Carnival of Soul

A sound connection started at the Honey Bear Mini Mart in Apollo.

Owner Denise Frain introduced singer Mia “Mia Z” Zanotti and RJ Bertera, a member of the group Dead Man Switch, who owns the Holiday House Studio nearby with band mate Kyle Horrell.

They’ve been in harmony ever since.

“Denise told me I had to meet Mia Z,” said Bertera, whose family owned the former Holiday House in Monroeville. “She said, ‘Her voice is amazing.’ And she was right. She is super talented.”

Zanotti of Hyde Park — who was featured on Season 8 of NBC’s “The Voice” in 2015 — shared her story of traveling to and from California and how that wasn’t working out well for her music career.

She came back full time to her hometown for a fresh start.

She found that after connecting with Bertera and Horrell, both of Apollo. The three, with her mom Lorey Zanotti, worked as a creative team on Mia Zanotti’s latest album “Evidence” which debuts Saturday. It’s available via streaming and on hard copies.

The significance of a Fourth of July release is perfect. They decided to release music on every single holiday because of the “Holiday House Studios” name, but also because “It’s a day that respects and recognizes independence,” Mia Zanotti said. The inspiration for “Evidence” was about freedom.

“The eight past years that I have been pursuing music has been a very crazy journey, but one that I would never change,” said Zanotti, 21. “The amount of freedom, not only legally, but creatively has blessed me to have complete control over my musical endeavors, and it’s a very beautiful thing.”

Bertera said Zanotti’s style will bring a lot of peace and enjoyment for people, especially now, when they need something good to listen to because of the coronavirus pandemic. She released a single on March 17.

“I felt selfish putting out new music,” she said. “The song was about how not to miss the warning signs and to stay together.

“I respect these times and what is happening. I think music helps people, especially during tough times and these are tough times. Seeing all the covid-19, I believe we need to bring light and respect to everyone, to help people in need and protect my family. This is scary stuff so we need to take it seriously. I want to protect my family.”

Her family, her mom and her sister, Zena, have always been her biggest supporters as well as Anna Fusko, who owns Finished Appearance Salon and Day Spa in Lower Burrell where Zanotti works.

Her experience there helps with her hair and makeup that she’s been doing herself for photo shoots and videos. She’s found so many interesting spaces in Pennsylvania to shoot this latest album.

Songs were written by herself, her mother, Bertera and Horrell. They feature blues, soul, rock, and pop.

They include “The One,” “Remedy,” “On the Knife,” “Blown Away,” “Danger,” “More Than This,” “Beach,” “Evidence,” and “Clarity.”

Another song, “What Do I Do,” will have a video release on Friday, July 10.

Her most recent album was released “Mia Z Live” in July 2016.

“I had such a sense of freedom, passion, confidence, independence, peace and excitement knowing that I can write, record, and release a new album,” Zanotti said. “It’s a very special bond and connection to truly find others who understand, support, listen, and respect my creativity and to bond so well with one another.

”I want to thank all of the beautiful souls that have supported me throughout my entire musical journey. And for hanging in there with me.

”I could cry thinking about all of the awesome people I have met already and that I will continue to meet. And know that you all hold a very special place in my heart.

“I am looking forward to what is to come in the rest of 2020. This was a long awaited answer to prayer.”

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne at 724-853-5062, jharrop@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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