Zane Smith discusses creating second independent album “black”

Buy Zane Smith’s ‘black’ album – Google Play – iTunes – Amazon


Inspiration“After graduation I didn’t know what to expect. It definitely wasn’t the life I was living. Working a part-time job, few hours, little pay, wasted time, no progress. It was frustrating. Depressing.

It was then I realized I had not been progressing. Depression set in.” 
The cover design features Zane Smith sitting in the bathtub, a scene in “black thoughts,” the concluding track. A bath, the cleansing, represents a new birth, change, the end of the depression.

Zane Smith ‘black’ album coverRecording“I made the beats, wrote the lyrics, revised them and practiced them. I was ready to record, but with the state of mind of was in, the kind of lyrics I wrote, I definitely could not record at home like my first album “SWATCHES.”

I went to Patchwerk Studios in Atlanta, GA., my first time ever in a real studio. It was cool being there, knowing the history made in the building. But, it was also expensive. I had been saving what little money I had made. They always say “invest in yourself,” so I did. I went broke.

​Time is money, and each hour costs. I practiced and practiced my lyrics before my session so time wouldn’t be wasted, after-all, I couldn’t afford it. Seven tracks were recorded in four hours. The song “black wealth” was completed in one take, straight through, hook and all. Got the vocals bounced before leaving, a week later, I had completed edited and mixed everything.

I got my mastering consultation, learned some about the music business, and made final changes. In the end of the process, I was broke.”  
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Expenses were about $4,500 for recording and marketing expenses. Zane Smith switched from one job to another, using all of his savings to produce and promote the album. CD’s, business cards, and ad spaces, were purchased to help reach new audiences.

“I stood outside of concerts, clubs, and stores with my sign around my neck, trying to sell or give out my music. It wasn’t easy (laughs)! CD’s were going out of if not already out of style, and people really aren’t always open to new music. Some nights were awful, some were great!”

Zane Smith independently filmed and/or edited a music video for all seven tracks, creating a complete video album.

Reflection“I put my everything into this album. My heart and my money (laughs)! I bet on myself. I thought for sure, this release would get me noticed, and take me where I wanted to be right away. That wasn’t the case. It’s okay though.

Someone like myself, rarely discusses my problems, open to hear others, but can’t express my own, not directly at least. That’s what my “black” album is, finally getting it all off my chest, out of my mind, that’s why it’s special to me! I think people can relate. I made it with other’s in mind. Those who feel how I feel.

It was only my second album. It didn’t perform how I wanted immediately, but it has done well. It’s not over though. The promotion never ends. I stand by everything I said. The music I made.”
To support Zane Smith’s Music, purchase the ‘black’ album via your preferred retailer.  

Rapper Zane Smith checking out his order of 1,000 copies of second independent album “black.”