ZHAKLINA
I started writing the music for my most recent EP, “17 Reasons Why”, knowing I was supposed to be writing those songs, years ago. However, it wasn't until this last year that I realized what those songs were for. I am a Christian and truly have God to thank for all that my life is and will ever be. The number 17 has become a recent, personal symbol that reminds me I'm right where I'm supposed to be. Whenever I experience anxiety, doubt, sadness, frustration, etc; God has always found a way to remind me that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. I truly feel that is a message I am meant to share with others through my music.
Growing up I experienced a lot of family turmoil that I seemed rooted in addiction; primarily drug abuse. I've lost several friends to drug overdoses and have had close relationships with people who have struggled with addiction. It's a battle that I feel led to help others through. Mental health has been a topic I've been passionate about because I know what it's like to struggle with anxiety and depression; I've lost family and friends to suicide. Between these two topics, I've found that I don't want to be just another voice telling people what they should or shouldn't be feeling. I want to be a voice that connects with people, that helps people feel like they're not alone, and hopefully inspires them to believe they are strong enough to grow through what they are experiencing. I want to remind people that it is perfectly HUMAN to experience a wide range of brokenness and that it is more than okay to be vulnerable and transparent. I want to remind people that they are right where they are supposed to be and that they are going through what they're experiencing for a reason. I want people to feel drawn to loving themselves deeper (that's basically my life mantra, "live loved") because I believe that true growth and contentment begins with living from a place of knowing that you're already loved, just the way you are.
I watched the Netflix Series "13 Reasons Why" over a year ago and had the idea to name this concept album focused on suicide prevention and drug abuse awareness "17 Reasons Why" to flip the script. “13 Reasons Why” is about a girl who gave 13 reasons for committing suicide. It seemed to me as though she felt unworthy, unloved. I believe those feelings of worthlessness convince us that our lives are meaningless and lead people to addiction and suicide. I want to flip the script by reminding people that they are right where they are supposed to be and that's loved.
I want to connect with others who have a shared mission and tangibly contribute to organizations who are active in the mental health community, helping others. I'm so happy to have been able to launch this journey and am excited for where it will take me.
Learn more about Zhaklina on her website, or listen to her music on Spotify. You can connect with her on Instagram and Twitter at @iamzhaklina.
