Zsela has been riding a unique wave for the past few years, unspooling immaculately crafted, heart-on-sleeve R&B that drips with feeling. With the arrival of her long-awaited debut album, Big For You, out now via Mexican Summer, she’s doubling down on all of the experimental charm that makes her music so magnetic. “At the heart, it touches on the causal versus intentional dance we play between being ‘full of you’ and ‘full for you’ — the complexity and magnitude of the space we take and fill up for love,” Zsela says of the title. Floating between grandness and vulnerability throughout its 10 tracks, Zsela notes that it was essential for her to “stay open” during the album’s creation, digging for a deeper truth of what the songs needed to be. With the help of producers Daniel Aged (Frank Ocean, Kelela) and Gabe Wax (The War On Drugs, Soccer Mommy), it’s clear that she found it.
Read more: 24 of the most exciting rising artists to watch in 2024
In the aftermath of its release, Zsela waded through a handful of influences that shaped her heavenly new album.
Prince – “Love… Thy Will Be Done”
I don’t know how I was so late to this song, but it arrived just on time. If you don’t know it, I’m excited for you. Play it very loud and pass it on.
Kate Bush – “Houdini”
My queen of dynamics and drama. This song is theater. Every time the beat hits, it’s like you earned it. I could live at 0:44.
Cass Elliot – “Didn’t Want To Have To Do It (Ver. 1)”
This song is like home. I’ve been rinsing “Ver. 1” over the past few years and did not know “Ver. 2” existed. It has a whole second life now. This song has gotten me through a lot of grief and deep catharsis every time.
Mary Margaret O’Hara – “Body’s In Trouble”
Forever a Miss America fan.
Luther Vandross – “A House Is Not A Home” (Live at the NAACP Awards, 1988)
This song was our light in the studio, and it was our homework to learn every word — for our health. This performance lives rent-free in my brain. Good morning, good evening, good afternoon, hello, bye-bye baby.
The Clark Sisters – “Center of Thy Will”
Thank God for the Clark Sisters and their harmonies. I turned to this song so many times making this album to ground me. They bring the sunshine.
Mark Hollis – “A Life (1895-1915)”
This is one of my favorite songs in the world.
Niki & the Dove – “So Much It Hurts”
Can someone tell them to play in the States soon? I really must go.
Bruce Springsteen – “Racing In The Street”
Two things I like: ballads and The Boss.
Jacobs Vocal Academy – “Vocal Warm Up Exercise #1 – Lip Roll”
I would like to thank the Academy for keeping me warmed up for years.
