- Words Notion Staff
Rising artist, Zola Courtney, gives Notion an exclusive look into a day in her life as she joins forces with Caleborate for their sultry summer R&B jam “Superstar”.
Following the release of last year’s ‘Nothing To Lose’ EP, which gained the singer support from BBC Introducing Playlist on Radio 1 among others, Zola Courtney returns with her first release of 2021. “Superstar” marks a confident step into a sound more directly influenced by hip hop and a self-professed new sassiness. The London-based artist has enlisted established California rapper Caleborate for the new track; a song penned as a “punch-back” to arrogance and self-righteousness.
“The song is based around the arrogance that can come with power and influence. The lyrics aren’t specifically about ‘superstars’ but more about self-righteous people, and personal experiences I’ve had where I’ve been made to feel small from someone with more power or social status than me,” Zola says of the track. “I hope people enjoy the upbeat, sassiness of the song. It feels like it should be playing in Cher’s car during the scene in Clueless where the girls are all driving around Beverly Hills”.
Hooked around a pitch-shifted vocal loop in the chorus, “Superstar” is the kind of laid-back summer groove that’ll immediately transport you to a sun-drenched, summer road trip.
To celebrate the release, Zola Courtney gave Notion an exclusive look into a day in her life. Have a nosy below…
I'm recording a live version of my song "Superstar" today. Where it all starts for me, the piano.
Just a bit of self reflection.
Les Fêtes Galantes, a cafe, a girl, London Lane.
On a quick lunch break. Enjoying my artisan, vegan sandwhich darling.
Me being happy that life is resuming to some sort of normal. I’ve really missed being out and about in London. It’s got such a good creative energy, especially East London.
Thinking about how much money I’ve just spent on an oat milk flat white...
Just speaking to my people.
Rock & roll and plush green velvet armchairs!
Being in the studio makes me realise how much I miss being around musicians and live music. Playing, seeing other people play, it gives my studio time and writing a lot more purpose.
Doing my best ‘oh hey didn’t see you there’ face.
Listening back to what we’ve recorded. That’s a wrap.