Zara Smile is a queer alternative folk artist based in Liverpool, UK, known for their unique blend of raw lyricism and genre-defying soundscapes. Drawing inspiration from the experimental instrumentation of Black Country, New Road, the emotionally charged energy of 2000s emo, and the delicate storytelling of Lizzy McAlpine, Zara creates music that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Weaving together stories of love, identity, and self-discovery, their lyrics are an open diary, inviting listeners into a world where honesty reigns supreme. Zara's music resonates with a raw emotional depth that has quickly garnered a dedicated following.
With a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new, Zara Smile is a rising voice in the alternative folk scene—one that refuses to be confined by genre or expectation.
Press Pictures
Live Shows (2024-2025)
20.01- Moustache Bar in London for Queer Artists Connect
26.01- Round the Corner in Liverpool for Unreal [SOLD OUT]
27.01- 92 degrees in Liverpool for James Jackson and Friends
27.02- Arts Bar Baltic in Liverpool supporting Maia Rowan
01.03- Sotto in Liverpool for Maggie Witch Collective
03.03- Future Yard in Birkenhead for Future Yard Presents
05.03- Prohibition Studios in Liverpool for LEMAN Presents
24.03- Kazimer Stockroom in Liverpool for Thursday Club [SOLD OUT]
27.03- Kazimer Stockroom in Liverpool for LabourSoc
12.04- Future Yard in Birkenhead supporting Pleasure Island
13.04- Hemingways in Liverpool
28.04- Sotto in Liverpool for LEMAN Presents Femstival
01.05- Arts Bar Baltic in Liverpool for Sir Zebra Presents
08.04- Arts Bar Baltic in Liverpool supporting Linn Dahlberg
05.06- EBGBs in Liverpool supporting Roscoe Street for Bus Promotions
12.08- Arts Bar Hope Street in Liverpool for Jinks Collective
03.09- Arts Bar Hope Street in Liverpool for Arts Bar Live
04.11- Arts Bar Hope Street in Liverpool for Gals Who Gig
25.11- Jacaranda in Liverpool supporting Rachel Dawson for Ropewalks Live
07.02- Blush in Liverpool for Blush Unplugged
21.02- Jacaranda in Liverpool (HEADLINE) [SOLD OUT]
07.03- Blush in Liverpool for Blush Unplugged
08.03- Salt and Tar in Liverpool for Gals Who Gig
Zara Smile has a very exciting 2025 incoming, with a run of 3 singles released with support from Come Play With Me Records underneath the 'Next Up North' scheme.
These singles include Rewind, an introspective sweet song about getting better and experiencing new things, Fight Back, about the trials and tribulations of working in the music industry, and Misplaced, about trans rights and trans joy, loving the body you are in no matter what that looks like!
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I am currently booking shows for 2025, having just sold out a headline at the Jacaranda (21st February), playing both acoustically or with a full band.
