Hoian, the musical project of Zena Zerai, has recently released a hauntingly beautiful single titled “Untitled (Too Soon).” This track not only captivates listeners with its evocative sound but also offers a deeply personal and poignant narrative that touches upon themes of loss, resilience, and the unspoken emotions surrounding early-stage pregnancies.
Born on Merseyside and now residing in South London, Zena Zerai is a musician and producer of Guyanese and Eritrean heritage. Her music defies easy categorization, drawing influences from diverse sources such as Radiohead, Sharon Van Etten, and Sault. With “Untitled (Too Soon),” she showcases her unique ability to craft music that resonates on both emotional and sonic levels.
The genesis of this powerful song lies in Zena’s own life experiences. She penned it in her bedroom during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought a unique set of struggles. The song became her therapy in the wake of her first miscarriage. Faced with the pandemic’s restrictions, she found herself unable to seek immediate medical attention. In that moment of vulnerability and isolation, “Untitled (Too Soon)” was born.
The title of the song, as Zena herself explains, speaks to a common fear and societal taboo surrounding early-stage pregnancies. The reluctance to discuss pregnancies in their nascent stages often stems from the very real fear of miscarriage. Miscarriage, though tragically common in the first trimester, is a topic that is too often shrouded in silence. This silence can compound the loneliness and isolation that follows when loss does occur.
Zena Zerai’s decision to create this song was not only an act of personal catharsis but also a courageous attempt to break this silence. By sharing her own journey and emotions through “Untitled (Too Soon),” she invites others to engage with this important conversation about loss and the complexities surrounding it.
As Zena reflects on the time when the track was released, she was expecting her first child—a journey that would ultimately lead her to the birth of her daughter a few weeks later. The release of “Untitled (Too Soon)” held deep significance for her as it marked a poignant recognition of the losses she had endured before reaching this point in her life. It’s a testament to her strength, resilience, and the power of music to heal and connect.
Musically, “Untitled (Too Soon)” is a mesmerizing composition that mirrors the emotional depth of its lyrics. Zena’s ethereal vocals, coupled with the hauntingly atmospheric instrumentals, create a sonic landscape that is both melancholic and cathartic. The song’s sonic complexity draws listeners into its emotional core, allowing them to share in Zena’s journey of healing and hope.
In a world where discussions about pregnancy and loss are often hushed or sidelined, Zena Zerai’s “Untitled (Too Soon)” emerges as a powerful anthem for those who have experienced the pain of miscarriage and for those who stand in solidarity with them. It is a poignant reminder that through music, we can give voice to the unspoken and heal the wounds that silence can inflict.
As Zena embraces motherhood and continues her musical journey, “Untitled (Too Soon)” stands as a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of dialogue, and the healing potential of art. It’s a track that not only deserves to be heard but also to be felt deeply—a musical and emotional journey that will linger in the hearts and minds of its listeners long after the final note fades away.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Hoian is the musical project of Zena Zerai, a musician and producer of Guyanese and Eritrean heritage, born on Merseyside and now living in South London. She combines influences from the likes of Radiohead, Sharon Van Etten and Sault to create a powerful, melancholy sound that defies categorization.
Hoian has picked up support from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio London, Amazing Radio, Soho Radio and Clash Magazine and will be releasing a number of singles to be released this year, with influences ranging from Julia Jacklin to Tame Impala, Radiohead to James Blake and Deftones to Little Dragon.
Follow Hoian:
Spotify – SoundCloud – YouTube – Twitter – Instagram