Interview with 'Astral Trap' DJ Zingara

By: Delilah Bestler

Zingara takes us on a journey with her music by bringing a new wave to the electronic music scene. She has found a way to take her listeners into the astral realm by creating a new bass music sub-genre, which has been described as “Astral Trap.” Her releases are nothing short of trippy music full of vibrations, good energy, and manifestations.


I got to see her perform in Chicago at Bourbon On Division with an all-female lineup of Chicago locals. Her tracks take you on an ethereal meditational journey, making you dive deeper into your consciousness and find a connection to your spiritual self.If you haven’t seen Zingara yet, I fully recommend you check them out!

How Did You Get Into Producing Music?

My whole life has revolved around music. I truly always knew in my heart I was meant to be in music.

 
Before I started college, I was a dancer. I loved choreographing and telling stories through dance. I enjoyed making mashups and making YouTube videos. This is how I fell in love with editing and video production and majored in Electronic Media and Film. From there, I started filming DJs at their shows and making recap videos for a local collective until a friend said I should try DJing. I tried it and loved it! Over the next couple of years, I finished the required classes for my major and proceeded to take as many music classes as the school offered. After I graduated, COVID hit, and I took it as my opportunity to dive into this fully. I was going to be in music no matter how I would get there or how many people told me it was impossible to make it into a career. I know I am exactly where I need to be, still doing what I have always loved to do: telling stories and connecting with people through music.


Aside From Producing And DJing, What Are Your Other Interests Outside Of Music?

I try to incorporate as many of my other interests into my projects as possible to find a way to balance all the things I am passionate about. One of my interests is the spirit world which I will dive into in the coming questions! Also, I love editing and producing music videos and have made two of my own for this project. As I previously mentioned, I love dancing and want to incorporate choreographed routines into my performances one day.

Music Can Have A Profound Effect On A Listener. And It Seems Like Your Music Can Get Your Listeners To Tap Into A Spiritual State Of Mind. Is This The Goal Of Your Music?


I hope people can use my music to connect it to their spiritual journey. Music is a powerful healing tool that can guide someone through life's ups and downs. It is a way to connect to people on a deeper level. People will always interpret the message of a song in their own ways, and I am here to help with that link and allow people to feel something.

 
I like to tell stories in my music, and I put so much of myself into what I create that making music is a form of release. And I love that electronic music can tell that story and speak to people without needing words or lyrics. The fact that people relate to it and that my music could help someone makes me keep going.


When Does Adding A Story Enter The Creative Process When Composing A New Song?

Keeping in mind that I know music can be used as a tool, I like to ask myself: What story could I tell that I know someone may need to hear?
I love talking about sound healing/frequencies used that flow into different parts of the body. And I try to incorporate that knowledge into my music and use it to help heal any pent-up energy hidden in parts of ourselves.


Next time you put on a song, I want you to close your eyes and pay attention to where you feel the music in your body. And think about how it mentally makes you feel and how you can use this music to heal your body and mind.


How Long Does It Take To Create A Piece? What Is The Creative Process?

The answer varies per track, but I like to have a title or theme before writing something, but it does vary per track. I focus on the message and then make music that applies to the feeling of the message.

 
On the other side, I will make filler tracks for my sets that I call “quick DJ banger." I don’t think I will ever release or finish these, but they add to the flow of my shows.


Your Viral Single “Astra” Caught The Eye Of Many. After The Release, You Mentioned In One Of Your Videos You Are Trying To Challenge The Idea That People Can’t Meditate To EDM. Aside >From The Song, What Are Some Other Ways You Trying To Show This?

People will always have their own definition of what meditation is. To me, meditation isn’t just closing your eyes and observing your breath. Meditation is any way I can get into a flow state where my brain turns “off,” the intrusive thoughts are gone, and I can just feel, vibe, and be present in the moment. Some examples: are writing music, any type of flow art, exercising, drawing, painting, or any way you like to get creative.


I Read In An Article That You Are A Self-proclaimed Medium And Spiritual Guru. How Long Or How Many Years Have You Been On Your Spiritual Journey?

I have been able to communicate with spirit since I can remember. However, I would never call myself a guru, and I don’t like to call myself a medium because I don’t offer readings and feel the training I had in the past is from a Christian perspective, which I try to challenge. I have always been aware that there is more to this world than what is in front of us and taught to us. Throughout my life, I have had many 'awakenings' and go in and out of my spiritual practices all the time. I compare my practices to a radio station. I turn it on and off when I want to use it, but sometimes that radio likes to turn on on its own lol. Everyone's spiritual journey will look different.


What Started You On That Journey?

Although I have many stories of spirits from when I was young, it wasn’t until middle school that my aunt confirmed what was happening to me was real. She started teaching me about spirit, mediumship, astrology, witchcraft, spirituality, etc. In 2017, I had 3 people pass away, which caused me to get super into studying and practicing. After they passed, I felt like they are almost closer to me and guide me throughout my life now. The way that they make themselves known in my life keeps me questioning the power of the universe and how I can incorporate their lessons into my project.


You Have Been On A Role This Year With Releasing ‘Astra’, Your Mind & Body Album, Sister Of Fate Ep With Austeria, Your Song ‘Galactic Federation,’ And Embarking On Your First Headlining Tour With No Signs Of Slowing Down. How Are You Feeling?

I am feeling every emotion. There have been a lot of challenges and growth, but I am so grateful for everything I have experienced. When faced with challenges and growth, I keep in mind that you can’t have the highs without the lows, and I try to look at the challenges as a positive thing as much as I can.


I also feel shocked because some of the things happening to me I absolutely manifested and wrote down word for word. Even though I have always believed in manifestation, I am still surprised at how powerful it is using it as a tool. I am so ready to continue to make new memories, go to new places, make new connections, and keep writing music. I have the best job in the world. Most importantly, none of this would be possible without my loved ones, team, and supporters. Just feeling lots of love for this life.


Is This Your First Time Playing In Chicago?

Yes! It was so much fun! The venue and staff are amazing. Zentik and Smokahauntas crushed their sets. The energy that night was something I will not forget, and I’m so thankful for everyone who came out!


What Makes The Shows On This Tour More Unique To Your Standard Show Or Festival Sets?

For shows, I feel like I express myself more without " catering” to a set vibe. I love the challenge of playing different types of shows and festivals with different crowds, but having my own shows gives me so much creative freedom to play whatever I want. I get to dive into the messages I want to put out, and I can be exactly who I want to be without judgment. My supporters are truly the best, and I want to give them all of me. I put all of my heart and energy into these shows.


Aside From Finishing The Astra Tour, What Are Some Other Things We Can Look Forward To From You?

New music experimenting with different genres. I want to collab more. I would like to release merch. Hopefully, an album, music videos, and more shows!


What Are One Or Two Things You’d Like Your Fans To Know About You Or Your Music?

Don’t forget how powerful you are. You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. All you HAVE to do is believe in yourself and trust the flow. I don't think I would be where I am today if not for everything that has happened to me. Good or bad. I believe that you create the reality you want to live. 


Check out the rest of my photos from the show in our gallery

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