Pop singer-songwriter Zoë Vera is a rising voice in New Zealand music, known for her honesty, vulnerability, and emotive vocals. Born in the Netherlands and raised in South Auckland, she draws on her life experiences to create music exploring themes of resilience, identity, and growth. Her sound leans into musicality, sophistication, and creative substance, diverging from the more predictable conventions of the pop genre.
Zoë returns to the music scene with her five-track EP titled ‘Live Harder’, which delves into her personal experience with trauma and the journey of rebuilding her life. ‘Good Enough’, the first single to be released from the EP, on December 12, explores the universal experience of comparison, written from Zoë’s perspective as a twin. ‘Good Enough’ captures the frustration, grief, and resilience involved in reclaiming self-worth, showcasing Zoë’s ability to turn personal truth into powerful, relatable pop. Zoë’s heartfelt lyrics, paired with her captivating vocal range, makes this track a must-listen.
Zoë has been working on this EP with producer Danny McCrum, who has an extensive background working with artists, including Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and Norah Jones. Her final track on the EP features keys by Alex Burke, a Los Angeles-based musician who has recently worked with Bob Dylan and contributed to the latest (unreleased) Bruce Springsteen album.
Previous singles, 'Don’t Make It My Fault' and 'Amsterdam', received radio play in New Zealand, including on 'The Edge', as well as internationally, such as in the UK, with airplay in London. 'Don’t Make It My Fault' is also featured in Air New Zealand’s Runway Pop playlist. Zoë was recently invited to open for Kiwi artist Paige, showcasing her presence in the local live music scene.
Not only is Zoë Vera a talented artist, but she is also a Registered Emergency Nurse who spent the pandemic working on the frontlines. Music, she says, has always been a source of expression and comfort, helping her navigate the highs and lows of life. Her ability to channel such deep emotion into her music resonates strongly with listeners, offering both relatability and inspiration.
Zoë’s debut single, ‘Don’t Make It My Fault’, released in 2024, was met with praise across the industry. LA on Lock described her vocal performance as “impressive” and noted the emotive power of her delivery, while Tear Away highlighted her “moving and heartfelt” songwriting. Music & Fashion Blog commended Zoë’s “rawness within her lyrical journey”. ‘Amsterdam’ further garnered widespread attention and critical acclaim. Welcome to the Gig highlighted her ability to create deeply emotional music where it “embraces you like the warmest, long-held hug from the ones you enjoy the company of the most; it is special and magnetic”, further cementing her status as a rising artist to watch.
'Good Enough' will become available for listening on all platforms on December 12
'Amsterdam' is available for listening on all platforms
Zoë Vera's Debut Single
'Don't Make It My Fault' is available for listening on all platforms
“Heartbreak is one of the cornerstones of songwriting, with untold songs written on the subject, and yet talented artists like Zoë Vera continue to dip into this emotional well.
’Don’t Make It My Fault’ is about love gone wrong but Vera’s manages to give us a vulnerable and tender song without delving into the anger or jaded skepticism often found in such songs. Her vocal range and emotive delivery is impressive and this song has a haunting quality that makes you want to give her a comforting hug afterward.”
— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

"Zoë Vera is a rising pop singer based in Auckland, New Zealand. Zoë is making her mark on the music scene this 2024 with her newest offering single Don't Make It My Fault."
— Music.Net.NZ

"Heroic nurse and wonderfully gifted musician, Zoë Vera, who hails from Auckland, is slowly creeping back onto the New Zealand music scene having recently released her exceptionally personal, vulnerable track from her archive titled Don't Make It My Fault"
— Ashlea Harris ~ Welcome to the Gig

"Heroic nurse and wonderfully gifted musician, Zoë Vera, who hails from Auckland, is slowly creeping back onto the New Zealand music scene having recently released her exceptionally personal, vulnerable track from her archive titled Don't Make It My Fault"
— Ashlea Harris ~ Welcome to the Gig

"WPGM Commentary: Zoë Vera Explores Heartbreak and Shame On 'Don't Make It My Fault'"
— Ayo Adepoju ~ WPGM PR and Publicity

"This number hits wildly with raw emotion...The acoustic feeling to Amsterdam rallies around listeners, bringing them into the bubble that Zoë is expressing, allowing small amounts of intimate, raw emotion to be shared with nothing but beautiful truths from her internal dialogue, something Zoë does with ease, and extraordinary bravery. Amsterdam embraces you like the warmest, long-held hug from the ones you enjoy the company of the most; it is special, magnetic and really suits the launch of the vibe of Zoë's latest single".
— Ashlea Harris ~ Welcome to the Gig

"Zoë Vera's simple songwriting approach is moving and heartfelt, focusing on raw lyricism and showing off her beautiful vocal. This is a gorgeous introduction to a Kiwi artist who's sure to stay on your musical radar."
— The TearAway Weekly Music Haul

Zoë Vera "should be commended for her rawness within her lyrical journey. It brings so many special moments for her listeners and leaves plenty of room for the audience to insert their own story into the emotion. Beautifully done."
— Music & Fashion Blog, Tricia Patras

"Pop singer-songwriter Zoë Vera is back with her latest single, Amsterdam a vulnerable and raw exploration of depression, hopelessness, and self-reflection. The new track comes on the heels of her successful debut single, Don't Make It My Fault, which garnered widespread attention and critical acclaim earlier this year."
— Music.Net.NZ
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