Zorza Discusses Internet Niche Fame and Creative Evolution at North Coast 2026
EDMTunes spent the weekend at North Coast Music Festival 2026 in Illinois, soaking in the best of the industry’s Bass, Techno, and House talent. Following a standout performance at the Shipyard stage, the Hyperpop and Hard Dance icon Zorza joined us to discuss her set, her creative process, and her highly anticipated debut album, Internet Niche Fame.
Internet Niche Fame is set for release on October 30th, with the second single, ‘motion sick,’ already making waves via Zorza’s 4ever label.
A Return to Chicago
Reflecting on her return to the festival, Zorza noted the contrast between her previous performance in the Chill Dome and her current, high-energy set at the Shipyard. “It feels really good to be playing back and see a lot of repeat fans,” she shared. The energy was palpable, and for an artist who thrives on connection, seeing familiar faces in the crowd provided a grounding experience amidst the chaos of a festival weekend.
The Vision Behind ‘Internet Niche Fame’
The conversation shifted to her upcoming debut album, Internet Niche Fame. Zorza admitted that playing unreleased tracks live is both exciting and nerve-wracking. “I played a lot of album songs that I hadn’t tested yet,” she explained. “They all did great, but leading into it, I was a bit nervous because it’s a bit different than some of my other really Techno-leaning sets.”
The album’s title and chaotic cover art serve as a commentary on the modern artist’s journey. Zorza reflected on how the internet has allowed her to build a global career through niche communities, despite not being a mainstream household name. “I wanted the album cover to reflect that chaotic nature, and my attempt to break through that chaos and find my own path in it,” she said.
Identity and Reinvention
Discussing her lead single, ‘Haunted,’ Zorza opened up about the struggle of maintaining one’s identity while evolving as an artist. She described a period of burnout where she felt she was producing music based on what she thought others wanted to hear, rather than her own creative truth. “I was quite in the Hard Techno scene, which I love, but I didn’t fully feel like I fit in there,” she admitted. “I’m haunted by the idea that I want to do something different.”
This desire for change led her to incorporate diverse influences, including Trap and Witch House, into her signature fast-paced sound. “I get bored really quickly,” she laughed. “That’s why I’m always changing the vibe and the genre during my set.”
Looking ahead, Zorza is excited about the future of her label, 4ever. While she has focused on her own touring, she is now preparing to release music from other artists. “I’m really excited to dig deeper into the music side of the label rather than just the show side,” she concluded.
