{"id":45210,"date":"2024-12-02T15:47:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T20:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/?p=45210"},"modified":"2024-12-08T17:04:23","modified_gmt":"2024-12-08T22:04:23","slug":"interview-kenzie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/2024\/12\/02\/interview-kenzie\/","title":{"rendered":"INTERVIEW: KENZIE"},"content":{"rendered":"

Photo and Interview by Dani Krantz<\/span><\/p>\n

I had the pleasure of speaking with Kenzie on November 30, before her opening act for Mark Ambor at Paradise Rock Club. Kenzie Ziegler is a multi-talented singer, actress, and former \u201cDance Moms\u201d star who has built a successful career in music and social media.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dani Krantz (DK): <\/b>Alright. I’m just going to start by talking a little bit about \u201canatomy\u201d first. That’s personally one of my favorite songs of yours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kenzie Ziegler (KZ): <\/b>Thank you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK:<\/b> So the music video and choreography were so raw and so beautiful. How did that concept come to be?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ:\u00a0 <\/b>Yeah. You know, I mean, \u201canatomy\u201d is one of my favorite songs that I’ve ever done too, and it was such an emotional, raw experience for me. And so when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do for the video, we actually went through a bunch of different creative directors, and there were a bunch of treatments. And every single time, I was like, guys, \u201cI literally can’t do this. Like, I hate this.\u201d Like, it just doesn’t feel right. And I had a lot of talks with people where I was like, \u201cI don’t know what to tell you. I’m not doing any of this.\u201d And so I was just like, \u201cYou know what? I feel like we find a warehouse and just film it and, like, dance.\u201d And my sister choreographed it. And I felt like that just gave the most emotional kind of representation to the song.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK:<\/b> So, bouncing off of that, your older sister, Maddie, choreographed that music video for you. So obviously, you guys have been kind of, quote, unquote, coworkers since you were 6. How have you balanced family dynamics while also working together?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ:<\/b> Yeah. You know, I think when we were younger, we were with each other 24\/7 and working together. And so it was really hard for us to hang out as friends. We really hated each other, to be honest, as children. But I think as we grew up, since we do different things, we love when we get the chance to work with each other. Like, we did our American Eagle kind of brand together, and we just loved every second of it because we just really cherish those moments together, and we’re best friends now.<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>I was watching your podcast with the Lautners. And I know you said that dance wasn’t always a safe space for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Yeah.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>In \u201canatomy,\u201d you really expressed yourself in a physical way. How have you started to heal your relationship with dancing?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>I think when I was younger, it was such a chore for me, and it just felt like I had to do it. And nowadays, I love doing it on my own time with no pressure. And I think with \u201canatomy,\u201d it was just so important to highlight the dancing in that because even though I don’t consider myself the best dancer in any way, shape, or form, I think it was just so meaningful to kind of bring that back because, you know, it is my childhood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>Oh, that’s gorgeous.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Thank you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>That song also really blew up on social media. How was the outpour of support from your fans and the general public?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Oh my gosh. I did not expect for it to do the things that it did. I was really, really nervous to put it out. And then, you know, I think what helped me so much and, like, feeling okay about it was I always felt alone in these situations. And I felt like I was the only one being upset about my parent not being there fully. But I realized that a lot more people go through it than not, in this day and age. And so getting fans reactions and feedback from them and hearing their stories, I think it really healed me for sure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>I was thinking about this earlier today because we’re about the same age. I have so much respect for you growing up in such a public way. I genuinely can’t even imagine that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Thank you.<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>What’s been the most challenging aspect of growing up in the public eye, and how have you figured out a way to navigate as you enter adulthood?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Yeah. I mean, there obviously are a lot of challenges that come with growing up on social media. I felt like there were a billion eyes on me 24\/7, and I felt like I had to be the best role model for people. And, you know, I’ve had my ups and downs, and I feel like, like I said, having your whole life on social media. Growing up as a teenager, of course, I’m going to do things that are wrong, but that’s inevitable. I think the hardest and craziest thing for me is that I always feel older than I am, and social media definitely has helped me do that as well. So, it\u2019s harder for me to interact with people my age than it is for me to interact with older people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>Do you feel like you were forced to grow up much faster?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>A little bit, but, you know, I am very grateful for how I grew up because I really think I could be in any situation, no matter the circumstances, and be okay. You know?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>I want to pivot a little bit more into your artistry and your music. I mean, you started releasing music at such a young age. How do you feel you’ve evolved as an artist?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Wow. I think I’ve evolved tremendously, and I think I’m still evolving every single day. I mean, I started making music when I was, like, 8 years old, and I never wrote my music. And so, getting to write my own music and figure out my sound, I feel like I know exactly the vision of what I want my music career to be. And I think it’s fun, and it’s exciting. I just feel like I’ve learned so much.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK:<\/b> And then you released your album \u201cbiting my tongue\u201d last year. Did you experiment with any new styles or sounds?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Oh, for sure. I think every writing session for me was an experiment. I think, just in life, I don’t love to be out of my comfort zone, especially with things that I feel a little scared about. I kind of pushed my boundaries and I’m continuing to every day. And I think that’s what makes music so special: being able to really do whatever you want.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>Do you have a favorite song off the album?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Oh, I love \u201ccasualty\u201d the most. \u201ccasualty\u201d is my favorite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>Such a good song.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Thank you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>And you’ve also had so many milestones these past few years, like releasing your own album and buying your home at 20. What are you the most proud of and why?