Zzzzra: The Ethereal Voice of UK Art Pop

Zzzzra is the captivating stage name of London-born singer and producer Zara Ellis, known for crafting lush, atmospheric art pop that blends electronic soundscapes with intimate songwriting. Her 2022 debut album, Phantom Limbs, charted in the UK Top 40 and was certified silver, marking her arrival as a distinct new voice in the alternative scene.

Early career

Formed as a solo project in 2016, Zzzzra began with Ellis uploading self-produced demos to online platforms from her South London bedroom studio. Her early, hazy singles like "Glass Ceiling" (2017) caught the attention of the independent label Sonic Cathedral, which signed her and released the Fault Lines EP in 2019.

Breakthrough

The turning point came in 2021 with the release of the single "Ache in the Static," a track that gained traction on streaming playlists and alternative radio. This momentum propelled her first full-length album, Phantom Limbs, to number 32 on the UK Albums Chart in 2022, leading to a silver certification for over 60,000 units sold.

Key tracks

Ache in the Static — This breakthrough single defined her signature sound with its pulsing synth bass and haunting vocal melody.

Phantom Limbs — The title track from her debut album showcases her skill at building expansive, emotionally resonant atmospheric pop.

Second Skin — A collaboration with producer Houndstooth, this track became a fan favorite for its intricate, glitchy production.

Glass Ceiling — Her earliest viral demo, this song remains a staple in her live set, illustrating her raw initial vision.

Following her debut's success, Zzzzra embarked on a headline UK tour and performed at several European summer festivals in 2023. She has since collaborated with artists like electronic composer Rival Consoles and contributed vocals to a track by the band Maribou State, further expanding her reach within the experimental pop sphere.

Listeners who enjoy the textured, introspective pop of London Grammar will appreciate Zzzzra's soaring vocal style and atmospheric depth. Her electronic production flourishes share a kinship with the work of Sevdaliza. For fans of the UK's art-pop landscape, the melodic sensibilities of Everything Everything offer a compelling parallel.

Zzzzra's music has earned consistent rotation on a variety of independent music radio stations and online art-pop radio streams, finding a dedicated audience that values sophisticated production and emotive lyricism.

You can hear the evocative art pop of Zzzzra regularly on the curated radio stations featured here on onairium.com, where listeners can discover her growing catalog of music through dedicated alternative and electronic channels.