ZZ Ward, AKA Zsuzsanna Eva Ward, spent her youth digging through crates of her father's blues collection and brother's hip-hop records. So, needless to say, she's got soul—and just as importantly, the pipes to back it up.
Infusing blues rock with neo-soul and a dash of hip-hop swagger, Ward broke onto the scene three years ago with her critically-hailed debut album Til the Casket Drops. Attracting major names in the rap game such as Kendrick Lamar and Freddie Gibbs, it was unlike anything the folk scene had seen before. And the same can be said for her new EP, Love and War, which drops August 28, as well as her next full album This Means War (due out March 2016). How can we be so sure?
We've got first-listen dibs on one of the most robust tracks on her new EP, "Marry Well," and it's an audacious, devil-may-care anthem for independent women everywhere.
"A lot of the singers I grew up listening to were strong, empowered women," explains Ward. "I was inspired by women like Etta James and Tina Turner to be bold and honest in my own life and music. When I wrote 'Marry Well' I wanted to impart my own message of strength and independence to others."
And for Ward, this attitude is fluid no matter what she's up to.
"As an artist always on the road or in the studio, I'm constantly trying to find that balance between work and love and giving as much of myself as I can to both without sacrificing my own identity," she adds.
Listen to the groovy ballad in full below, and remember, ladies: "Go on girl, give 'em hell."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
This Means War is now available for pre-order and comes with first access tickets to her "Love and War Tour," which kicks off later this month.
Lauren is the former beauty editor at Marie Claire. She love to while away the hours at coffee shops, hunt for vintage clothes, and bask in the rough-and-tumble beauty of NYC. She firmly believes that solitude can be a luxury if you’ve got the right soundtrack—that being the Rolling Stones, of course.
-
Melissa McCarthy Defends Meghan Markle From Critics Who Are "Threatened" by Her
McCarthy once starred in the duchess' 40th birthday video.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Zendaya Says She Might Just "Go Away for a While" During 'Euphoria' Hiatus
Rest is best!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Celebrate Earth Month With Our Feel-Good Fashion Report
Your guide to being more sustainable in 2024.
By Anneliese Henderson Published
-
The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
The 21 Best Album Releases of 2022 (So Far)
Get your headphones out.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 50 Best Love Songs of All Time
The best, most romantic love songs ever written, spanning every genre.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
4 Best Sad Songs of 2022 to Play When You're in Your Feels
New songs from Maren Morris, Iann Dior, and more.
By Marie Claire Published
-
5 Best Love Songs of 2022 (So Far)
Raise your hand if you're very much here for the Avril Lavigne renaissance!
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
The 16 Best Sad Songs of 2021 to Play When You're Feeling Down
Not me still listening to "Drivers License" on repeat!
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
The 31 Best Love Songs of 2021
"I still burn for you." —Avril Lavigne and also Daphne Bridgerton.
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
16 Gifts Any Music Lover Will Be Obsessed With
AirPods beanies? Say less.
By Rachel Epstein Published