Zara Smile is a queer alternative folk artist based in Liverpool, UK, known for their unique blend of raw lyricism and genre-defying soundscapes. Drawing inspiration from the experimental instrumentation of Black Country, New Road, the emotionally charged energy of 2000s emo, and the delicate storytelling of Lizzy McAlpine, Zara creates music that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Weaving together stories of love, identity, and self-discovery, their lyrics are an open diary, inviting listeners into a world where honesty reigns supreme. Zara's music resonates with a raw emotional depth that has quickly garnered a dedicated following.
With a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new, Zara Smile is a rising voice in the alternative folk scene—one that refuses to be confined by genre or expectation.
Press Pictures
Live Shows Highlights (2025)
21.02 Headline at Jacaranda Liverpool [SOLD OUT]
05.05 Folklore London
22.07 Katzspace London with Burnt Toast Presents
26.07 Pride in Liverpool
10.08 Penny Lane Weekender
14.08 Headline at Jacaranda Liverpool
Zara Smile has just released a run of 3 singles released with support from Come Play With Me Records underneath the 'Next Up North' scheme, which garnered attention from PRS and BBC Introducing Leeds.
These singles include Rewind, an introspective sweet song about getting better and experiencing new things, Fight Back, about the trials and tribulations of working in the music industry, and Misplaced, about trans rights and trans joy, loving the body you are in no matter what that looks like!
They are currently booking shows for 2026, with an upcoming show at the Cavern in Liverpool, playing both acoustically or with a full band.