Zenizen‘s Opal Hoyt has taken her musical journey from her native Alaska to Vermont, DC, Jamaica, and Brooklyn. Now, in the midst of working on her debut full-length album and collaborating with other New York artists, she takes Zenizen to SXSW this year to introduce her soulful sound to the festival’s audience. Her Australia EP — her first, available on Don Giovanni Records — can give a taste of Hoyt’s sweet and soaring vocals, and can warm up any listener with its slow and jazzy grooves. But Zenizen’s live performances convey the full blast of soul power, with Hoyt giving her all on stage with her black keytar and head-mic, and her band backing her up with every heartstopping hook. If you’re attending SXSW, don’t miss Zenizen at the Sidewinder Outside on March 13th. For now, stream the video for "Follow The Leader" — their latest — below. – Will Sisskind
