Sheppard Share the Promise of Hope and ‘Spine-Tingling’ Serendipity Behind New Album, ZORA
Australian pop sibling trio Sheppard is a group known for its anthemic viral hits, from "Geronimo" to "Coming Home," "Die Young" and "Learning to Fly," and they're back at it again with their fourth studio album, ZORA.
The album is out today, June 21, with siblings George, Amy and Emma Sheppard bringing us 16 tracks driven by hope, strength and resilience that are just as stirring and stadium-ready as ever. The album was named after the group's grandmother, but the title is so much more than that, representing the light of the dawn that illuminates everything after a long, dark night. We got the chance to chat with the group in the interview below to find out more about the story of ZORA and what makes it their most meaningful album yet.
Sweety High: What does the album title ZORA mean to you? Why did that title track feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?
Sheppard: The story behind the name "Zora" is one of those rare, spine-tingling moments that you can't quite believe. As we were navigating some tough personal times as a family, the themes of resilience and optimism naturally permeated through the songs we were writing for this album—each one a beacon of hope, a call to hold on through times of darkness with the hope that a new dawn was just around the corner. Our inspiration through all of this was our Croatian grandmother, whose attitude to life has always been something of a beacon for us. She has faced some tremendous challenges in her life, yet her enduring smile and radiant energy never dimmed. When it came time to name the album we had written, in wanting to honor her and our Croatian heritage, we turned to Google Translate out of curiosity to see what "dawn" would be in Croatian. The result? Our grandma's name, "ZORA," stared back at us triumphantly on the screen. Our jaws hit the floor. I still get goosebumps remembering the shock and perfect synchronicity of that moment. It wasn't just a name; it felt like a legacy coming full circle, a profound connection that chose us as much as we chose it. We knew immediately that ZORA was the only title that would perfectly encapsulate the essence of this album.
(ZORA via Empire of Song)
SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the album? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?
Sheppard: The themes of ZORA revolve deeply around resilience, hope and the power of perseverance through dark times. Just as the name "Zora" embodies the promise of a new dawn, each track is crafted to inspire that same promise in the hearts of our listeners. These songs are our musical beacons of light, urging everyone to hold on through the night until the dawn arrives. We want our fans to feel this deep sense of hope and the exhilarating relief that comes with overcoming challenges. More than anything, we hope this album feels like a musical hug for our fans, comforting those in the midst of their own personal hardships and celebrating the indomitable spirit that allows us to rise each day and face the world.
Also read about: Everything You Need to Know About Sheppard's Amy Sheppard
SH: How would you describe the album's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?
Sheppard: The sound of ZORA is a rich tapestry of emotive melodies and lush arrangements, blending the heart of indie rock with the uplifting spirit of powerful pop anthems. Production-wise, it was a journey of exploration and fine-tuning. We worked tirelessly to ensure that each song not only captured the essence of its message whilst resonating with the organic warmth and clarity we envisioned—and the result is a beautifully diverse pop album that's nuanced and very fun to listen to. We dove into experimenting with a variety of instruments and soundscapes, from the powerful strums of our acoustic guitars to the profound depths of orchestral strings, to trying to recreate the sound of a traditional Croatian guitar called a tamburica, all to enhance the emotional gravity of the album. Our goal was to create a sound that envelops the listener in a wave of inspirational comfort and euphoric energy, much like the first light of dawn. Every track was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the production mirrored the transformative journey of emerging from darkness into light—a sonic embodiment of "ZORA" itself.
(Photo credit: GG McG)
SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you all are in life right now?
Sheppard: These songs are deeply reflective of our current chapter as a band and as individuals. The process of writing and recording ZORA coincided with some significant life changes and personal growth for each of us. Life looked very different to how it did when we released Kaleidoscope Eyes. For example, all three of us are now married to our partners, and we've packed up our lives in Australia and are now living in Nashville! This album captures our collective journey of transformation, not just geographically, but also in the emotional landscapes we've been navigating over the last three and a half years. These tracks are imbued with our experiences of facing and overcoming challenges, learning to embrace the unknown, and finding strength in our roots and each other. Just as the album speaks of moving from darkness into dawn, so too have we experienced a rebirth of sorts in our personal and professional lives. This album is a musical journal of this period, filled with authenticity and raw emotion, and we hope it resonates with anyone who hears it, reflecting their own journeys and triumphs.
SH: What are your favorite songs on the album? Why?
George Sheppard: It's really tough to play favorites with this album because each track holds a piece of our journey, but let's give it a shot!
"Play On The Moon" is incredibly special as it's the album's closer and explores the poignant realities of growing up and evolving dreams. It feels very melancholic and nostalgic. it's a very beautiful track.
"Edge of the Earth" is a vibrant and powerful anthem that embodies our adventurous leap from Brisbane to Nashville, filled with the energy and spirit of taking bold new steps together.
Then there's "Dance on the Sun," which fits perfectly with the album's theme of resilience and hope. The lyrics, "Although it's dark now, I know we're gonna make it to sunrise," practically serves as the mantra for overcoming adversity and finding joy and love in the darkest of times. I got those words printed on a wristband that I'm wearing right now!
And of course, the title track, "ZORA—a gorgeous intrumental intro to the album that is our take on what a sunrise sounds like musically, capturing the essence of emerging triumphantly from the darkness. Each of these songs showcases a different facet of our emotional and musical spectrum, making them all favorites in their own right.
Also read about: Meghan Patrick Shares the Tale of Healing and Self-Love Behind 'Whether You Love Me Or Not'
SH: How do you think you've evolved as artists since Kaleidoscope Eyes?
Sheppard: Our artistic evolution since Kaleidoscope Eyes has been quite significant. We've deepened our exploration into complex themes like resilience, hope and personal transformation, which resonate strongly throughout ZORA. This album reflects a more mature approach to our songwriting and production techniques, embracing a broader array of instruments and richer soundscapes that have challenged and expanded our musical boundaries. Lyrically, we've become more introspective, crafting songs that delve into personal experiences and emotions with greater depth and vulnerability. ZORA was completed before our move to Nashville, but it has set the stage for this new chapter in our lives perfectly, capturing a period of profound personal growth and readiness for change.
(Photo credit: GG McG)
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
George Sheppard: I just want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has ever supported us through this crazy journey—from our early days in Brisbane to our recent move to Nashville, and every step in between. ZORA is a very personal album for us, one that we poured our souls into. It represents not just a collection of songs, but a significant chapter in our lives, filled with highs and lows, challenges and triumphs. We're so excited for our fans to experience the album in full, to find pieces of their own stories in ours, and hopefully, to find inspiration in the resilience and optimism that guided its creation. As we continue to adapt and grow as artists, we hope to keep bringing you along for the ride as we put more of our stories and experiences into songs that we hope you'll be listening to for many years to come. Thanks for being our fans and for allowing us to share our music with you. We love you all!
For more on the stories behind our favorite new music, click HERE to read our interview with Florrie to learn all about her debut album, The Lost Ones.