Who is ZZ Ward?
# of visits to Columbia: It’s my first time!
Favorite things to do in Columbia: I’m looking forward to finding out.
Favorite Midwestern town and why: I love everything about the Midwest. Everyone is super kind, and they know how to have a good time.
Age: 27
Occupation: Recording artist
Original hometown: Roseburg, Ore.
Community involvement: I performed at a charity event for E.A.R.N (Expand Animal Rights Now) in L.A. recently, which was really wonderful. I’ve been working hard on promoting this record, but when the time is right, I’d really like to get involved more in volunteer work, and I look forward to doing so.
A favorite recent project: My debut album ’Til The Casket Drops
Family: I grew up playing in my dad’s blues band in dive bars around Oregon. I got my edge from my dad. He taught me how to play music, and he inspired me to get on stage and share my talent. I think I get my sweetness from my mom. She’s a nurse and is very caring, grounded and gracious. My two older brothers are my best friends.
What I do for fun: I love to go to the movies, get popcorn and a big blue Slurpee. I also like to hang out with my brothers and go for late-night walks with my family on hot Florida nights when I’m home. I love to go out dancing and listen to hip hop; I think it’s the best kind of music to dance to. I like to go shopping, too, on occasion, if I ever get the chance.
Most people don’t know that I: Am naturally an introvert. The more I tour and do interviews, the more comfortable I’ve gotten with being myself and showing people my personality, but I still have to push myself to do it. I’m just naturally a quieter person.
On a typical weekday night, I am: Sweating my butt off on stage getting a workout. Otherwise I’m snuggling with my puppy, Muddy Waters. On a typical weekday night when I’m not on tour, I’m probably going to the movies or eating at a restaurant in L.A. Dinner and a movie — the good stuff you take for granted!
In a single word, I am: Awake
The three questions I hate getting: Tell us about your music. Who would you compare your music to? That’s about it.
The businessperson I admire and why: Madonna or Beyoncé. I admire women who have their hands in every part of their career, women in music who not only think about their craft but also what they can do to help people with their success as philanthropists, volunteers, etc.
The song that absolutely must be included on the soundtrack to my life: “Who Wants to Live Forever” by Queen. I think there are certain songs that can stop time in a way, and that’s one of them. You could be driving in your car, it could be raining, it could be sunny. When I listen to it, I just feel like music can change lives.
They’re making a movie about your life. The film’s biggest climatic moment would be: I hope it hasn’t happened yet in my life. I’ll tell you when it does!
What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you? Knocking the mic stand over or tripping on stage. It doesn’t happen as much these days, but I did knock my teeth on the mic last night.
My go-to cocktail: Dirty martini or whisky and ginger ale
If I could be any animal I would be: My dog. She is so spoiled! I bring my dog, Muddy Waters, on the road with me everywhere. She’s a border terrier. She’s my only child and my world. I make sure she’s taken care of at all times. We were out playing fetch the other day, and I took a ton of time afterward to make sure she had no burrs in her fur, otherwise I’d be picking them all out. That’s love.
If I were a crayon in a box of Crayolas, I would be: The color-changing one that switches colors each time you use it.
My all-time biggest regret: Not getting a cheeseburger for lunch today. I should have just done it!
My guilty pleasure: The Twilight series books