A Q&A with Zayd
Raw Emotion and Heavy Riffs, from Canada…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
Deceit and Desecrate is a journey through betrayal, inner turmoil, and the struggle between darkness and redemption. It’s about the weight of deception—whether from others or within ourselves—and the process of tearing down what’s false to uncover the truth.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
Ensuring every song felt authentic and hit with the right energy. I wanted Deceit and Desecrate to be more than just a collection of songs—I wanted it to be an experience. Balancing the heavy themes with the right musical intensity was a challenge.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do you enjoy most about producing your own material?
The EP was produced by Phil at The Mixing Mine studio in Germany. This was my first time working with a producer overseas, and we did everything online. Phil really helped refine my sound and elevate my music, pushing me further as an artist.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I want people to feel seen. My music is about the struggles we all go through—whether it’s battling past demons, questioning faith, or seeking redemption. I want listeners to know they’re not alone and that there’s always a way through the darkness.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
It usually starts with a riff or a melody that sticks in my head. From there, I let emotions guide the lyrics. Some songs come together in one burst, while others take weeks to refine. I build in layers—starting with raw guitar and vocals, then intensifying it with drums and production.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
My biggest influences are Alter Bridge, Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin, Skillet, Bring Me The Horizon, and Parkway Drive. Each of these bands has shaped my sound—whether it’s Alter Bridge’s powerful melodies, Linkin Park’s ability to mix heavy and introspective elements, or Breaking Benjamin’s dark atmospheres.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
I’d love to tour across North America and Europe—especially in Germany, the UK, and the US, where rock and metal have such strong fanbases. Dream venues would be places like Red Rocks, Wembley, or the O2 Arena.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
‘Runaway’ is the perfect blend of raw emotion and pure aggression. It’s intense, heavy, and built for the pit. The track captures inner chaos—the struggle between fear and self-destruction—while delivering relentless energy.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
I want to build a global community around my music. Deceit and Desecrate is just the beginning. My long-term goal is to push my sound further, connect with fans worldwide, and create something bigger than just songs—something that resonates deeply with people.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Keep fighting. Keep believing in yourself. You are not alone. Music has the power to heal, to bring us together, and to remind us that we’re stronger when we stand as one.
For more info about Zayd, visit his streaming links or official website.
