Hailing from Canada, Zayd is a rock and metal artist whose music is more than just sound—it’s a
movement. Blending raw emotion with powerful riffs, he creates a space where the broken, the
lost, and the struggling can find hope, strength, and unity.
His music speaks to those caught in life’s internal wars—the fight against self-doubt, the fear of
love, and the longing for redemption. From the anthemic Runaway, which wrestles with the fear
of failure, to the intense and visceral Castle of Blood, every song reflects his journey and
struggles.
With the release of his debut EP, Deceit and Desecrate, Zayd has solidified his vision: to create
music that resonates with those searching for meaning and healing. More than just songs, he’s
building a “Unity Tribe”—a movement where listeners stand together, knowing they are not
alone.
Join the Unity Tribe—because no one should fight their battles alone.
11. Introduce us to the band! What are your names and what do you do in the band?
I perform under my own name Zayd, but my music is more than just a solo act—it’s a
movement. While I handle all aspects of my music—writing, recording, producing, vocals, and
guitar—I also bring in a full band for live performances to make sure the energy translates from
the studio to the stage.
Every song I write is deeply personal, often coming from my own battles with fear, faith, and
self-discovery. I strive to create music that connects with people emotionally, making them feel
seen and understood.
When I perform live, I want it to be more than just a show—it’s a shared experience. I feed off
the crowd’s energy, and together we create moments that go beyond just playing songs. Whether
it’s crowd interaction, powerful anthemic choruses, or heavy breakdowns, my goal is to leave
everything on stage.
2. Where do you call home?
I’m from Saskatchewan, Canada, which is known for its brutal winters and vast open landscapes.
It’s not exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of rock and metal, but growing
up here gave me a unique perspective.
The isolation and long, freezing winters fueled my creativity. When you’re stuck inside for
months at a time, you either go stir-crazy or make something meaningful—so I chose music.
While the local music scene wasn’t massive, I carved my own path and found ways to connect
with like-minded musicians and fans worldwide.
Home for me isn’t just about where I live—it’s about the community I’m building through my
music, the people who resonate with my message, and the Unity Tribe that continues to grow.
3. How long have you been together as a band and how did you find each other?
I started out playing in multiple bands, but one after another, they kept breaking up. It was
frustrating—every time I thought we were gaining momentum, something would happen.
Eventually, I realized that if I wanted to make my vision a reality, I had to take full control of my
music.
That’s when I decided to go solo, writing and recording everything myself. While being a one-
man band in rock and metal isn’t the norm, I saw it as an opportunity to stay true to my sound
and vision.
For live shows, I bring in talented session musicians who help bring my music to life. I look for
people who understand my energy, share my passion, and are ready to put on a show that goes
beyond just playing the notes.4. Do you have a special songwriting recipe you follow?
Absolutely. My songwriting process always starts with an emotion—whether it’s pain, hope, fear,
love, or redemption, that feeling drives the song.
1. 2. Emotion first – Before I even pick up my guitar, I tap into what I’m feeling.
Melody or riff – I usually start with a melody in my head or a riff that captures the
emotion.
3. Lyrics come naturally – I never force lyrics. They usually flow from the feeling of the
music, and I fine-tune them as the song develops.
4. Layering instruments – Once I have the foundation, I start layering drums, bass, and
harmonies to build the intensity.
5. Refinement – I listen to the track over and over, making small changes until it feels
complete.
A song isn’t finished until it hits me in the gut—when I play it and still feel the same raw energy
I felt when I started writing it.
5. How would members of your family describe your music to someone that hasn’t heard it?
My family would probably say, “Zayd’s music is intense, emotional, and powerful.” They’ve
seen firsthand how much of myself I pour into every song.
They’d likely describe it as a mix of heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and deep storytelling—a balance
between aggression and vulnerability. My wife, in particular, would tell you that my music is an
extension of my soul, and every song is a window into my struggles and victories.
6. What do you have on your(Spotify) playlists you would be embarrassed for others to see?
Honestly, I don’t get embarrassed by my music choices! But if I had to pick something
unexpected, I’d say some 2000s pop hits.
I grew up in that era, so you’ll find NSYNC, Avril Lavigne, and even some Backstreet Boys on
my playlist. Sometimes, a catchy pop song just hits the right mood, and I’m not afraid to admit it.
7. Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Yes! Before every show, I:
• Pray – I take a moment to ground myself and remember why I do this.
• Stretch & warm up – Performing is physically demanding, so I make sure to loosen up.
• Vocal warm-ups – This is crucial for hitting those high notes without wrecking my voice.
• Zone in – Right before stepping on stage, I take a deep breath and remind myself:
“This is where I belong.”8. Who have you met that has left you starstruck?
Meeting Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge, Creed) in 2017 was life-changing.
I played him one of my songs, and he told me something I’ll never forget:
“Let the world decide where your music belongs. Don’t hold back.”
That moment reignited my passion and gave me the confidence to fully commit to my music
career.
9. What do you consider your greatest achievement as far as a band?
Releasing my debut EP, Deceit and Desecrate.
This album is deeply personal, diving into themes of betrayal, faith, and self-discovery. Seeing
people connect with my music and hearing how it has helped them through their own struggles is
the most fulfilling thing ever.
10. What key elements do you believe makes up a successful song?
Authenticity – If the song doesn’t come from a real place, it won’t connect.
Strong melodies – A balance of heavy and melodic elements keeps people hooked.
Impactful lyrics – The words need to tell a real story.
Energy and dynamics – The song should take the listener on an emotional journey.
11. When writing, how do you know when it is finally done?
When I listen back and still feel something deep inside—that’s when I know the song is ready.
12. What song of yours are you most proud of?
“Runaway” – It captures the inner battle of fear, self-destruction, and pushing people away while
desperately wanting to be loved.
13. Is it possible to be on the road and not eat junk food? How do you keep it leveled out?
It’s hard, but I try to balance it out with protein shakes, fruit, and staying hydrated. Energy is
everything when performing.
14. Are you able to write while on the road or do you need a calm familiar space like home?
I can write anywhere, but I do my best work in a quiet, controlled environment.
15. What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen on stage or on tour?
I once tripped over a cable and wiped out mid-song—but I played it off like it was part of the act.16. What can BleachBANGS do to help you in any way?
Just sharing my music and helping spread the word is huge. Interviews like this help connect me
to more listeners who might resonate with my sound and message.
17. How can everyone keep up with everything you have going on? Where can they get albums/
merch?
📀 Music: https://lnk.to/deceitanddesecrate
🌍 Website: https://www.thisizzayd.com
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisizzayd
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisizzayd
🔥 Join the Unity Tribe—because no one should fight their battles alone. 🔥
