Zyah Belle

Zyah Belle is hard to define in the best way possible. Forget genre or style, Belle is an authentically undefinable person. It’s not an act or a character. Belle is simply a multi-dimension artist who’s work exudes integrity to self, regardless of the format. It’s why she can craft a meditative statement on the pain inherent to the process of healing, and a dance-inducing anthem with shades of the Bay Area’s hyphy movement. It’s how she can craft her fashion to be statements on her state-of-being, or a nod to the nostalgia of her favorite scenes.

And that’s just scratching the surface of the surface. Sure, she has an effortless powerful voice - one she’s in full command of at any tempo, register, or dynamic. And yes - she spent her formative years in her hometown (Vallejo, California) church. But the dates, times, and locations of Belles journey belies the point of it all. Belle found her songwriting process while performing in the church. It’s where she discovered her ability to be a conduit for the music. A space where she can be the path of least resistance between the sonic ether and the microphone. Her time in the Bay Area and the pride she takes in the influence of it’s unique hip-hop sub-genre, hyphy. And her interests have led her to Yam Grier, which (among many other things) is a statement of women’s empowerment and reclamation.

“The inspiration for this project came from the women who raised me. I am who I am because if the essence of the women before me. Their poise, the way they talk, dress and have taught me to carry myself.” says Belle. And the lessons that she’s learned and taught are full display on Yam Grier. This week, we’re featuring “Healing”, an almost zen-like musing on the relationship between pain and healing. Lush harmonies act as a comforting bed for the pained lyrics - the realization that healing isn’t quite as soothing as we wish.