I’m Zayd, a solo rock and metal artist from Canada, driven by a passion for turning struggles into
strength through music. My songs dive deep into fear, pain, love, and hope, all while carrying a
sense of unity and connection with my listeners. I don’t see my fanbase as just an audience—
they are my Unity Tribe, a community built on shared experiences and emotions. Music, for me,
is more than just sound; it’s a way to be vulnerable, to tell real stories, and to connect with those
who feel lost or unheard.
My solo journey began in 2020, but before that, I was a guitarist and songwriter in various bands.
After experiencing countless breakups and setbacks, I decided to take full creative control and go
solo. That decision was both terrifying and liberating—every guitar riff, every lyric, every vocal
you hear is me. It’s raw, unaltered, and a direct extension of my soul.
My debut album, "Deceit and Desecrate," is now out, and it’s the most personal and intense
project I’ve ever created. It’s a deep dive into themes of inner conceit, betrayal, redemption, and
self-discovery. Each track tells a different part of the story—whether it’s the struggle to break
free from the past, the fear of losing oneself, or the search for something real amidst deception.
This album isn’t just about music; it’s about emotion, raw and unaltered.
Sonically, "Deceit and Desecrate" blends hard-hitting riffs, haunting melodies, and emotionally
charged vocals to create a sound that is both powerful and deeply personal. It balances
aggression with vulnerability, intensity with introspection, and chaos with clarity. This album
represents everything I stand for as an artist, and I hope it resonates with anyone who has ever
felt lost, broken, or searching for meaning. This is just the beginning.
WHICH SONG WOULD YOU SAY SUMS UP YOUR SOUND THE BEST?
If I had to pick one song that defines my sound, it would be "Deceit and Desecrate." This track
embodies everything I strive for in my music—raw emotion, crushing intensity, and deep
storytelling. The balance between heavy, aggressive instrumentals and haunting, melodic
moments, the duality of anger and vulnerability, power and fragility. It was also the rest
song I wrote for the EP, setting the foundation for the entire project and capturing its overall
theme. As the title track, it represents the heart of the album both sonically and lyrically.
Lyrically, it’s one of my most personal songs. It explores themes of self-destruction, deception,
and the fight to reclaim one’s identity. The shifting dynamics—from thunderous riffs to eerie,
atmospheric breaks—mirror the emotional highs and lows that dene my music. It’s not just a
song; it’s an experience.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC?
Music has been in my life since childhood, but my mom was the one who truly ignited the re.
She believed I had music in my DNA and got me my first acoustic guitar, which started it all. She
also introduced me to rock and metal, with bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden shaping my
early love for heavy music.
But my real turning point came in 2000, when I heard "Hybrid Theory" by Linkin Park. That
album changed everything. The energy, the emotion, the blend of raw intensity and melody—it
hit me like a lightning bolt. From that moment on, I knew music was more than just a passion. It
was my purpose.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WRITING AND RECORDING DAY LOOK LIKE?
Living in Saskatchewan, Canada—one of the coldest places in the country—means that when it’s
-40°C outside, the world slows down. That isolation creates the perfect atmosphere for writing.
With nothing but my guitar, a notebook, and the stillness of winter, I let the music come
naturally.
I never start with a rigid structure. Instead, I capture whatever sparks first—a riff, a lyric, or a
melody that won’t leave my head. Once an idea takes shape, I record everything immediately,
before overanalyzing. Some songs come together in one session, while others take weeks of
layering and ne-tuning. Recording is instinct-driven—it’s about making sure the music isn’t just
heard, but felt.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST THING ABOUT YOUR MUSIC JOURNEY SO FAR?
Navigating the music industry has been one of the biggest challenges. No matter how many
YouTube videos or guides you watch, there’s no step-by-step blueprint for success. It’s a constant
cycle of trial, error, and learning on the go. Marketing, branding, and going out how to get my
music in front of the right people has been just as important as writing songs.
Another challenge is finding balance between creating, promoting, and making time for personal
growth. The constant grind of writing, recording, and content creation can be overwhelming, but
I’ve learned that taking care of my energy is just as important as the music itself. Staying
consistent while avoiding burnout is a battle, but the passion keeps me moving forward.
WHAT’S BEEN THE EASIEST?
The easiest part has been filming and marketing my music—it’s something I genuinely love.
Creating visuals to bring my songs to life is just as exciting as writing them. Whether it’s
brainstorming ideas, shooting videos, or crafting a message that resonates, I enjoy every part of
the process.
Marketing, in particular, is an extension of my creativity. I love experimenting with ways to
connect with people—whether it’s through storytelling, unique visuals, or strategic content. It’s
not just about getting views; it’s about building a real connection with my audience. Seeing how
a video, a post, or a creative concept resonates with people and draws them deeper into my music
makes the entire process even more rewarding.
WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU WEREN’T MAKING MUSIC?
If I weren’t making music, I’d still be in a creative field. Filmmaking and photography have
always intrigued me—telling stories through visuals the same way I do with music. Marketing is
another area that interests me since it’s all about creating connections, just like music.
But honestly, I can’t imagine life without music. Even if I wasn’t performing, I’d still be writing,
producing, or working behind the scenes in the industry. Music isn’t just something I do—it’s
part of who I am.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
In 2016, I recorded my first song, "Father," but fear held me back from releasing it. I wasn’t
confident in my vocals, and I was afraid of criticism. That changed in 2017, when I met my
guitar idol, Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alter Bridge), during a guitar clinic on the Alter Bridge
Canada tour. I played "Father" for him, and he told me something that stuck with me:
"Let the world decide where this song belongs. Don’t hold back."
Those words lit a fire in me. Even though it took a few more years before I released the
song, that advice gave me the courage to commit fully to my solo project. It reminded me that as
an artist, you can’t let fear silence your voice.
WHAT’S NEXT?
No time to waste—I’m already gearing up to get back in the studio and start writing my next EP.
This next project will push my sound even further, exploring heavier riffs, deeper emotions, and
more dynamic storytelling.
I’m also working on collaborations with artists from different countries, bringing fresh influences
and perspectives into my music. These projects allow me to experiment with new sounds and
creative approaches while staying true to my core. There’s a lot of exciting music on the horizon,
and this is just the beginning.
PLEASE ADD ANY SOCIALS SO WE CAN SHARE
You can connect with me and follow my journey here:
� Listen Here: https://lnk.to/deceitanddesecrate
� Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisizzayd/
� YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisizzayd/
� Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisizzayd/
� Website/Merch: https://www.thisizzayd.com
Comments