Get to Know: Only1Zaina, The Independent Artist Exploreing the Beauty and Breakdown of Human Emotion With With Mechanical Souls

Introduce yourself in one paragraph: 

I’m Zaina, AKA Only1Zaina, a singer-songwriter and performer who blends raw emotion with pop fusion — mixing styles, and now live instruments to create a unique sound. My music is rooted in storytelling — I turn life’s struggles, growth, and love into powerful cinematic stories that inspire people to connect more and chase their best life. Since releasing my first single in 2021, I’ve grown tremendously with tracks like Mechanical Souls, which fuses human vulnerability with the challenges of today’s world, exploring how we can still feel deeply in an age that often feels mechanical. The music video is one for the books. I’m also very hands-on in my artistry, staying in full creative control from songwriting and production to mixing and mastering, to ensure every track reflects my vision. For me, music isn’t just about performing — it’s about manifesting life, creating multimedia experiences, and sharing my journey in a way that inspires and uplifts humanity. 

Were you connected with music from a young age, or anyone in particular inspired you? 

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been an entertainer — I have pictures and memories of singing and dancing around the house, always putting on a show for family and friends. Music has been with me since a very young age. I grew up in Los Angeles and actually missed several opportunities as a teenager to pursue music, partly because I didn’t have the means or the knowledge of where to start. Fast forward later in life, when I moved to Florida, I met someone who managed me for my first year and really inspired me to take that leap. Once I started, I never looked back — I realized music was the one thing missing in my life. After that first year, I chose to go independent, and I’ve been taking more and more creative control ever since — even writing and directing my own music videos. That process made me realize I also have a real talent for creative direction, and it’s something I see myself expanding into in the future, possibly even supporting other artists with their visuals. 

What first kickstarted your musical career? 

Meeting my first manager really kickstarted my music career — he guided me through recording my first three songs and gave me a foundation to build on. What truly opened my creative path, though, was hosting an open mic for independent artists that grew into a thriving creative tribe. That experience was both a gift and a challenge — it gave me community and purpose, but also taught me the hard lesson of pouring so much into others that I lost sight of myself. The beauty of it is that even in stepping back, I discovered another part of my artistry: hosting. It’s a talent I

carry with me today, from local shows to now stepping into a new chapter as an activity host with Carnival Cruise Entertainment. It’s been a journey of lessons, purpose, and growth — every step shaping the artist I am becoming. 

Tell us more about your sound and how it has evolved. 

My sound has evolved through constant experimentation — blending different styles, instruments, and even cultural influences. Early on, I incorporated Arabic drums and minor Arabic lyrics into tracks like Starting Over and others, which gave my music a unique fusion. Arabic is my native language. About a year ago, I made a big commitment to my artistry to finally learn guitar, an instrument I had picked up and put down three times before because of the challenge. This time I stuck with it, and immediately brought it into my music — with Mechanical Souls being the first track to feature live guitar played by me. Since then, I’ve been working on new singles, several of which include my own guitar parts, and I’m even preparing my first guitar cover release. My journey with guitar has also opened the door to learning additional instruments with my instructor, and I see that becoming an even bigger part of my sound moving forward. 

Any words you want to share to encourage other artists and producers? 

Definitely, haha. The biggest thing I can tell other artists and producers is to bring everything you love into your artistry. Experiment with sounds, styles, and influences that excite you — that’s what makes your music uniquely yours and the journey so fulfilling. Another piece of advice is to always share messages that serve humanity, can make a difference or inspire change or heal someone. Too often we see music promoting things that can be harmful rather than healing, but I stand by every song I create because it’s true to who I am. Whether it trends or not, if it reaches even one person in the right way, I know I’ve done something powerful. Words and music can move a crowd, and as artists, that gift is also our responsibility. And lastly, collaborate — but do it wisely. Work with creatives who truly align with your vision, passion, and energy. The right people at the right time can elevate your project beyond what you imagined. 

