My Love, Whom I Love

The art of creation is a funny process. Some things require meticulous attention and refinement, while others seem to arrive fully formed, ready to exist the moment they are born. There were certainly aspects of both in the creation of this record, and they culminated in yesterday’s album listening party for my debut record, My Love, Whom I Love.

Some of these songs began as ideas that didn’t quite fit with my other projects, but continued to resonate with me even after all these years. Maybe it’s because I’m finally fully embodying my artist name, Zaddi, which happens to be my real name and for which I take absolutely no credit. Check Luke 3:28 in the Bible and add a Z to one of those names.

Whatever the reason, this record feels much more personal to me than anything I’ve released before.

I took my time crafting this record, and I tried to make each song connect to the others in some way. There are parallels between Side A and Side B, musical motifs and themes woven throughout the tracks, some of which are subtle enough that I’d probably have to go digging through my original session files to spot them all. If you’re up to it, I invite you to give the record a spin and see if you can find them.

A friend asked me yesterday which side I liked best, and I honestly couldn’t choose. To me, it all blends together as one cohesive record.

My co-writer on “Believe Me Once More” was initially hesitant about the album version of our song. When she heard it in the context of the record, though, it clicked for her. I can only speak for myself, but I feel that the version on the album is definitive. It can stand on its own, while also fitting perfectly into the larger puzzle I constructed for myself.

I wanted that vintage, warm, dreamy, authentic, raw feeling to permeate the entire record, and I hope you feel the same way on your first, second, and fiftieth go-around.

I couldn’t have asked for a better album listening party to celebrate with family and friends. It was an evening of great conversation, celebration, and connection. I followed the listening with a small acoustic performance, and although I ran into a few technical issues along the way (pro tip: don’t leave your acoustic guitar plugged into your PA for more than two hours, especially if you don’t have a spare battery), the support from my family and friends helped me push through. It honestly turned out to be a lovely evening.

I have nothing but pure gratitude for the people who were there in person and in spirit, and who continue to give me so much inspiration and encouragement to follow my dreams and my purpose.

And thank you, dear reader, for daring to follow me on this journey into the unknown.

Dreams thrive in the Zzzeyse, our musical Eden: a place of culture and structure, but also exploration and creativity. I look forward to sharing more with you from this foreign yet familiar land.

Breathe slow, darling, it’s simple. I just need you to know that I’m feeling fine.