ZZ Ward, the multifaceted artist known for her boundary-pushing musical style, is out to make waves with her highly anticipated first independent album Dirty Shine. The album is scheduled for release on Sept. 8 on her new record label Dirty Shine Records. The album promises to be a masterful fusion of bold electronic elements, infectious hip-hop beats, soulful R&B melodies, and the raw energy of acoustic Delta blues, all delivered with Ward’s signature edgy flair.
After several successful releases under major labels, Ward is now embracing a new chapter in her career as an independent artist. Dirty Shine represents a celebration of her creative freedom, unshackled from the constraints of the music industry. This exciting move empowers ZZ to chart her own musical course and offers fans a more intimate connection to her artistic vision.
“I feel like this time in my life is like ‘dirty shine’ on steroids. I can fully be myself, and nothing can stop me,” says ZZ, referring to the phrase “dirty shine” as a representation of embracing one’s true self, warts and all. This message resonates not only in her music but also in her interactions with fans, as she fosters a genuine and supportive community around her work.
To celebrate the album’s announcement, Ward has released a captivating video for the single On One, featuring artist, musician and filmmaker Jean Deaux. The song pulsates with energetic hip-hop grooves and carries an empowering message inspired by ZZ’s experiences as a new mother. The video is part of a series of mini-movies she has been creating with her filmmaker brother Adam Ward, offering fans a visually stunning and immersive experience.
Ward’s musical journey began at an early age when she fell in love with the blues, inspired by her father’s record collection. As a teenager, she recognized the natural connection between blues and hip-hop, leading her to explore the vibrant music scene in her hometown of Eugene. Her tireless efforts as an independent artist paid off, earning her a deal with Hollywood Records. Her debut release quickly made a splash in the industry, and her second album topped the Billboard Blues chart with collaborations featuring Grammy winners Fantastic Negrito and Gary Clark Jr.
The addition of motherhood has added new dimensions to Ward’s life and artistry. Balancing her music career and motherhood has required determination and adaptability, but ZZ embraces the challenge with grace and resilience. Supported by her husband, the Grammy-winning songwriter Evan Kidd Bogart, who serves as her label partner and manager, Ward navigates this phase of her life with creative vigor and personal growth.
Dirty Shine is a collaborative affair, boasting an impressive lineup of award-winning producers and collaborators including Vic Mensa, Aloe Blacc, Ludwig Goransson, Mike Elizondo, Jason Evigan, Dave Bassett, S1 and the duo Mark Jackson and Ian Scott.
Watch the video for On One above, hear more from ZZ Ward below, and take a shine to her on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.
Dirty Shine Track List:
1 | Welcome to Dirty Shine
2 | Ride or Die (feat. Vic Mensa)
3 | Fadeaway
4 | On One (feat. Jean Deaux)
5 | Slow Hum Hymnal
6 | Dead or Alive
7 | Forget About Us
8 | Friends Like These
9 | Baby Don’t
10 | North Bank Blues
11 | OverdoZZe
12 | Cut Me Loose
13 | Tin Cups (feat. Aloe Blacc)
14 | Don’t Let Me Down