Networking, consistency, character, approach… what and how do you initiate your Industry relationships? 

Honestly, networking and maintaining relationships in this industry can be very challenging. People have different work ethics, not everyone self-manages well, and there are so many moving parts. You quickly learn that it’s trial and error — sometimes you have to build bridges, and other times you have to walk away from them. For me, the most important lesson has been to work with people who truly match my energy, align with my vision, and bring real passion and talent to the table. In the past, I worked with people just to be supportive, but I’ve realized that to put my best foot forward as an artist, I need collaborators who are just as committed, flexible, and open to creativity as I am. At the end of the day, it’s

about finding the right people who not only align with your goals but also bring something special to the project — and that’s how I build and maintain my industry relationships. 

Is there anyone specific you’d like to thank that has helped you evolve and why? 

First, let me not forget myself — because sometimes as artists we give so much credit outward that we forget the dedication, consistency, and effort it takes just to keep going. I’m proud of the work I’ve put in to grow. Beyond that, there have been many people who came into my life at just the right time and left at just the right time — each played a role in my journey. Aside from that two people in particular always come to mind. The first is Anthony Friday, my first manager, who pushed me to get started and guided me through my first songs, giving me a foundation in music. The second is Pablo Aragona, my guitar instructor. Over the past year, he has helped me grow tremendously by working with my style of learning, keeping me challenged, and supporting me as I began adding guitar to my original tracks. I also have to acknowledge the experiences of performing alongside other artists and hosting musical showcases — creating those collaborative spaces pushed me to grow in ways I never could have on my own. Altogether, it’s been a mix of self-dedication, mentorship, and community that has truly shaped the artist I am today. 

Name 3 albums or labels that have inspired you the most. 

Honestly, there isn’t a specific album or label that has defined my inspiration. I’ve always been very individual in my creation, and my music comes from what excites me, what I love, the messages I want to share, and the experiences I want to create. Of course, there are many artists I really admire — like Sia, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa — for their styles, songwriting, and presence. But when it comes to creating, I don’t rely heavily on outside influences. For me, it’s always been about storytelling, drawing from my own environment and life experiences, and making music that feels good to me and true to who I am. 

What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software? 

For me, it would definitely have to be the microphone. I love to talk, I love to sing, and I especially love layering vocals. One of my favorite parts of being in the studio is recording background vocals — that’s where I get really creative in supporting the lead and bringing my vision to life audibly. So if I had to choose one piece of equipment, it’s the mic. As for the rest, I’ll be honest — a lot of the technical gear in the studio gets pretty complicated, and that’s not really my forte. My strength is in the performance and the storytelling, and that’s why the microphone will always be my favorite. 

Name your favourite club or festival in the world, and how does it makes you feel? 

When I think of clubs, I immediately think of Dubai nightlife. I’ve been there three times, and the vibe is unmatched — and it’s hard to even pick just one because the whole scene is amazing.

Outside of that, I’d also mention Coco Bongo in the Dominican Republic, which is such a famous and unforgettable experience. I was blown away by the performances. 

When it comes to festivals, my favorite so far has to be EDC — Electric Daisy Carnival. I haven’t been to as many festivals as I’d like yet, but EDC was more than I imagined: the music, the people, the love, and the pure energy. It reminded me so much of the vibe I tried to create when I was hosting open mics and showcases — only on a much bigger scale. It made me feel whole, connected, and part of something bigger than myself. 

Name an outlandish rider request? 

I don’t really have one but if I became that type of artist and they’d bring me anything, I’d ask for a hypnotist backstage to do a group hypnosis for me and my team — get all the nerves out so we can go on stage and rock the hell out of that performance. Then I’d want an assortment of international coffees and herbal teas from around the world — heaven for me — and instead of alcohol, I’d go straight for a few different hookahs with different flavors waiting for me after the show. That’s my Zen moment. 

Favourite clubbing memory, who or what did it involve? 

