The real is back.
If it’s not clear yet, then let me be the one to say once again that more eyes and ears should be on Virginia’s music scene right now. In terms of hip-hop, the range is wide, with seasoned acts like Clipse, Pharrell Williams, Mad Skillz, and Lex Luger leading he charge as veterans; while current artists like CMRNPRKR, YSN Capo, Al-Doms, Jesse Boone, and Saekyi are proving that there still is, indeed, a special something in these coastal waters.
Zara Bash is yet another influential force within the sprouting creative scene in The Old Dominion. Since he was in high school, Zara has been recording and producing music (and crafting/customizing/designing clothing) for himself and his close friends and collaborators. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia and hailing from the city of Suffolk, Virginia, the multi-hyphenate began his journey around the same time as notable names like BreezePark, Kiree 3600, 448 Rasta, and Young Crazy. What has always set Zara Bash apart is his ability to build worlds with each release, and to effortlessly blend the genres of hip-hop and R&B. His artistry can be seen as kin to the likes of Childish Gambino, Tyler, The Creator, Brent Faiyaz, and Kendrick Lamar.
Back in 2017, Zara made his debut with the album ‘Skyfall’ and followed up three years later with ‘BULLY’. Both projects display Zara skill set as a rapper, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and executive producer. The latter contains three less tracks than the former, and each body of work carries the artist’s personal experiences through lyrical depth and a seasoned understanding of musicality.
Zara Bash’s new single “CHATEAU” is his third stand-alone R&B track, following “From The Start” back in 2020 and “Intentions” back in 2022. If you revisit those two songs, you’ll hear that the latest offering is right within Zara’s toolkit of sonics. Carried by the luscious production of longtime, frequent coworker Seven Michael, the single – although brief in run time – is sure to leave listeners wanting more.
When it comes to releases, Zara Bash never ceases to make a large impact. Along with “CHATEAU” came a stunning music video (directed by Zara Bash and OG Films) and announcement of a new record label/creative venture founded by Sevel Michael, Dereshe Turner, and Brittney Banks called VVSS. The launch consisted of a new website and an Instagram page for the creative collective as well as a site for the artist, himself. As he puts this new embarkment in place, Zara Bash sets his world in motion and quickly becomes an unforgettable face of Virginia’s sparkling scene.