Music, Pop Culture

Yaniza Talks “Fly Away (Free Bird)” And Finding TikTok Fame

yaniza music

This is an interview done with Yaniza, read her story below! If you, or anyone you know, would like to be highlighted in The Zillennial Zine, shoot us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram!

Tell us your story! Where did you begin and how did you reach the caliber you’re currently at?

 
 
 
 
 
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How much time do you have?! Haha, I was always interested in anything creative – drawing, writing, acting. Singing happened to be the one that I was interested in AND I found a wonderful community in. When I was in high school, I took a guitar/songwriting elective right around the time that people were starting to post covers on YouTube. I started posting covers casually, and when I starting getting some attention, I decided to write songs. When I got positive feedback on the songs, I started performing at bars. I basically kept doing all those things, and increasing my quality over time, until today where I can finally comfortably call myself a full-time professional musician 🙂

What makes you love what you do? How long have you been making music? Would you call it your passion?

 
 
 
 
 
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I love how music makes me feel! Not just writing it and performing it, but listening to other artists’ music too. I love that being a musician connects me with so many other people, and I just love making others happy. I wrote my first official song in 2013, that one is hidden on the internet somewhere, not impossible to find! That was the same year I started working with producers, uploading weekly YouTube videos, and performing monthly. It’s been a long journey but in many ways, it feels like I’m just getting started! I would definitely call it my passion. I think about it 24/7 and I’m often overwhelmed with ideas. Not enough hours in the day for all my plans!

What are some accomplishments or milestones you’ve reached lately?

 
 
 
 
 
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Might be cheesy, but my most recent TikTok just hit 180k views and it’s still going! That is currently my most consumed piece of internet content, beating my cover of Melanie Martinez’s “Pity Party,” which was a long time champion at 141k 🙂 I also just performed some shows with the brand, Kate Spade NY which was a huge deal! I would also say taking the plunge to full time musician in 2020 was also a huge milestone. I got signed with booking agents that year and one of my YouTube covers got featured on Glamour’s YouTube page where they show the artist covers of their song. Hearing Becky G say my name and compliment my cover of her song was so exciting!

Tell us about “Fly Away (Free Bird)”!!

 
 
 
 
 
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That song is my pride and joy! I love all my songbabies, but this one is so special. I actually wrote it when I was taking a break from pursuing music because I had hit a wall in my journey and was considering giving up. I was in therapy and I had a bad day with friends, and a combination unfortunate events led to me writing this happy tune. That is one of my favorite things about being an artist – using bad situations to create art that makes others happy. I love a good sad song of course, but if I can cheer someone up for just 3 minutes out of their day, I’ll be happy too, and I think Fly Away (Free Bird) cheers lots of people up!

Do you have any advice for someone who is starting out in the music industry?

 
 
 
 
 
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Another cheesy moment, but be yourself! I spent YEARS trying to be like other YouTube singers before I found myself and my style. I have no regrets, but occasionally I wonder how my music career could have blossomed differently if I wasn’t trying to be the loudest pop start or sexiest influencer haha. I have loved leaning into the wholesome singer songwriter vibes! Another piece of advice I have is to focus on growing one song first. I’m so fortunate that I got to work with incredible producers to bring my ideas to life, but I think the first impression and introduction with one song is very important. Let people anticipate your future releases 🙂

What do you want our readers to know about you and your music?

 
 
 
 
 
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Ooo that’s an interesting question! I guess I want them to know that my music was made with tons of love and attention to detail. I take great pride in my lyrics especially, so every word or rhyme is very intentional. I hope that listening to my music makes them excited to hear more! 🙂

Go Check Out Yaniza!

Instagram: @yaniza_music

YouTube: Yaniza

Facebook: @YanizaMusic

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