For years, ZAQ has been one of the most distinctive voices in anime music, known for bringing emotional intensity and sharp storytelling to every song she creates. From explosive anthems to more layered and introspective tracks like “Liar Veil,” her music always reflects a deep understanding of the stories behind the anime she works on. In our first interview with ZAQ, we spoke with her about her creative process, the emotions behind her latest single, and her thoughts on connecting with fans around the world. Read on to learn more about the ideas and passion that shape her music!
ZAQ Honey-Chan Interview with ZAQ [gray-hex-decoration] Helo ZAQ, and thank you very much for the opportunity to talk about your powerful theme songs to numerous popular anime. When composing a song for an anime series, what are the most crucial elements you focus on to ensure your music perfectly captures the spirit and narrative of the show? When I start a project, I first read the original manga or script very carefully. I don’t just look at the story, but also explore the emotions the characters are hiding, the sense of ethics running through the work, the rhythm of the dialogue, and even the meaning behind the moments of silence. I want to understand what it is trying to tell the audience. In anime songs, respect for the work comes through in the music. Viewers are very sensitive and can really pick up on that. That’s why I don’t let it end with my own desire for expression. I keep thinking about how it will reach the people who love the work. Your latest single, "Liar Veil," delves into duality and self-deception. Could you share the central inspiration for the track, and explain how you merged these lyrical concepts with the musical arrangement? In my previous ZAQ tracks, I often brought explosive impulses to the forefront, but “Liar Veil” is the opposite, expressing the conflicted emotions of the anime’s heroines. On the sound side, I put a lot of thought into how to translate those inner, tangled emotions into music. I aimed for a texture that feels cool and refined on the surface, yet with a constant sense of dissonance underneath. It’s a moody sound that blends lo-fi hip-hop with jazz, and I think it captures the atmosphere of emotionally unstable, alluring women. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl7GmJBNxk4 As a singer, songwriter, and composer, you are highly involved in every aspect of your music's creation. Can you walk us through your typical creative process, from the initial spark of an idea to the final arrangement? When thinking about the kind of song I want to create, if it’s going to be a piece with a strong message, I start with the lyrics. I first decide on the keywords or a title, then connect the lyrics together like a patchwork, adjusting them until they form a coherent whole. When a melody doesn’t come to mind, I start with the arrangement instead, and later add a melody that fits the chords and arrangement. I don’t really follow a fixed routine, so I just move forward with the process in whatever order ideas come to me. With an ever-increasing international fanbase, do you have any plans for live performances overseas? Many! I want to keep sharing the greatness of Japanese anime songs and the beauty of the Japanese language. What kind of artistic challenges or new sounds are you most interested in exploring in the future? Instead of limiting my music to genres like “anime song” or “rock music,” I want to use any sound that’s necessary to tell the story. So I want to stay receptive at all times and continue exploring a wide range of music. A big thank you to ZAQ for taking the time to speak with us! We’re excited to see where her music goes next, and we hope fans continue supporting her future projects and releases. Go stalk her socials for more amazing songs! Connect with ZAQ Official Site: zaqzaqzaq.jp/profile.html Official X: x.com/ZAQinfo ZAQ X: x.com/zaxic_r Instagram：instagram.com/zaq39 TikTok：tiktok.com/@zaq39zaq39 YouTube：youtube.com/@zaqofficialchannel228 Spotify：open.spotify.com/artist/56TyClNQ0oVZLhK2V9KhA6 “Liar Veil” streaming and download: lnk.to/LZC-3478
