ZZ Ward Unleashes Powerful New Single “Mother” in Her Debut Release with Sun Records

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist ZZ Ward has released her latest single, “Mother,” heralding the start of a profound new chapter in her career with Sun Records. This unique and deeply personal blues track tackles ZZ’s own experience of motherhood, a perspective rarely explored in the genre, marking ZZ’s return to her blues roots with an authenticity and depth that’s compelling and transformative. The song’s raw emotion is complemented by ZZ’s signature wailing vocals and searing lead guitar solos, creating an intense and deeply moving soundscape. “That’s a mother’s cry,” ZZ explains. “It’s that feeling of being weighed down with this new situation. I never expected men to hear it and relate, but I’ve heard more than a few feel it, too.”

One of the most profound lessons ZZ learned from growing up listening to the blues greats was to be authentic to her story. “I didn’t plan to make a blues song about motherhood,” ZZ shares, “it just sort of happened naturally. I’ve always written to get through things in life. Suddenly, I was faced with a new job that’s 24/7 with no breaks, and that’s what I wrote about. But when you get tested, you discover who you are, and this song comes from a feeling of empowerment.” The song is imbued with the blues influences that have been a constant in Ward’s life, from the Chicago blues stylings to the gritty, heartfelt vocals that define the genre.

Growing up surrounded by the blues, ZZ began singing at the age of 8, inspired by her father’s extensive record collection. By the time she was 12, she was already performing blues music. Her early career was a blend of blues and other genres, but as a professional female musician, she often felt pressured to compromise her blues roots to meet industry demands. With the birth of her children, her priorities shifted, and she returned to the authenticity that has always driven her artistry.