Spotlight on Zoe Welch

Interview by Andrea Belk

The Shoals Area has been one of the best places to find extremely talented musicians. Some of the musicians that call this place home are artists like John Paul White, Gary Nichols, and Dylan Hodges; but the Shoals is also the heart of aspiring artists. One that stands out of the sea of lost guitar picks and broken strings is Zoe Welch. In an old-timey and tiny coffee shop, Zoe agreed to tell me about how she found her voice at a young age to how she bloomed into a talented artist. It was a pleasure to meet back with an old friend to catch up on how things were and to really get to know more about her.

A: What made you decide that you wanted to pursue music as a career? 

Z: I’ve always liked singing. Like I was always the kind of person that sang in the bedroom or the shower, but I think what really started it was when I was at Florence (High School). I was in musical theater and I had to do a performance at the end and it just seemed really natural to me so I started playing more and then I started writing my own songs and it has developed into what it is now.

A: Where do you normally get your inspiration from?

Z: Life inspires me and the relationships I’ve had. Those have always been kind of rocky.

A: I was listening to some of your songs on YouTube earlier and I have to say I love your original songs Breathe and First Date.

Z: Thank you! First Date was just a really fun song about pretty much exactly what the song says and me and this guy I started dating ended up living in Nashville and it was great for a little while, but then you know, things happened. And the song Breathe is about trying to work out your differences with somebody and knowing that it’s going to be okay, because you are in love with this person and love normally over comes all obstacles.

A: Do you have a favorite band?

Z: It’s really difficult for me to pick a favorite…man I really don’t know…I grew up listening to different artists like Sarah McLaughlin and people like Madonna and  I am inspired by them more so Sarah McLachlan because she really does inspire me.

A: Who is your music idol?

Z: I really don’t have a music idol, I mean, I know what I like (haha) and I kind of take away from the music that I listen to.

A: Now, with that being said what is the main genre that you listen to?

Z: I listen to all types of music, but I really like pop and indie so those are probably my favorite.

A: Do you have a certain look that you want to go for in your shows?

Z: I do like to dress up when I do shows. I wouldn’t say that I try to have a “look”, but I do usually end up wearing heels and then regretting it (haha) but anytime I am usually out I am wearing heels and I really do end up regretting it.

A: Haha! I’m pretty sure we all regret wearing heels anytime we wear them!

Z: Exactly!

A: Did you ever want to go to college for a music degree?

Z: I’m actually in college right now, but I’m not going for music; I am going for esthetics and that’s basically skin care. I want to end up doing medical esthetics so that I can work with or as a dermatologist. I’d also like to come back to Florence and do that.

A: Would you recommend college for aspiring artists?

Z: I guess it just depends on what you want to do. I actually ended up dropping out of school at UNA, but like I said it’s your own preference.

A: Have you ever doubted your talent? If so what did you do to overcome it?

Z: Yeah, in fact it is something that I still doubt because it’s one of those industries that don’t have a lot of stability and that scares me. And the way that I overcome it is that it is something that I love to do, even if I end up only doing it locally, which is what I’ll end up doing anyway. But I know that I’m going to have to make a choice between music and esthetics.

A: Do you have any advice for artists in pursuit of a music career?

Z: The main this is just don’t give up, and like I said the industry is tough, but if it is something that you really want to do with your life, I feel like you really need to manifest that and keep going.

A: What is the number one thing that you'd love to do)?

Z: I think one thing that I would love to do is to sing at the Ryman Auditorium. Mainly just because it’s the Grand Ol’ Opry stage and people like Patsy Cline were there. It’s just every time I go there I picture myself being there at least once in my lifetime.

A: Who would you love to work with?

Z: I would really like to work with somebody who is kind of in the same genre as I am. Like I would be willing to work with anybody who wanted to work with me (haha).

A: Is touring something you would like to do?

Z: As of right now? No, it’s not something that I can see myself doing because there are certain things that I do want in life that I probably would not have touring. At some point I do want to get married and have a family. I just don’t see myself doing that as far as music goes.

A: Do you really like it here in Florence?

Z: Yeah, and that’s another thing, like this is my home and I really don’t want to live anywhere else.

A: What is the best gig you have ever played?

Z: Probably when I played Handy Night at the Marriott. There were just so many people and I just thought it was a great show.

A: What do you hope to achieve in the future?

Z: Like I said earlier I am going to have to make a decision on whether I want to pursue music or do esthetics. As of right now I am going to have to do esthetics. I will still do music here locally though! I just can’t see myself trying to do it outside the area, but esthetics is just something that I can see myself doing for a very long time.

     This small town girl wants to stay small town and find her happiness in the Shoals, a wonderful place for sharing her music and following her dreams.