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Wow. Sometimes it doesn’t feel real- what I’ve accomplished- but I am really proud of myself and grateful for everything. But I think the one thing that I’m the most, I guess, proud of is, that I have such an amazing family and amazing friends. Because a few years back, I didn’t have that many friends. I was really nervous to put myself out there and I’m just really proud of myself for putting myself out there and actually surrounding myself with people that care about me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>I love that. I mean, the ages of 17 to 19 are the absolute worst<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Oh my God!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>You’re at such a weird space in your life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>No one prepared me for that, by the way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK:<\/b> It’s like the training wheels are just yanked off and like, \u201cgo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Exactly. I’m glad you could relate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>I want to just ask a fun question too. What’s been your favorite song to perform live?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>I think in the beginning of tour, it was \u201cbad for you.\u201d That one was really fun for me. It’s more like sexy, sensual, and the crowd seems to love it. But I think it’s been \u201cpaper,\u201d which is funny enough because I released \u201cpaper\u201d way before my album. It was one of the first singles that I released with my label. So it was one of the first songs I put out, to me. And I think the crowd really gives awesome feedback, and, you know, with these tours, it’s not my show. I’m, opening for Mark. And every day, it’s kind of like a gamble if they know me or not, which is so fun. But when \u201cpaper\u201d comes on, they all seem to enjoy it. So I think that makes me really appreciate performing in front of people.<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>Can we expect a headline tour anytime soon?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>I hope so!<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>I would love to see a Kenzie headline tour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>You know, I’ve always dreamt of it. I think that’s one of my biggest dreams because I’ve never gotten to do that. So, yeah, I would love to do that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>And then, do you have a dream collaboration with anyone and what artists inspire you?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Wow. I have so many dream collaborations. I think there’s a lot of people that I’ve looked up to over the years. Billie Eilish is someone I’ve always looked up to because we started doing music at the same age and writing our own music. I just think she’s very humble. I look up to Gracie Abrams. I think someone recently that I’ve wanted to collaborate with is Lizzy McAlpine. I think her lyricism and the way she carries herself, and I don’t think there’s one bad song she has. That would definitely be like a dream collab right now.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>You’ve been working so much and touring nonstop. Can you describe your dream day off?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Oh, it’s very simple. Laying in bed all day. Maybe playing Sims because I’m a Sims girl.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>I’m the biggest Sims fan. Like, that is my favorite thing to do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Thank you! I’ve literally gotten my boyfriend into it. That’s how insane it is. When we go home, like, after these shows, to the hotels, we play Sims until like 5 in the morning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>I love that. That’s the best after show experience. Do you have a way you play Sims? Like, I know for me, I will just go through keep making new families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Yeah. Same. Same. I think for me, I make the most perfect family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>Yes, of course.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>I find a husband or whatever, have a bunch of kids, and then I take one of the kids, and then I start a family with that kid, and then it’s just generations of generations. Nothing ever changes. But, you know, I just love it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>Back a little bit to you as a kid. You took on so many projects when you were so young, including your book and your persona, \u201cMack Z.\u201d Do you feel like those were representative of you, or was there pressure from people around you to keep putting stuff out?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Yeah. That was definitely not me at all. I honestly don’t even remember those times, which is crazy. I mean, but who remembers anything when they were, like, 10? I think those things have shaped who I am today, but I don’t necessarily think they have any representation of me anymore. But I’m grateful for those things. You know?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>Yeah! You’ve been really open about your past relationships as well as your familial relationships inspiring your lyrics. Can you tell me a little bit about your songwriting process?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Yeah. I mean, usually, I go in, and I either come up with a word or a concept. Most of the time, it’s a therapy session. I come in, and I rant for an hour or two, and then we write the song in 30 minutes, which is actually really easy. But I hate talking about myself when it comes to, my friends. I just don’t like talking about my feelings. So when I’m in a writing session, I’m like, alright. Like, this is the time to shine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>I think that I am a social butterfly, but I also love alone time. And I really am very normal. I think people are always like, \u201cyou’re so glamorous, and you do this\u201d and I’m like, \u201cno.\u201d Like, not at all. You should see my house is a wreck all the time and when I’m doing nothing, I look like shit. And that’s just who I am. Like, I’m a normal person. You know?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>I love that. And then my last question is, do you have any upcoming projects or surprises you can share with your fans?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>Oh, I will say I have been writing a lot of music. And in the new year, I’m definitely going to be doing sessions every day, which I’m very excited for because it’s been a while. So, I would just say more music is coming and hopefully, a headline tour. I mean, that would that would be great.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DK: <\/b>I love that. Do you have anything else you want to add?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

KZ: <\/b>No. But thank you, and I\u2019m so happy for you to see the show.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Photo and Interview by Dani Krantz I had the pleasure of speaking with Kenzie on November 30, before her opening act for Mark Ambor at Paradise Rock Club. Kenzie Ziegler is a multi-talented singer, actress, and former \u201cDance Moms\u201d star who has built a successful career in music and social media. Dani Krantz (DK): Alright. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21826,"featured_media":45211,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16,1523],"tags":[29,2222,117],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45210"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21826"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45210"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45210\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45342,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45210\/revisions\/45342"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45211"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45210"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45210"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45210"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}