by joann snavely
photo by nikoli partiyeli
NYC-based musician Zoe Ko started 2024 off with a bang after the recent release of her debut EP Baby Teeth. The alt-pop artist who released her debut single “Line” in 2022, has continued to release the songs of the season since. In her latest EP, she explores a newfound genre in rock as she explores emotions that have been holding her emotionally hostage since childhood. With a quickly expanding fanbase, we had the pleasure of speaking to her about her past, her future, and most importantly the making of Baby Teeth!
What got you into music in the first place? What was that journey like?
Zoe: “I don’t remember a day or time I wasn’t into music. Music has kept me breathing and happy my entire life. I think when I got into my teen years I just naturally gravitated towards it as a career and more professional passion. So I started doing anything I could that involved music or creative things adjacent to it. I did highschool programs, little gigs, internships, my own music, etc., and never stopped! And now I’m here.”
For your new EP, Baby Teeth, what was the inspiration behind it?
Zoe: “Baby Teeth was an emotional release and healing process for me. I needed to come to terms with some things that had boiled my blood for the past few years and my life. A through line was coming to terms with my childhood traumas, high school bullies, struggles with being a woman in the world, etc.”
On the same note, what do you want fans to take away from the EP?
Zoe: “I want them to feel reflective and in their feels, but like hot badass bitches after listening.”
Was there anything new you explored in creating the EP?
Zoe: “Yes! Diving more into my rock side as a vocalist and with the productions. I feel like this EP was my way of finding my sound and voice as an artist.”
What was the creative/recording process for the EP?
Zoe: “I made it with my friend/producer and co-songwriter Jonny Shorr! We worked out of his studio in his backyard. And we brought in UPSAHL and Catie Turner to help write on two of the songs. It was a really natural process creating this EP. I would come into the studio and just start ranting about whatever I was feeling that day then we’d somehow turn it into a song.”
You’re getting ready to go on your first major-scale tour. What are the things you’re most excited about? Nervous about?
Zoe: “I’m just so excited to finally meet some of my fans that are in cities I haven’t been to before!! They feel like internet besties or something that I’ve gotten to know long distance. I also adore performing now (though I still struggle a bit with stage fright) so I can’t wait to actually just perform and dance around on stage and put bras on my band members and be crazy. I also love running the merch table and talking to people about the jewelry I make and sell. It brings out the little girl who loved yard sales in me.”
Finally, a few fun questions. With your tour, if you could add any dream venue to the tour docket, what would your dream venue be to play in?
“My new dream is festivals!! And specifically Webster Hall in NYC. I grew up right next to it and would pass it all the time. I used it as inspiration, telling myself I’d one day perform there and be able to sell it out. :)”
What’s a fun fact about Zoe Ko that most fans wouldn’t know?
Zoe: “I held a pigeon once in NYC in Washington Square Park and it was marvelous. 10/10 would do it again and recommend.”