Honesty, Houston, and Heartbreak: Zo the Sensational God talks ‘I Hate Watching Movies Alone’ [Interview]
Raised on the north side of Houston and shaped by a mix of childhood TV soundtracks, classic R&B in the car, and formative hip-hop records, Zo the Sensational God has been circling music for as long as he can remember. What started as singing along to kids’ songs at four years old slowly turned into a deeper obsession- first sparked by pop culture, then solidified by influential albums that pushed him to start writing and recording his own ideas, even on the most basic equipment. In this conversation, he reflects on the moments that led him toward music, the personal stories behind the new project, and why, despite the chaos of modern dating, he still believes in the possibility of real love. In this interview, he sat down with us to talk about the inspirations behind the album, the songs that mean the most to him, and where he hopes to take his sound next.
When did you first realize music was something you wanted to seriously pursue?
I wanted to pursue music ever since I was 4 singing songs by The Wiggles, but I never thought of pursuing it until I was about 9 or 10 when I saw episodes of Big Time Rush on Nickelodeon. The show and the band inspired me into wanting to surround myself with music and it got me into listening to pop music from the 2010s.
What originally got you interested in making music- was there a specific moment or artist that sparked it?
One of my favorite mixtapes and one of my favorite albums initially inspired me to start creating music of my own. ‘Acid Rap’ by Chance the Rapper, inspired me to start writing songs about my perspective of life. While, ‘Flower Boy’ by Tyler, the Creator inspired me to actually start recording these songs that I wrote. Even if it was off a low quality mic plugged up to an old, small computer I just wanted to create.
How did being from Houston shape your perspective as an artist?
Houston shaped a lot of things about who I am as a person as well as an artist. Spent a lot of growing up on the northside of Houston surrounded by trees and wilderness, so the environment and atmosphere in any of my songs is important to maintain when I am wanting to create something vibey. Driving to my Grandma's house my parents would always play Stevie Wonder and Babyface while passing the "Be Someone" sign. It inspired me to bring my own type of groove to display to the world especially while making this album.
If someone is hearing your music for the first time, what song from ‘I Hate Watching Movies Alone’ should they start with?
Start with “FIND LOVE TODAY”, it's the first song on the album for a reason. The first song will lead you into this story that will have you wondering what will unfold in the next chapter of this story and so on.
What was one moment during the making of the album that really stuck with you?
It was the moment I just finished “HARDEST TO LOVE” and I played the track back to hear the whole song together as a whole for the first time. After listening I just said, "Damn, this song is honest as hell". I never thought I could ever make something like this in my life but I'm glad I did, it was more of an honest talk with myself rather than me creating a song.
Is there a lyric on the project that feels especially personal to you?
On the 2nd Track, “MOVIES!”, I have a line where I say "Momma said she need a grandkid out of me". In the song, I explain that I want to build a home with a wife first before any kids come into the situation. The grandkids will come but all great things take time.
Which song on the project took the most time to finish?
“WISH YOU THE BEST”, not only because it's the outro to the album and I wanted to be very precise with every line I said on the track. But, I needed to make a song that I will go back to whenever I'm feeling distant from the world, I love being my own biggest motivator with songs like that.
What artist or genre has been inspiring you lately?
Baby Keem and untiljapan been on the rotation lately nowadays. “ROSS FIT” by Jordan Ward and “Stay Home” by ffawty have been put on full blast on my speakers in my car.
When fans listen to ‘I Hate Watching Movies Alone’, what feeling do you hope it leaves them with?
To be hopeful of love, this generation of dating sucks with the rise of social media and dating apps, situationships, hookups. Nowadays you can't put labels on what you and your partner are supposed to be even if they are just friends. It's too much heartbreak and not enough loving in the world, and I hope the listener wants to find love either within themselves or with people around them in the end.
Looking ahead, what direction are you excited to explore next with your music?
I hope I get to experiment with more genres and allow myself to bend the rules a bit. Never realized how fun it can be.
