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Get to know rock and metal Canadian Singer/Songwriter ZAYD, below, and get all the background on his first official EP, Deceit and Desecrate.
How long have you been performing music?
I’m a solo rock and metal artist from Canada, which is unusual in a genre mostly dominated by full bands. My journey into music started young—my mom introduced me to Metallica and Iron
Maiden, sparking a love for heavy music before I even fully understood it. The real game-changer came when I discovered Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory in 2000. That album showed me that music wasn’t just about sound—it was about emotion, connection, and catharsis.
I started playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager, gradually developing my unique sound. Over the years, I experimented with different styles, but I always came back to heavy riffs, emotional melodies, and raw storytelling. I officially launched my solo project under my name Zayd, where I handle everything—songwriting, recording, vocals, and production. This allows me to have complete creative control, ensuring my music stays authentic to my vision.
What should people expect when they check your music out?
Expect a high-energy, emotionally charged experience. My music blends heavy, hard-hitting riffs with haunting melodies and deeply personal storytelling. I want my songs to hit you in the chest,
make you feel something real, and create a sense of connection between artist and listener.
Lyrically, my songs explore themes of struggle, self-doubt, faith, redemption, and inner battles. I focus on the journey from darkness to light—something I’ve personally experienced. Whether
it’s about dealing with past trauma, overcoming personal demons, or searching for meaning, my music is about relatability and raw emotion.
When people check out my live performances, they can expect a full-band experience, even though I’m a solo artist. My shows aren’t just about playing music—they’re immersive, high-energy, and designed to break the barrier between artist and audience. I jump into the crowd, climb on tables, and give everything I have to the performance, ensuring everyone in the venue feels like they’re part of something bigger.
How did you feel performing your first gig, and how was it?!
The first time I performed live, it was a mix of nerves and adrenaline. At first, I was hyper-aware of every mistake I might make, but as soon as I started playing, something clicked. The energy from the crowd fuels you in a way that nothing else does. I realized that live music isn’t about being perfect—it’s about creating a moment that people won’t forget.
Seeing people react to my music, headbang, and connect with the lyrics was an unforgettable feeling. That first gig confirmed something I already knew deep inside—this is what I was meant to do.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
Right now, I’m focused on promoting my first official EP, Deceit and Desecrate. This project is deeply personal and explores themes of betrayal, inner turmoil, and redemption. Each song tells
a piece of that story, touching on faith, love, identity, and breaking free from past struggles. The EP features songs like “Runaway,” “Castle of Blood,” and “Feeling of You”, which all dive deep into the emotional battles we all face. While promoting this EP, I’m also writing new material, exploring fresh ideas, and refining my sound for the next chapter.
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel you would be best suited to open for?
I think my music would fit perfectly with bands like Breaking Benjamin, Bullet for My Valentine, Three Days Grace, Alter Bridge, and Bring Me The Horizon. These bands balance heavy, emotional storytelling with melodic and powerful instrumentation, which is exactly what I strive for in my music.
Opening for any of these bands would be an incredible opportunity, not just because I admire them, but because their fan base is already in tune with the kind of music I create.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
One artist I really believe in is Eden_Dethroned. She’s a friend and an incredible musician, and her album The Heartbreak Chronicles is proof of that. If you love raw emotion fused with powerful melodies, she’s definitely someone to check out.
What frustrates you about the music business?
The biggest frustration is how the industry prioritizes trends over artistry. It’s not always about the best songs or the most talented musicians, but about what’s currently viral or marketable. That being said, the rise of independent artists and social media has changed the game. While it’s challenging to stand out, it also means that artists now have more power to connect directly with fans without relying on labels. The key is to play the long game—stay true to your vision, build your fanbase organically, and don’t chase trends.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
My first musical memories are of my mom playing Metallica and Iron Maiden around the house. But the real lightbulb moment came when I heard Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory. That album
showed me that music could be intense, emotional, and deeply personal. It wasn’t just background noise—it was a voice for emotions I didn’t know how to express.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
One of the most unforgettable moments was meeting Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge) in 2017. I played him my first recorded song, Father, and he told me:
“Let the world decide where this song belongs. Don’t hold back.”
That moment gave me the push to finally start releasing my own music.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
I’m passionate about mental health awareness. My music revolves around struggle, hope, and redemption, and I want to create a space where people feel heard, understood, and not alone.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Probably something like a film score or anime soundtrack. I love how music can create atmosphere and emotion without words, and sometimes that inspires me just as much as metal or rock.
Everybody is a fan of something, who or what are you a fan of?
I’m a huge F1 fan—on race weekends, I don’t care if it’s 3 AM or 3 PM, I’m glued to the screen, cheering for Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. I’m also into anime—stories about pushing past limits and overcoming struggles deeply resonate with me and often inspire my songwriting.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
I’m always on the lookout for new rock and metal releases—anything that pushes boundaries while staying emotionally raw always gets my attention.
What does 2025 hold for you?
2025 is all about growing the Unity Tribe (my fanbase) and working on new music. I also want to explore more collaborations and keep pushing my sound further.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I’m very active on social media, where I engage with my audience and share my journey:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisizzayd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisizzayd/
Website: https://www.thisizzayd.com/
