Zhaklina, originally from New York and of Albanian, Irish and Greek descent, is an Independent, Alternative Pop artist. After graduating college, Zhaklina tied for first place in the 2015 singing competition “The Audition,” with Hudson Valley, NY radio station K104.7. She went on to perform at KFEST that year, meeting several record executives and gaining the confidence to pursue her dream of making music her career.
In 2019, Zhaklina began releasing a series of EPs called “17 Reasons Why,” dedicated to mental health awareness. With “Gossip Queen” being her most popular song yet, and “Tattooed Roses” not too far behind, she has developed a space for her audience to feel seen. She has been published and interviewed by several media platforms, including Medium, BuzzMusic and K104.7. She released her newest single “Pretend” in February of 2023.
Zhaklina has contributed portions of her music revenue to various mental health organizations including (but not limited to) To Write Love On Her Arms, NoStigmas and Project Semicolon. Her convictions for suicide prevention lead her to continued involvement in volunteering efforts and events that are fighting to make a difference and help those who need it. She began hosting Mental Health Songwriter Nights in 2022, raising $2,000 for mental health organizations.
Zhaklina believes in the beauty of sharing our stories and strengths to remind people that they are not alone. A rose, a symbol of classic beauty and strength, is her visual expression of her message. Music is how she shares it.
Six Things You May Not Know About Me…
- I am allergic to jalapeños! It’s quite a bummer.
- I have lived on both the East and West coasts of America.
- I can speak Albanian.
- I have a bachelors degree in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology.
- When I first moved to Nashville, I didn’t have any furniture so I slept on a bed I made of my coats and sweaters and a little decor pillow that said “dream” for a week.
- I went to Disney World & Universal Studios in Orlando, FL for my honeymoon and it was the best thing ever.
Twelve Songs that Have Impacted My Life and Career…
“My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion
This is the song that inspired me to sing my heart out and belt with passion.
“Bring Me to Life” – Evanescence
Everything from Amy Lee’s vocals to the lyrics and instrumentals drew me into the world of rock. Her voice is still one of my favorite voices of all time and this is the first song of hers that I heard.
“What Dreams Are Made Of” – Hilary Duff
Another song from my childhood that I would sing everywhere I went to anyone who would listen.
“The Voice Within” – Christina Aguilera
Not only do I love listening to this song but it truly got me through challenging times as a young girl. I spent many nights falling asleep, quietly singing to this song.
“You Say” – Lauren Daigle
This has been such a healing song in my life. I love to sing it and it always reminds me to look to God for my identity and strength.
“Cosmic Love” – Florence + the Machine
What a song! This song is so artsy and full of metaphors and depth. Not only do I get inspired by the powerful vocals and creative instrumentals, I get swept into a different land lyrically. This song always takes me to a creative space in my mind when I listen to it. It’s a true inspiration.
“Awake My Soul” – Mumford & Sons
I got into this band in college and haven’t stopped listening since. This song specifically has a line that still rings true in my spirit: “In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die. And where you invest your love, you invest your life.”
“Save My Soul” – JoJo
This song helped me get out of a really toxic relationship. It helped me believe reality and read the writing on the wall. It reminds me of the power in being aware of the truth.
“Zombie” – The Cranberries
This is one of my favorite songs to sing. It’s edgy and tells a deep story. I appreciate the depth to this song and it’s powerful delivery. It always draws out the back bone in me.
“A Beautiful Lie” – Thirty Seconds to Mars
This is just one of the most EPIC songs I’ve ever listened to. It’s so powerful and captivating. This song inspires me to create powerful, moving music.
“Santa’s Real” – Sasha Alex Sloan
First off, this artist deserves a Grammy. Her music is so authentic and and inspires authenticity in others. I really resonate with this song because there’s a small part of me that still wishes for world peace, knowing that reality tells a different story. I like knowing there’s other people out there that feel the same.
“Fighter” – Christina Aguilera
I’ve always felt like a Warrior in my life and this song always helps me connect to that part of myself – even when I am at my lowest.
