Zelda and her latest release, “Butterflies,” blends emotional depth with cinematic grandeur. In this syndicated Q&A, we discover the story behind the song, her musical evolution, and what’s next for this versatile artist.
Zelda, the self-proclaimed “Musical Fairy,” returned center stage with her latest single, Butterflies—a sonic masterpiece that transports listeners to a world of cinematic wonder. Distributed under the Bungalo/Universal Music Group umbrella, the emotionally charged track captures Zelda’s signature big sound, and like the key song of a blockbuster film, it fills the room with powerful vocals and sweeping orchestration. Known for her mesmerizing performances and versatility, Zelda continues to prove why she is a force to be reckoned with.
We sat down with Zelda to discuss the inspiration behind Butterflies, her journey since America’s Got Talent, and what fans can expect next from this multi-talented artist.
But, before we get into the questions and answers…treat yourself to this magical piece of work below:
Zelda patiently weighed in on questions below
“Butterflies” has been described as a cinematic masterpiece. Can you share the inspiration behind the song and what story you aim to tell through its sound and lyrics?
My recording of “Butterflies” was actually inspired by “My Immortal”. My producer, Sammy Oriti, found the song, and I immediately loved it. We brought in Ben Moody of Evanescence to add percussion, which gave it a really cool edge. Jay Baumgardner, who mixed “My Immortal”, also mixed “Butterflies”. For me, the entire process felt magical.
Your vocals in “Butterflies” have been praised for their emotional depth and power. How did you approach delivering such a soaring, cinematic performance on this track?
The song fits me perfectly—it’s in the right key for both my lower and upper registers. “Butterflies” has the dynamics for an emotional verse, followed by the perfect ramp to belt it out in my natural range. We spent days in the studio exploring different approaches to make sure I delivered the best possible performance.
You’ve built a strong fanbase since your time on America’s Got Talent. How do you feel your music, especially with “Butterflies,” has evolved since that defining moment on the show?
America’s Got Talent taught me the importance of a great song! My performance of “Colors of the Wind” felt amazing, and since then, I’ve been focused on creating and collaborating on songs that fit the vision for my upcoming album. We’ve got a few songs mixed by Jay Baumgardner that have this cinematic rock sound—perfect for a James Bond movie!
The addition of 14-year-old drumming sensation Yoyoka to your all-female band is exciting news! How did this collaboration come about, and what does she bring to the musical dynamic of your group?
Yoyoka joining the band has been such a blessing! We’ve been juggling a few musicians for live shows since August, and it’s been great. Maddy McGehee on keys and Angelina Sidon on bass have been with me from the start. Adding Yoyoka on drums and Maria Ono on guitar, both from Japan, brings a really cool element to our all-female group.
Your career spans multiple genres and artistic forms, from music to magic shows and cosplay. How do these diverse experiences influence your approach to creating a single like “Butterflies”?
There’s so much imagery and beauty in “Butterflies”. I love going from fairies to butterflies, from being a music elf to a serious musician. My single “Butterflies” is just the beginning of my music career, and I’m excited to show the world all the different sides of me.
Your performances have often been described as magical and larger-than-life. How did you translate that same sense of wonder and magic into the production and sound of “Butterflies”?
Collaborating with my team, we saw the great potential in “Butterflies” right from the demo stage. The production possibilities were endless. We’re also currently filming a music video for the song, and we can’t wait to bring the visual elements of “Butterflies” to life for the fans.
You are known as a multi-instrumentalist and the world’s most famous ocarina player. Did you incorporate any of your unique instrumental talents into “Butterflies,” and if so, how did they shape the track?
Yes, I added an ocarina solo to “Butterflies”, and I’ve been thrilled by the positive feedback! During our last gig at The Bourbon Room in LA, so many people commented on how much they loved the ocarina. They even said, “We need more ocarina!” So I’m definitely looking to incorporate it more.
You’ve performed at events ranging from magic shows to anime conventions and large music stages. How do these different performance experiences influence your musical style, especially in a song like “Butterflies”?
As a young girl, my dad would book me gigs at all kinds of events—my favorite was playing classic rock and folk music from the ‘70s. Performing at anime conventions and comic cons has also shaped my style, and I always strive to bring a unique and magical twist to everything I do, including “Butterflies”.
Fans have described “Butterflies” as a track that feels like it belongs in a movie. Was there a cinematic influence during the creative process, and if so, how did you bring that visual storytelling into the music?
Absolutely! We used live orchestra instruments and prioritized live sounds in the production of “Butterflies”, which really helped create that cinematic, larger-than-life feel. The ocarina solo also adds a unique layer to the storytelling.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you in terms of future projects, and will we see more collaborations in your upcoming releases?
We have 8 to 10 singles and music videos in the works. I’m really excited to share my voice and unique style with the world. Fans can definitely expect more collaborations in the future!
Zelda’s “Butterflies” is more than a song—it’s an experience. With her cinematic sound and magical performances, she’s continuing to push the boundaries of music and creativity. As she gears up for more releases and performances, one thing is clear: Zelda is a force to be reckoned with.
Keep up with Zelda on Instagram or TikTok @thefreckledzelda or just check our custom Zelda feed below!