I can’t say I have one single favorite clubbing memory, because I’m the type of person who indulges fully in the moment — so whatever night I’m in becomes my favorite at that time. Each experience has its own magic. But if I had to pick, I’d say what I love most about clubbing memories is the energy of being surrounded by people who are all just there to vibe, dance, and feel free together. It’s less about one moment and more about the way those nights make me feel alive and connected. 

What quote represents you best? 

Connection is everything — it’s the heartbeat of my art and my life. When energy and intention align, magic happens. 

If you could play any venue, where would it be and why? 

To be honest, I’m still an independent artist and I haven’t spent a lot of time studying the big-name venues yet — right now, my focus is on building my audience and getting my voice heard. What I dream about most isn’t a specific location, but the experience: being on a stage with the right lighting, LED visuals, and everything set up so I can create a true multimedia performance. For me, it’s less about the name of the venue and more about having the freedom and scale to bring my full vision to life for a larger audience. That’s the dream. 

Music is…

Music isn’t just sound — it’s an experience. For me, it’s about energy, alignment, and connection, turning life’s struggles, love, and growth into powerful stories that can nourish and heal souls. Every song should be more than entertainment; it should create an atmosphere, a moment, an experience that stays with you. That’s what Music means to me — not just performing, but connecting souls in a way that uplifts humanity. 

One song you really couldn’t live without? 

I don’t think there’s one. I live in the present and don’t dwell too much on much, so the song I’m most connected to is always changing depending on where I am in life. Music is powerful, but I don’t feel tied to a single track — I could make it work without any one song, because for me it’s more about the moment I’m in and the soundtrack that fits it. 

Name drop your favourite tunes, artists or DJs (past or present) 

Some of my favorite electronic DJs are Encore and ATB, their sets were mesmerizing at EDC. Their music makes me feel like I’m flying. When it comes to songwriting, I really admire Sia — not only for her incredible talent, but also for the uplifting lyrics and messages in her music, which is very important to me when I listen to an artist. And as for performers, I love Rihanna’s vibe and Dua Lipa’s voice and production. Those are the ones that come to mind right away. 

What was your first music opportunity and how did it fuel your fire? 

My first real music opportunity came when a local lounge approached me to host a show for myself. Instead of keeping the stage just for me, I came up with the idea of turning it into a collaborative open mic, bringing together Orlando’s music artists and creating something special for both the venue and the community. That one decision sparked a whole new journey that went on for about a year and a half. It helped me grow tremendously as an artist and gave me the chance to connect and work with so many other creatives. 

Tell us more about your plans for the future. 

I have so many plans in motion right now. I’m currently waiting for my assignment as a host with Carnival Cruise Entertainment, and I’ll be documenting my ship life journey as much as I can on social media. Musically, I’ve just finished recording around seven tracks, including my very first guitar cover, and I’ll be releasing them in increments — each one telling a different music story with a meaningful message. My next release, Mechanical Souls, is dropping on 9/21 with the music video to follow on 9/29, and that project may even inspire a podcast series expanding on its themes. Looking further ahead, I also plan to re-launch my creative business in a new format to provide more support for the independent music community. And beyond that, there’s even more to come — but for now, you’ll just have to stay tuned @only1zaina.

Any worldly advice you’d like to share? 

I always have advice to share, and the biggest one is to listen to your life. Keep chasing what you love and make space for it every single day — whether that’s spending time with people you care about, creating something unique, learning a new skill, or simply doing something that fulfills you. Don’t take time for granted, because it passes so quickly. And above all, remember it’s never too late. I got my start in music later in life, but I can’t imagine my life without it now. Every experience since I began has brought me fulfillment, and that’s what I believe life is really about. It’s about the journey, the lessons, the growth, the connection, and the experiences. To live a truly fulfilling life, you have to take care of your mind, body, and soul — and we often forget the soul part. So whatever that means to you, don’t neglect it.