Interview: ZaRio "R&B's" Next Icon - New York Weekly Times

ZaRio is an extremely talented artist, producer, and songwriter. Often being compared to music geniuses such as Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and Brian McKnight, due to the likeness in musical style. The singer, songwriter was classically trained and is educated in the field of R&B by vocal coach, Cynamman.

ZaRio also recently released a new video to go along with his recent track which followed the singer through a beautiful snowy setting that takes your breath away in every scene. The video has attracted over 1,000,000 views globally in its first 30 days. The young star is just getting started as he plans to release his first EP, Sorry to Keep You Waiting, later in the year as a nod to R&B music fans across the world. You can download and stream his music on all platforms right now.

I had the opportunity to sit with ZaRio to find out more about this inspirational new singer:

Tell me about yourself, where did it all begin and what inspired you?

I’m ZaRio born and raised in Atlanta, GA. My music got started as a little boy listening to the greats, Isley brothers, Jodeci, Prince and others. I was inspired by performers like MC Hammer, Michael Jackson and Bobby Brown.

Who were your inspirations as you developed your image and your music?

I’ve been inspired by a lot. I get inspired by the slightest thing male and female. I have a love for a lot of different types of music. I’ve been inspired by MJ, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Usher to name a few.

When you think R&B / Soul Music, in its traditional; way, do you feel that is a music style that is neglected?

Absolutely! There are so many things that have contributed to the fall and neglect of R&B. It’s definitely a neglected art form.

Were you always interested in this style of music, or was it a love that grew over time and practice?

It definitely stole my heart. As a classically trained artist, I enjoy classical music. I pretty much enjoy every genre of music but R&B did steal my heart.
Your recent track “She Don’t Know Love” is a great song and the video is both entertaining and visually exciting, how did you create it, and what are the details of production?
Well, thank you. It’s kind of a long story because we recorded this project in the middle of the pandemic. I recorded this in the middle of the pandemic. No studios were open so I was forced to record in my home in my basement. My producer was in an entirely different part of the country and we did 90% of this project over the phone. The mission of my project is to put love back into music, putting back the soulfulness of R&B. This video showcases love and affection and what better way to show that than being snuggled up in the mountains. We wanted to definitely paint that picture for the audience. It was a very cold setting and a lot of hard work and I thank everyone involved.

Your image is one of grace and style, obviously an educated man, you carry yourself with a persona that is not frequently seen in today’s music scene, with what do you attribute your gentlemanly style?

It’s my belief in God, my spiritual foundation and training, the rearing from my parents, and my appreciation and unique love for women.

I understand you are involved with a sense of activism, what do you do in this, and how do you see yourself as a possible role model for today’s youth. ( as you know, today’s youth will mimic artists they appreciate, do you see this as an opportunity to educate and inspire)

Absolutely. That’s the greater good as me as an artist and what this project represents. I have a background in working with the youth and a lot of them have changed their lives for the better given the work I was able to do with them by God’s Grace.

With the issues that are on everyone’s mind today, BLM and civil rights, and the current social and political climate do you find yourself torn between gut instinct and a compassionate message?

Absolutely, part of the reason I named my project “Sorry to Keep You Waiting” is because I was so entrenched in the work of helping our community that I put music on the back burner even though I knew I had something to contribute to the R&B world. So yes I am often times torn because the condition of our community is in such dire need but I am learning to be patient with the process.

On a personal note, what do you feel will be your next great accomplishment?

I am locked in and focused on music striving to put out the best music and be the best artist that I can possibly be and have that translate to my fans and the world.

With your look, have you considered acting or theater?

Absolutely, I have a background in both and I have a few projects in the works.

In time to come, when you look back over your career, what would you hope is your legacy?

I would hope that I made the greatest impact on this world that I could and I hope to have fulfilled my purpose and destiny and touch, heal and inspire as many people as I can.