Genre-blending ZZ Ward releases "Dirty Shine" album, stops in Nashville on tour

American singer-songwriter ZZ Ward never fit within the mold of one genre. Ward's new album "Dirty Shine," her first album release in six years, emphasizes just that. The work is woven together with raspy R&B vocals alongside hip-hop beats and neo-soul, pop, rock and a whisper of country influence.

The album release comes prior to Ward hitting the stage in Nashville on Sept. 24 at The Basement East on her "One Hell of a Night Tour," supported by Jaime Wyatt.

"I always love playing in Nashville," Ward told The Tennessean. "I have such an amazing Dirty Shine family there."

Ward is referring to her fanbase as the "Dirty Shine" family, a title, which, to Ward, means being her authentic self, including all imperfections and vulnerabilities. This mantra held strong for Ward, who started her own record label under the name Dirty Shine Records. Her new album "Dirty Shine" is the first album released under her own label as an independent artist.

Originally from rural Oregon, Ward grew up listening to her father sing and play the harmonica. Ward, who was also influenced by her father's record collection, started singing the blues at eight years old. Now an LA-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record label owner, Ward's travelled far from her Oregon roots, but she still carries her father's musical impact with her, sporting her signature fedora on stage, like her father and his favorite blues artists.

But Ward isn't just a blues artist. When it comes to categorizing her new album, Ward doesn't find it necessary. "I love music that makes me feel something, that wakes me up and makes me feel empowered. That makes me feel badass. That makes me feel sexy. I don't really think about genres as much, cause that's like a marketing game."

"I love old country. I love Dolly Parton and Hank Williams and Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline. Assuming there might be some kind of country influence there [in "Dirty Shine"] is probably correct." Ward notes this implicit country influence on hip-hop song "Baby Don't," which appears on her new album.

Ward, who has been teasing the release of her third studio album with singles "Forget About Us" and "Ride or Die," said her 11-track album is about hardiness and strength.

"This album represents resilience and the story of fighting for what you want. Of working really hard, and not letting anybody tell you you can't do something." It all comes down to independence for Ward, who looks forward to releasing more albums as an independent artist. "I have so much freedom now to put out whatever I want to put out. I don't have as many people to please," said Ward.

Fans can learn more about Ward's upcoming show in Nashville HERE.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Genre-mixing ZZ Ward Releases First Album in Six Years "Dirty Shine"