Darla Z
Darla Zuhdi aka Darla Z began her on stage musical career in 2005 opening in concert for Willie Nelson. Since 2005, Darla Z has performed and headlined in Las Vegas numerous times, opened in concert for Wayne Newton in 2007 and starred in three nationally released network television specials (2013-2015) filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada, having prime time broadcasts throughout the U.S., including NYC and LA. In 2015-2016, she performed successful benefit concerts for Pepper’s Ranch Foster Care Community.
In 2016, Darla Z put on her disco diva shoes and appeared in concert as the legendary Gap Band’s special guest artist. Currently, she has been working in Las Vegas recording her all original album with co-writer and Producer Ronnie Wilson, Founder of The Gap Band, the famed musical group originating from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough then tell us more!!
Uplifting, Comforting, hopefully beautiful
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else?) Tell us why.
My favorite part about being an artist is songwriting. I absolutely love to write lyrics. Sometimes when I write, I get lost in the moment and I forget where I am except for what I am writing about. I also love to have a positive message in what I write.
Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you?
I love being in the recording studio both to record and make decisions about arranging. I was able to arrange all the songs in my second public TV show 'Darla Z's Love Songs 'Round the World' and it was really fulfilling.
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
I love to cook and create new and delicious dishes. I created a YouTube show that airs on my YouTube Channel called 'The Singing Keto Friendly Chef' and filmed about 7 episodes, but I've been so busy lately, I haven't been able to film anything. In every episode, I sing a song and sometimes, I have used public domain music and have written lyrics about food to the melody -- even wrote one about Short Ribs!
Here is the latest episode!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOk3oMQ4-Rw
Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why?
Artists of today is a hard one because I love the music of yesteryear, artists like Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Eydie Gorme and Karen Carpenter. However, as far as current artist go, I think Kelly Clarkson has a terrific voice and she's a great song writer. Lady Gaga is extremely talented as well. I can't stand it when artists use auto tune or combined vocals to create a single vocal. So those artists that are genuine and sing without that type help are ones I look up to.
Can you tell us what song you've written that is the most emotional and describe the meaning behind it?
I wrote a song for my husband Bill on our 30th wedding anniversary called 'This Song of Love'. I recorded it in Las Vegas and arranged it. The melody is from the movie 'Somewhere in Time' and is our favorite movie. So I wrote lyrics to the theme song for my husband and presented him with the recording. I recorded it also in my home during the pandemic and released it on YouTube.
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year?
Yes, I'm working on a screenplay for a motion picture. Can't tell what the story line is but it is going to be great -- a family movie with a super fun animal character that's already a global brand!
Tell us where fans can access your music.
On my web site: www.darlaz.com