Despite being one of the most prominent musical genres of black origin, jazz can often be held at arms-length, or considered as an art form primarily geared towards white, or privileged audiences. However, there are plenty of artists who are proving this preconception wrong, with innovative and exciting takes on the genre. A prime example: Zara McFarlane, the East London-based MOBO winner, and the artist behind Caribbean-infused album Arise (2017). After hearing her talents at the St Lucia Jazz festival, Pride tracked her down to find out more about the woman behind the big voice – and we have a good feeling you’ll like her as much as we do!
So, let’s take it from the top – when did you first know you wanted to be a singer, and how did you get started?
ZM: I’ve been singing and writing songs since I was about 11. I started entering myself into lots of different competitions at the age of 14; and then after that, I went to the Brit School and studied Musical Theatre. To be honest, I wasn’t the best actress – singing was always my strong suit, so I went on to get a degree in Popular Music Performance. While I studied, I used to go to the jam sessions at the Jazz Café, run by a company called Tomorrow’s Warriors, an organisation that develops young jazz musicians. At the time, it was specifically young black jazz musicians, because there wasn’t really an outlet for them to be involved in jazz – it was, and is, quite an elitist crowd. I started doing concerts and projects with them, and that’s kind of how I started my journey in jazz.
Were you much of a jazz fan when you were growing up?
ZM: Not really, to be honest. I loved pop music, and listened to a lot of reggae at home. Jazz came along at university: I was studying a jazz module, and the teacher said, ‘Ooh, your voice sounds better in this style.’ So he made me learn loads of songs, and I started doing gigs with him – in jazz restaurants, and places like that. I developed my love for jazz more from performing with British and international jazz musicians, rather than it being the standard style of music that I was listening to growing up. It works for me because I really love going to jam sessions, and the improvisational aspects of working in a band.
Your songs range from love, to politics and social issues… Where do you find your inspiration most?
ZM: I think it varies over the years – it really comes from whatever is important to me at the time of me writing the album. I want my music to take people on an emotional journey through the song, and through the album. I think that’s what music does best – it allows people to feel things.
What has been one of your favourite crowds to perform for?
ZM: I performed at Field Day Festival the other day, and that was really great – it was an opportunity to perform for a non-jazz specific crowd. I’ve always been very passionate about bringing music to many different stages. I’m lucky enough that I get to do jazz venues, as well as festivals – like at The Barbican, in London. I’m not that into ‘sit down’ type of places; I use proper stand up venues for people to dance.
What feeling does singing bring to you?
ZM: Really, this is what I’ve always wanted to do. I’m definitely happy on stage, that’s my favourite part of what I do. Some people prefer to be in the studio, some people hate being on stage – but for me, it’s definitely the best bit, being on stage with my band. I’m just happy when I’m singing live somewhere.
Zara McFarlane’s most recent release, Arise, is available to buy and stream now. Head to zaramcfarlane.com for the latest info on gigs and upcoming projects; follow her on social media @zaramcfarlane
