Zaeden turns 26 years and to mark the occasion, the singer-songwriter invites music enthusiasts once again into his smooth-as-ever woozy pop-filled world with the release of his much-awaited debut album on his label A to Zae. The reflective compilation ‘Genesis 1:1’, premiering on all major streaming platforms, proves why the fast-growing independent musician is deserving of the title.

With the inclusion of contributors such as Aakash Ravikrishnan, Tom Norris, Nischay Parekh, Hanita Bhambri, Nikita Ahuja, Yashraj, Polar Beats on the album, an intrinsic behind-the-scenes documentary premiered on 1st July 2021 which served as a fitting prelude to the album drop. 

The 11-track release appropriately charts the successful changeover from DJ producer to singer-songwriter, which has earned the artist notoriety for his diverse musicianship.

Zaeden effortlessly recreates the warmth and vulnerability that are a signature on his recordings using contemporary Hindi pop sensibilities. The album is an engaging blend of intimate songwriting, foot-thudding instrumentation, breezy beats, silky vocals, earnest lyricism and immersive melodies that aspires to whisk away the listeners into a cinematic daydream.

Via the tracks, the artist navigates through relatable themes of infatuation, love, longing, detachment, heartbreak, and relationships in a pandemic struck world. The singer’s honied vocals over each song’s well-crafted production make the album quite the earworm designed for easy going listening. Lyrically, each of the tracks underline coming to terms with your true self, celebrating the good things in life and ultimately healing from any of your anxieties and traumas.

Speaking on the album Zaeden expands, “Genesis 1:1 has been both a redemptive and intimidating experience for me because it’s a genuine showcase that journals my experiences and emotions. The word ‘Genesis’ in its literal sense means the birth of something novel. It’s the perfect analogy for my career, it perfectly explains my evolution from DJ producer to singer-songwriter. All this while, through the transition I’ve come to re-discover myself as an artist and I couldn’t think of a better word than ‘Genesis’ to describe the birth of my new sound. Whilst creating this album my goal was to put out music that will be therapeutic and comforting, given the turbulent times we live in.”

He further states he released the new material to show appreciation for his fans hinting at a likely Genesis 1:1 line of merchandise in the works. “A big thank you for all the birthday love from my supporters. In return I’m dropping my album today and in a few days my debut line of merchandise inspired by Genesis 1:1:”

The 26-year-old started out as a DJ at the tender age of 14, which eventually led him to closing the show at David Guetta’s Mumbai concert and playing at popular festivals such as Tomorrowland. However, he threw a curveball at his fans in 2019 by unveiling his Hindi singer-songwriter persona. Since his vocal debut in 2019 with Tere Bina which raked in 12 million views featuring Amyra Dastur, Zaeden has released over 10 tracks that have received critical acclaim and unprecedented fan support.