Discover Zariah The Hunt’s HLD’N. An exclusive interview about love at first sight, Billie Eilish’s influences, and new pop projects for 2026.
1- How would you describe your new song to someone who hasn’t heard it yet? What emotions do you want to convey?
From start to finish, I wanted the song to feel like falling in love at first sight. That instant, overwhelming moment where everything just clicks. That’s really the heart of the song, especially in the chorus.
We spent a lot of time shaping that section because the instrumental comes in really strong, especially with the bass, and I wanted my vocals to rise to that intensity without sounding forced or like I’m yelling. I wanted them to feel angelic and airy almost like they’re floating over the track.
The goal was for the listener to feel carried away and completely lost in the emotion, the same way you do when you realize you’re falling for someone without meaning to. That’s the feeling I wanted to capture: that weightless, breath-catching rush of love at first sight.
2- What was the main inspiration for the song? Can you share personal stories or influences that guided you?
The song is definitely rooted in a real experience I had, but I’m also really intentional about not giving too much away. I don’t want to take anything away from the personal meaning someone else might find in it, because I think that relatability is what makes it special. However you connect to it is valid.
For me, it came from meeting someone who stirred up a lot of unexpected emotions. It sent me into a bit of a spiral, overthinking small moments, replaying glances, conversations, all the tiny details that shouldn’t matter but suddenly do. That emotional intensity is what pushed the song into existence.
Honestly, it felt like the song lived in my heart long before I ever put pen to paper. I didn’t go into it thinking about outside influences or trying to reference anything specific. I was just writing exactly what I was feeling in real time.
3- How did the song come about? Were there any collaborations?
The song came together through a few really meaningful collaborations. I came across a producer named Idly Blair on YouTube, and even though I’ve recently started producing some of my own music, this wasn’t one of those songs. When I heard the beat for HLD’N, it immediately clicked; It sounded exactly like what I was feeling emotionally at the time.
When I got into the studio, I worked with an incredible engineer, Rick Mendoza. It was actually my first time ever recording in a professional studio, and he made the whole experience feel really comfortable and supportive. I learned so much from him in just a few hours, which made the process even more special for me.
The song itself came together pretty quickly! I wrote it over the course of about two days. I probably could’ve finished it in one, but I like giving lyrics space to breathe. I never want a song to feel rushed or half-done. I’d rather take a little extra time and make sure it feels honest and complete.
4- Which artists or experiences influenced your sound?
Lately, my sound has been influenced a lot by what I’m actually listening to in real time. I’ve had artists like Billie Eilish, KWN, and Kehlani on repeat, along with Gigi Perez, Gracie Abrams, and Lizzy McAlpine.
I wouldn’t say I set out to emulate anyone directly, but those influences definitely seep in organically and help guide the overall tone and atmosphere of my sound.
5- Is there a particular moment related to the creation of the song that you remember with pleasure or satisfaction?
There’s definitely a moment tied to the song that I remember really vividly. Without giving too much away, it came from a night in New York City, actually my first time ever being there, and I experienced it with my best friend.
We got completely dressed up for the night, like really showed out. Hair done, outfits on point, Versace perfume, we felt good, confident, and fully in the moment. The entire night felt raw and electric, like one of those experiences you know is going to stay with you.
What brings me the most satisfaction is knowing I was able to capture that feeling sonically. Turning a night like that into a song feels really special to me, because now that memory lives on in a way I can share without ever having to explain it fully.
It was definitely a night to remember.
6- What emotions do you hope to convey to the public?
I really just want to make people fall in love a little bit. Love has always been one of my favorite emotions to write about. I’m a hopeless romantic, and I don’t think that’s something I’ll ever grow out of. It’s an emotion I feel really deeply, sometimes almost too deeply, but that intensity is where the music comes from for me.
With HLD’N specifically, I want the listener to feel like they’re in love, even if just for a moment. Whether you’re currently in love, missing someone, or you’ve never experienced it at all, I want the song to put you in that headspace.
More than anything, I want it to make people feel something. If I can do that, if the song gives someone a genuine emotional reaction then I feel like I’ve done my job.
7- What can we expect from the future? Do you have any news coming?
Yeah, actually, I have studio time coming up as we’re doing this interview. I’ll be working with some new people, bringing a few friends along, and I’m genuinely really excited about it. I have a couple of songs I’ll be recording during those sessions. One of them probably won’t see the light of day until later this year, for a reason, so I’ll stay a little ominous about that one.
I do have another song on the way that’s coming much sooner, hopefully as early as next month or March. I’m always working on music, though, constantly writing, recording, and evolving.
If you follow me on social media, you’ll definitely get a lot of behind-the-scenes content and teasers. I’ll admit, I probably tease songs more than I should, especially the ones that aren’t dropping for a while, but that’s just because I’m excited.
Overall, it feels like a really strong year ahead for me creatively. There’s a lot of music coming, and I’m excited for people to hear what’s next.
8- What message would you like to give to those who follow you or discover you for the first time?
I’ll be honest. I’m still new to all of this, and I’m learning how to talk about myself and my work as I go. But what I can say is that if you connect with my music, this song is really just the beginning. I have so much more that I’m excited to share.
I feel like I make a little something for everybody. My music is versatile, and I’m looking forward to showing people what that really means over time. I also think there’s a lot of relatability in me. I’m navigating a weight loss journey while starting my music career, and I’m very open about that process.
If you stick around and follow me, you’ll see the growth in real time, musically, personally, spiritually. I’ve been writing music since I was ten, and creating has always been the one constant in my life. I wasn’t always good, but I’ve grown, and I’m still growing.
So if you’re into honest music, evolution, a little softness, and a lot of heart, I think you’ll find something here worth staying for.
