Band and whos your biggest influences
I’m Zayd, a solo rock and metal artist from Canada. In a genre that’s usually defined by bands, I
stand out as a one-man army—I handle everything from songwriting and instrumentals to vocals
and production. My music blends heavy, hard-hitting riffs with haunting melodies and deeply
emotional storytelling. It’s all about capturing the battle between darkness and light, struggle and
redemption.
As for my influences, my love for heavy music started early, thanks to my mom introducing me
to Metallica and Iron Maiden. But everything changed when I heard Hybrid Theory by Linkin
Park—that album was a game-changer. It showed me that music isn’t just something you listen
to—it’s something you feel. It shaped my approach to blending aggression with melody. Over the
years, other major influences like Alter Bridge, Breaking Benjamin, Skillet, Bullet For My
Valentine, Parkway Drive, and Bring Me The Horizon helped refine my sound. Each of these
bands taught me something different, and together, they shaped the music I create today.

MM: Where do you draw your inspirations and ideas from
My music is deeply personal. I draw inspiration from my own struggles, emotions, and faith. I
write about inner battles, fear vs. hope, self-doubt, and redemption—themes that so many people
can relate to. Every song is a reflection of my journey, whether it’s fighting against past demons,
dealing with betrayal, or searching for meaning in chaos.
A big part of my inspiration also comes from my faith—the journey of moving from darkness to
light. I want my music to not only be an emotional release but also offer hope to others who
might feel lost. I also take inspiration from stories I hear from others, real-life experiences, and
sometimes just raw emotions that demand to be expressed through sound.
 

MM: What would you say is your Bands favourite song ?
If I had to pick one song that defines my sound and energy, it would be "Runaway". It perfectly
blends raw emotion with pure aggression. The song captures the inner turmoil of being afraid to
love, afraid to fail, and ultimately pushing people away. It’s heavy, intense, and built for the pit—
definitely a track you can lose yourself in at a live show. The riffs hit hard, the drums drive
relentlessly, and the vocals carry both desperation and defiance.
"Runaway" isn’t just a song—it’s a feeling, and one that a lot of my fans resonate with.
 

MM: Plans tour and festival wise for 2025?
Right now, I’m focused on promoting Deceit and Desecrate, my first official EP. While I’m not
on a full tour yet, my long-term vision includes international touring—especially in places where
rock and metal have strong fanbases, like Germany, the UK, and the US. Festivals like
Download Festival and Rock am Ring are on my dream list because they’re legendary stages
where some of my biggest influences have played.

In addition to live performances, I’m working on collaborations with artists from different parts
of the world, and I’m already writing material for my next release.
 

MM: What can we expect from Zayd live
Expect raw energy, emotional intensity, and absolute chaos. Even though I’m a solo artist, I bring
a full band with me on stage to make sure the live experience hits just as hard as the recordings.
My shows are about breaking down the barrier between artist and audience—I don’t just stay on
stage. I jump into the crowd, climb on tables, and make sure every person in the venue feels
connected. It’s more than just a concert; it’s an experience. Whether you’re headbanging in the
pit, screaming the lyrics, or getting lost in the melodic moments, you’re not just watching—
you’re part of it.

MM: What do you like best and worst about touring
The best part is performing and connecting with fans in real life. Seeing people sing my lyrics
back to me, feeling the energy of the crowd—that’s what makes everything worth it. The worst
part? The exhaustion and constant travel can take a toll. Touring can be physically and mentally
draining, and it’s easy to burn out if you don’t take care of yourself.
 

MM: Which three Bands would be your ultimate touring buddies
Alter Bridge – They’ve been one of my biggest influences, and their live shows are legendary.
Breaking Benjamin – Their blend of melody and heaviness aligns perfectly with my sound.
Bring Me The Horizon – They push boundaries, and their stage energy is unreal.

 

MM: What's the most memorable concert you've been to (other than your own)
and why
Meeting Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge) in 2017 was a turning point for me. I played him my first
recorded song, Father, and he told me, "Let the world decide where this song belongs. Don’t hold
back." That moment gave me the push I needed to finally start releasing my music.
 

MM: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment so far with
Releasing Deceit and Desecrate was a huge milestone. It represents years of hard work,
persistence, and growth. Another major highlight was being nominated for Radio WIGWAM’s
Best International Male Artist and SaskMusic’s Metal/Hard Rock Artist of the Year
 

MM: Which are your Two favourite Albums of all time
Hybrid Theory – Linkin Park (The album that made me want to make music)
Blackbird – Alter Bridge (A masterclass in songwriting, emotion, and musicianship)

 

MM: Can you remember the first time you ever played live and how it felt to have
people watching you?
Absolutely. It was nerve-wracking at first, but the moment I started playing, it was like
something clicked. The adrenaline rush, the connection with the audience—it was addictive.
 

MM: Growing up which Bands posters did you have on your bedroom wall.
Linkin Park, Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Alter Bridge.
 

MM - Who do you think influenced the world of Metal / Rock more than any other
person
For metal, James Hetfield (Metallica) helped define heavy music. For rock, Chester Bennington
(Linkin Park)revolutionized how emotion and heaviness could coexist.
 

MM - What's the most important thing to the band right now?
Building a strong community around my music—the Unity Tribe—where people feel seen,
understood, and connected through the music.
 

MM:If you could do a cover of any song which one would it be and why?
I’d love to cover “Shadow of the Day” by Linkin Park. It has a haunting beauty to it that I’d love
to reinterpret in a heavier style.
 

MM: Tell us why we should buy and listen to your Band
My music is more than just songs—it’s an experience, a movement. It’s about real struggles, real
pain, and the relentless pursuit of hope. If you’ve ever felt lost, broken, or like you didn’t belong,
this music is for you.
 

MM: Four words to describe Zayd
Intense. Emotional. Raw. Unfiltered.

Final Words for your fans and our readers
Keep fighting. Keep believing. You’re not alone. We’re in this together—stay loud, stay strong,
and let’s build something bigger than music. Welcome to the Unity Tribe