I've already written a substantial profile of Zoee, so by now you will know that I rate her highly and love her positive tunes. Her life story so far takes some believing, and involves an accident on a dirt bike, but it helps to understand her relentless pursuit of positivity. I sense she will steer very clear of negative people. As my Brizzy friend Clair calls them: neg heads.
The piece this week is mainly about Zoee's brilliant new single, I Could Complain, which is out today. She is also fresh out of appearing at CMA Fest where she no doubt made a million more friends for life. Stick with me also for part two of an exclusive Q&A with Zoee that we did last week.
PAUL DETTMANN
I forgot to mention last week that one of the ways Zoee and I connected was that her single Wendy comes with... a free mindfulness eBook! I could not believe my eyes and immediately said so, a message that Zoee then shared as a story. Is she the only musician on earth who gives well-researched mindfulness advice with her music? I think she is.
Even more noteworthy is that it's quite a long and deeply researched book, not just a leaflet. It is strongly recommended for anyone who finds it difficult to take life at a steady pace. I find it hard not to say things like: Zoee is too good to be true. She is probably just some AI bot. Have you seen her live? Please write in!
I Could Complain
I sometimes nearly forget to mention whatever record I am writing about, so I put this big heading there to remind me. I loved Wendy last week and I Could Complain is just as good.
This is a really great chugging driving song about being positive, about being thankful to be alive. Interestingly the lyrics and sentiment remind me very much of Chloe Kimes' stunner last week called Afraid To Die, but this is different musically.
Zoee lists a few things she could complain about, from inflation, red and blue states, politics, the end of the world and the way it's all going down, to lots of other things. At least we're all alive. Basically we all want something more, but Zoee is clever and wise enough to know that whatever you achieve, whatever you receive, whatever you win... you will then just want something more, something else. I think the nicest thing Zoee ever said to me was this:
And as you know... the real glow always starts from within.
I love this because she shows she understands the meaning of life itself, that you need to choose happiness first before anything good can happen. But I love it even more because she believes that I also know this! I am one of the few. Sometimes it is an effort to force myself to think this way.
Be positive. Don't complain. There are two ways to read this song: Zoee knows not to complain and she is frustrated that you complain so much, that's the most obvious one. But the second way is that although Zoee knows not to do it, she still feels the urge. She is reminding herself not to complain. Just because you could complain does not mean you should.
Take a pause, take a breath, read Zoee's eBook. Stop complaining. Better to say nothing. Your luck and life experiences improve as soon as your thinking patterns become more positive. It's just science.
Zoee Q&A
I had such a blast getting to know Zoee and she kindly offered to do an email Q&A. This is the second half.
Your top 3 interesting things about Nashville for UK readers?
(1) There’s gonna be a pair of boots and a cowboy hat in your line of sight downtown no matter where you look; (2) People will genuinely stop you on the street just to say hi or talk about your guitar; (3) Everyone’s either an artist, has been an artist… or is dating one.
Do you think Nashville has a similar approach to life as Australians?
Yes, actually! I think the south — especially Nashville — has a laid-back, friendly vibe that really reminds me of home. It’s definitely more my speed than, say, New York or LA.
What do you miss most about Tasmania?
The stillness. And the stars. And honestly… the sound of the wind off the ocean. There’s nowhere else like it.
Any advice for singers who want to cross continents to follow their dreams?
Say yes. Say yes before you feel ready, before it all makes sense. Your courage builds in the doing. And know that the hardest part is usually letting go of what’s comfortable — but that’s where all the magic is.
Are you planning to stay in Nashville for the long run?
As long as they’ll have me! I plan to continue to split my time between Nashville and my second homes — the UK and Australia — so I can tour and keep close to the places that shaped me.
You heard it here first – Zoee will be back in the UK at some undefined future time. I will be the first in line for tickets and will share any news as it arrives.
You can pre-save all of Zoee's music here.
