Talent is bustling all over campus, whether it be creating a multi-million dollar business or being the reigning state champs in theater.

With the help of producer Robb Vallier, sophomore singer/songwriter Lois Zozobrado has released her debut album Sunshine Boulevard. The album includes 10 original songs, each with a different sound and message.

The inspiration behind the title comes from one of the tracks, “Sunshine Boulevard,” which is about Lois, formally known by her stage name Zoelle’s “version of heaven, my world.”

Her style is diverse and she crosses over into “a little bit of everything.” Zoelle’s sound ranges from rock and roll to jazzy, upbeat sounds, to mellow harmonies, but she would mainly describe her music genre as “Americana.” Her artist inspirations include Amy Winehouse, OneRepublic, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and Bruno Mars. She is also inspired by her travels around the world.

One thing that sets Zoelle apart from many artists today is her meaningful lyrics.

“I think a lot of artists right now … just have simple rhymes and … melodies,” she explains. Zoelle believes her lyrics are more developed and truly convey her message.

“The lyrics are just a little different [than] most 15 year olds who write,” she adds. Zoelle’s songs are driven by personal experience, which makes them very relatable. “Most of them are based on life stories [and] what I think,” she states.

Her favorite song on the album is “Wildflower,” which was inspired by her childhood and an experience that many people may be able to relate to.

“When I was younger I was bullied. I was the weird kid who wore the suspenders, scratch and sniff shirts … those 80s gloves.”

Zoelle’s peers would often make fun of the way she dressed and it got to the point where she wanted to change herself.

“I tried being a little normal, so I stopped wearing all that stuff” she says, “but it just wasn’t the same.” She eventually learned to embrace her uniqueness , be herself, and accept herself. That’s what Zoelle says “Wildflower” is about: evolving into your own beautiful being.

Zoelle’s mother encouraged her to start writing music when she was in junior high. Through all her experiences, positive and negative, she has channeled them into a healthy outlet, into writing her songs.

“I just kept writing and doing what I love.” She hopes that when people listen to her music, they’ll enjoy it and really listen to the lyrics to  “see how relatable they can be to you.”

Outside of writing music, Zoelle performs in musical theater and frequently travels to New York City during summers to participate in workshops where she dances, sings, and acts. She also plays the guitar, ukulele, and even a bit of piano.

Listen to Zoelle’s music on iTunes and Spotify and find more information about her on Twitter @Zoelle_music15, Facebook @Zoelle, and Instagram @Zoelle_music.