With full artistic control, ZZ Ward has put out her debut independent album Dirty Shine. ZZ is proud to call herself a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, video director, and even record label owner. Her bluesy, edgy feels is wrapped in hip-hop, pop, and rock. She has worked alongside her brother, Adam William Ward, to create cinematic music videos to accompany many of the songs throughout the record.
The song “Baby Don’t” has a pop/jazzy feel like Elle King’s “Exes and Ohs.” The song talks about how loyal her partner is because she knows how well she treats him and doing her wrong is a “dangerous game.” The music video has a 70s feel and a “Bonnie & Clyde” storyline with the two lovers robbing many gas stations and living in a van with shag carpet on the dash. It is well shot in a beautiful location with ZZ covered in fringe during golden hour.
The music video is a two-parter paired with the song “Ride or Die” (feat. Vic Mensa.) This video shows her partner from the other video being tied up and held for ransom. ZZ Ward sings, “I’m your ride or die chick I’ll never ask why / you know that I got you / know I won’t cry.” Vic Mensa is the featured rapper on the song and echoes the same themes of being there for your partner no matter what trouble they get into.
ZZ has an outlaw feel to her dressing all in black and singing about the gun she has on her. She has a grit to her which is why Dirty Shine is a perfect name for her record.
When asked where the name and concept came from, ZZ Ward shared, “the phrase “dirty shine” means being your authentic self; imperfections and vulnerabilities all included. Recently, “dirty shine” became something of a mission statement for the alternative, blues and hip-hop-blending artist, as [I] welcomed a creative and career rebirth as an independent artist.”
Overall, ZZ has a fun, sultry alt americana feel to her, her ability to comfortably cross genres is both impressive and thrilling. The work that she has done alongside her brother to create these videos bring her songs to life even more, establish her look, and capture her sass and cool girl nature. She is an amazing performer and the freedom she has found through her independent album is admirable and inspirational to other independent musicians in the industry.
So go check out Dirty Shine along with the incredible music videos!
Written by Katie Power
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