Dani Zam is Writing Feelings Into Sound–One Genre-Defying Track at a Time

Meet Dani Zam—the genre-fluid sound alchemist turning big feelings into even bigger vibes. One minute, you’re swaying to lush R&B chords; the next, you’re grooving to funk-infused strings straight out of the '70s. And somehow, it all just works. With her signature blend of heart, humor, and harmony, Dani’s music feels like a warm hug wrapped in glitter—and her new EP Curfew, plus the shimmering single “Love Over M,e” are no exception. Whether she’s writing about emotional boundaries or her love for Buzzfeed quizzes, Dani’s world (@danizamworld, to be exact) is where self-discovery meets pure sonic joy. Ready to feel all the feelings? Press play.

Know more about Dani Zam:

IG handle: @danizamworld

Star Sign: Taurus

Studied: Brand Marketing & Fashion Business, with a minor in Art History

Personality: The kind of person who makes a conscious effort to call people by

their names... but is notoriously bad at remembering them.

Pet peeves: Rude behavior towards servers. Also, blue cheese—hard pass.

Hobbies: Avid reader of fiction, gender studies, and psychology. Catch her with a

coffee and a Kindle any day.

Fave food & drink: She hasn’t said exactly, but we’re guessing something cozy,

comforting, and probably paired with jazz.

You’re as likely to hear a string section inspired by 70s funk as you are to catch a dreamy R&B chord progression in a Dani Zam track. Where does that musical fusion come from?

“No matter what I end up writing, it always starts with a feeling,” she shares. “That gut feeling is what guides each project.” While Dani doesn’t like labeling her music as a single genre, she acknowledges how different genres serve as tools in her growing creative arsenal. Her track “beso” is a perfect example: born from a deep dive into UDD’s discography, it ultimately became a pop song layered with funk-inspired strings and R&B chords. “I try not to put myself in boxes when I write. I want the music to be taken as it is—not what it should sound like.”

If you could write a love song about anything—not just a person—what would it be?

“Okay, super random,” she laughs, “but I really enjoy taking personality tests and Buzzfeed quizzes. There’s something fun about using preferences to explain who we are.” So maybe, she muses, a song about those “me-coded” behaviors—the kind of track that’s playful, yet rooted in something emotionally honest.

You’ve mentioned Stevie Wonder, JoJo, and Justin Timberlake as inspirations. How have they shaped your music journey?

“They’re like blueprints for the house I’m building,” Dani explains. But her connection to Stevie Wonder runs deeper than just musical admiration. At seven, Dani’s best friend was diagnosed with cancer. “We were kids. I didn’t really understand what was happening. I remember picking out a wig with her, then coming home and hearing ‘Knocks Me Off My Feet.’ That song gave me comfort in a way I hadn’t felt before.” Her friend recovered, but that moment stuck. “That’s when I realized music could heal. That’s what I carry into everything I write now.”

Okay, be honest. What’s one song in your playlist right now that you’re a little embarrassed about? “I don’t think it’s embarrassing because I love her,” she admits. “But I’ve probably listened to ‘I Don’t Have A Broken Heart’ by Trixie Mattel more than what’s considered normal. It just makes me feel good.”

If your music were a fashion trend?

“Soft glam with a sultry edge,” she says without missing a beat. “That’s how I see myself most days.”

You just dropped your new upbeat single “Love Over Me.” Do you have any weird pre-release rituals?

“No secret dances or lucky charms,” she laughs. “But I do listen to the track an obscene number of times before release, looking for any small detail I might’ve missed.” After the release? “It takes me a while to listen to the song again. That’s my way of letting it go—it’s cathartic.”

Your EP curfew plays with the idea of emotional self-restraint. What inspired that theme?

“I wanted a word that captured the awareness of longing—of wanting to feel something deeply but keeping it in check,” Dani explains. “I tend to police myself when emotions get too big, so curfew became my metaphor for that internal clock. It’s like telling yourself: feel it, but don’t let it spiral.” She writes like she’s on the phone with her best friend—unfiltered, honest, and deeply relatable. “That’s my hope: that people hear something and feel instantly connected. Whether it’s the lyrics or the vibe, I want them to know they’re not

alone in what they feel.”

Dream music festival lineup—you’re headlining. Who’s joining you?

“Victoria Monét, Raquel Rodriguez, and Leon Thomas to start the vibe. Then Kings of Leon and FRANCO for that nighttime energy. And if I could perform with Silk Sonic... I would lose my mind.”

And finally, what do you want listeners to take away from your EP?

“I just want people to feel something. That’s it. Whether they feel deeply seen or just feel happy, if a song resonates even a little, then I’ve done what I came to do.

Stream "Love Over Me” now on all platforms, and follow @danizamworld for

more genre-blending, feeling-forward music.

–– Photography by Rxandy Capinpin Styling and Makeup by Dani Zam herself Special thanks to Tarsier Records