Atlanta-based alternative hip-hop artist Zaia offers a deeply personal and emotive experience on his latest single, “STAY AWAY.” The track, part of his Midnight Hour EP released on May 5, strikes a perfect balance between moody, atmospheric synths and a pulsating rhythm, creating the ideal backdrop for the introspective, raw, and vulnerable lyrics Zaia is known for. This latest release follows his 2020 VERY ALONE EP and 2022’s American Psycho album, cementing his place within the alternative hip-hop scene while continuing to explore darker emotional landscapes.
“STAY AWAY” is an anthem for self-reflection — the kind of track that taps into the universal feeling of wanting to retreat into oneself. With its grungy, hip-hop-infused sound and a surge of pop-punk energy, it evokes the spirit of a summer-long catharsis, as if you’re shouting at the world to get out of your space.
Despite its melancholic undertones and bitter reflections, “STAY AWAY” carries an undeniable pop-punk energy, giving it an anthemic quality that would fit perfectly in any festival or mosh pit. The song’s infectious beat and cathartic chorus make it feel like the soundtrack to the moments when we let our guard down and finally scream into the void.
Within the context of Midnight Hour, “STAY AWAY” stands out as a driving force thanks to its impeccable drum beat and its ability to set the tone for the EP’s emotional journey. The lyrics delve deep into the complexities of loneliness and self-preservation, exploring Zaia’s internal struggle between self-doubt and the urge to push others away. “Right now I feel invincible, so keep your distance / Stay away from me / I been through so much bullshit, don’t need no friends, just let me be,” Zaia croons with a rawness that is both painful and liberating.
The Midnight Hour EP, as a whole, feels like the soundtrack to a summer of catharsis and self-expression. It’s a sonic journey through emotional chaos, raw frustration, and the bittersweet taste of solitude. Listening to the EP from start to finish is like reliving those intense moments of self-reflection, the kind of soul-baring rants you would share with a friend who just gets it. Zaia’s voice—haunting and filled with the angst of a generation—is backed by captivating, genre-blurring beats that effortlessly blend elements of alternative hip-hop and R&B, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary.
As we move into summer, it’s clear that Zaia is poised to carve out his own space in the music world, and this EP may just be the soundtrack to our most introspective, emo-tinged summer yet.
Keep up with Zaia: Instagram // Facebook // Spotify // Soundcloud
