Musicians who truly push boundaries are few and far between, especially when the internet makes it easy to be desensitized. For Zheani Sparkes, an Australian-based artist who simply goes by Zheani, testing boundaries comes naturally, having dabbled in music, acting, and modeling. Although Zheani is sometimes described as a rapper and, at times, a “fairy trap” artist, trying to fit her songs into hip-hop would be criminal, considering how much she ventures into other genres.
Since starting in 2018, she’s consistently and independently dropped mixtapes and EPs over the past few years. But she’s in the process of finishing her full-length debut album, which is expected to coincide with her first international tour that includes an LA date at The Roxy on March 6.
On “Whore of Babylon,” one of her most popular tracks, the spoken word testament does little to prepare you for Zheani’s screams that only become louder as the trap beat evolves. Around the halfway point, the electronic, metallic scratching in the background almost reaches Zheani’s octaves. However, she soon reclaims her throne, overpowering the loud and chaotic instrumental.
Similarly, “BRING WET CUNT” shows off her dynamic voice, albeit in a techno-inspired dance track. As one of three singles off her most recent project, The Spiritual Meat Grinder, “BRING WET CUNT” is a shining example of how often she switches styles while making it natural to her ever-changing aesthetic. Even in the visuals, she’s willing to shapeshift for each era, acting as a chameleon for her music.
Before the end of 2023, Zheani had wrapped up an Australia tour. The fact that she’s already gearing up for her next tour, set to start on Feb. 28 in Seattle, shows she has no plans to stop or compromise her continually eclectic vision.
What’s made her career so exciting to watch is how she’s had a hand in multiple aspects of her music, having stayed independent and self-funded everything, including her upcoming tour. Whether it’s the provocative song titles or the seismic shifts in each project’s sound, the only thing guaranteed with Zheani’s next move is it will be unexpected and unlike any other independent artist working right now.
Words: David Sosa
The Spiritual Meat Grinder by Zheani is out on streaming services. For more on her upcoming debut album and US tour, including a show at The Roxy in LA on March 6, follow her on Instagram and her website.
