BIO

Zenizen is the creation of singer, songwriter, and producer Opal Hoyt. Her music explores the fringes of experimental pop, soul, and funk, layered with her rich alto voice and psychedelic nostalgia for an unconventional lifepath that has taken her around the globe and back. And Hoyt isn’t just a songwriter in the classic sense. She’s also a skilled producer with an ear for excellent arrangements—the kind of musician who enjoys meandering and allowing her artistic vision to percolate. Outside of her work as Zenizen, Hoyt boasts a sprawling resume that includes performance credits with Helado Negro, Jordan Rakei, and Okay Kaya.

 
 
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ZENIZEN'S OPAL HOYT GOES ACROSS THE POND

You might remember Opal Hoyt from our recap of her MoMA debut last month(how could you forget?). The lead singer of Zenizen is making moves, and we’ve been following along as best we can ever since. After her MoMA performance, Hoyt hopped on a plane to the UK, where she ventured around London before jetting off to both Paris and Iceland, running into all sorts of friends and collaborators along the way (and even one hairless cat owned by her tattoo artist, Don).

Zenizen's Opal Hoyt Found Her Voice Somewhere Between Alaska and Melbourne

The Brooklyn-based artist, whose new EP is a neo-soul marvel, explains her inspiration and the difficulties that come being branded "unique."

 

 

ZENIZEN: 5 ALBUMS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE - READ.TIDAL.COM

Rising artist Zenizen shares with TIDAL 5 albums that have changed her life, personally and professionally.

SXSW Adds Andrew W.K., Gordi and Quiet Slang to Growing List of 2018 Performers

South By Southwest has announced a second batch of artists for the 32nd annual music/tech/film festival, with many familiar faces like Andrew W.K., Gordi and Quiet Slang, aka, Beach Slang's James Alex, all heading to Texas. 

TRACKS: 'Follow the Leader' - Pitchfork.com 

This youthful revelry inspired the EP’s standout track, “Follow the Leader.” The song unfurls slowly and joyously, Hoyt’s voice lingering and echoing as she sings from the perspective of a group of friends waiting “with baited breath” for a leader to guide their mischief. The jittering drums and rippling synth, paired with her warm account of “this dear, sweet army,” create intimacy and affection. Hoyt’s song is deliberate and poetic, perfectly constructing a place where playful gossip, bubbling beers, and togetherness reign supreme.

IMPOSE WEEK IN POP: Guest Selections by Zenizen

Zenizen amazed the world with the proper release of Australia Deluxe, one of 2017’s greatest albums via Don Giovanni Records & we have the pleasure of introducing Opal Hoyt’s following Week in Pop guest selections.

 

Introducing: “Follow”: A New Music Video From and Interview with Zenizen.

Victoria Ruiz (Downtown Boys) spoke to Opal Hoyt, the creator of Zenizen, the day after the New York record release party for Australia, a seven-track recording released in October as an advent to a larger full-length album forthcoming on Don Giovanni. Zenizen brings a positive and powerful energy to DIY music as, at every level of being right now, stakes are feeling very high and emotions are running very deep. The band’s music speaks beautifully to wanting to create something from destruction. As Zenizen gets ready to work on its full-length debut, Opal and I discussed how the group started, where it’s at, and where it’s going.

Zenizen Play Baby's All Right on 8/31

"Zenizen is such a perfect 2017 listen, we can't believe that they haven't blown up. Soulful vocals by lead Opal Hoyt maintain the sweet spot of R&B that manages to blend an original tone with smooth scales."

Premiere: New York's Own Zenizen Offers Soulful Grooves With "Follow The Leader"

It is our pleasure to showcase a new track from the group in the form of “Follow the Leader”. It is our pleasure to showcase a new track from the group in the form of “Follow the Leader”. According to Opal Hoyt, “Follow the Leader” was the first song she wrote after deciding to create this EP, which was written and recorded during a month long stay in Australia.