Zee underscores artists’ need for positive venues; creative powerhouse opens pocket of support

Zahra Briggs developed her creative voice in Kansas City; now she’s setting the stage for fellow independent artists who struggle to find venues that match their vibe — and often have to pay to perform. She’s even creating a version of herself in the metaverse to open access further.

A singer and songwriter herself, Briggs — who performs solo and in bands as Zee Underscore, and notably featured this summer at Boulevardia — founded ZNTL Entertainment to help artists seeking quality, positive, and fun performance venues.

“There has to be some space for artists who are not yet established, but are working toward it,” Briggs said. “This is for artists who are a step above the open mic level of talent, and serious about their craft.”

In 2021, she launched ZNTL’s Pajama Jam events: a cozy, slumber party-themed gathering with games and live music from artists in that “in-between” phase. The success of these events led to an annual tradition and inspired a First Friday series in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District.

Through her monthly First Friday series — running until October in collaboration with multimedia company Liberated Grounds — Briggs hosts the popular Crossroads event in concert with live streams on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

“One thing that I didn’t necessarily know was that First Fridays started to bring people to the art galleries. It turned into this outside block party type vibe,” she said. “I can’t just show up in this community where these people already live and work without getting tapped in with them.”

Her efforts have not only created safe spaces for independent artists, but also reconnected the community with the original spirit of First Fridays, Briggs said, putting art galleries and musicians on full display in her streams.

“I think ZNTL having the capability to do the live stream is going to balance some things out when it comes to people wanting to buy the actual art from the artists in the art galleries and also grow the exposure for the musicians and their music,” she said.

 

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Becoming Zee Underscore, finding her light

Zee Underscore is a pop artist full of light, positivity and self-discovery.

“She’s so excited about everything this life has to offer — there’s so much to celebrate,” said Briggs, who began tapping into the Zee Underscore persona after moving to Kansas City. “Zee is going to give energy. She’s going to be happy, grateful, and joyful about everything.”

This infectious enthusiasm fuels not only Briggs’ music but also her approach to life. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati in 2020 with a degree in electrical engineering, she found herself accepting an electrical engineering job in Kansas City. 

But, her path took a decisive turn when she began to explore her creative side — ultimately getting more serious about her music. In Zee’s newest song, ‘IDRK’, she talks about dealing with those major life changes and keeping it moving with a positive attitude. 

“When I got here, I realized I had spent the years that I was in college just getting my degree and not really living life,” said Briggs. “So I didn’t really know who I was.”

Finding herself with a lot of free time, she explored her passions for music and performing.

Zahra Briggs, right, performs as Zee Underscore with the band Cease and Desist at PNC Plaza in Kansas City during Startland News' 2023 Startup Crawl; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Zahra Briggs performs as Zee Underscore with the band Cease and Desist at PNC Plaza in Kansas City during Startland News' 2023 Startup Crawl; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

 

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“Zee Underscore was born in Kansas City,” Briggs added, noting she found like-minded artists at open mic events like Soul Sessions KC at KC Blues Juke House, eventually leading her to co-found ZNTL Entertainment. 

The venture started with four members, each bringing unique talents to the table. But as time passed, Briggs found herself steering ZNTL forward alone. Her transition from electrical engineer to a creative powerhouse also helped her shed a too-serious outlook on life, she said.

“Once I stopped taking myself so seriously I was able to start living and really enjoying life,” Briggs said. “I always liked the idea of freestyle rap, really leaning into the stuff that I like to do has been freeing.”

Zahra Briggs, Zee Underscore, ZNTL Entertainment; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Pocket Z 

Briggs recently joined the Builders + Backers grant program, a unique opportunity designed to turn innovative ideas into reality. 

The program offers Kansas City entrepreneurs $5,000 to cover the experimental phase of participants’ projects, removing the financial burden of early-stage development.

“My idea was ‘Pocket Z,’ a mini version of me that you can carry around,” Briggs said.

Initially wanting an avenue to spread self-love and wellness messages, she envisioned it as a plush toy with voice prompts. 

However, after discussions with her mentors, the concept evolved.

“People don’t want another thing to carry around,” Briggs said.

Now, she’s focused on introducing Pocket Z as a character on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Through this approach, she can build a following, gather data, and gauge interest in the concept without the immediate need for an app.

Her ultimate vision? To launch Pocket Z in the metaverse.

“When you create your avatar and drop in, there’s no one there to guide you,” said Briggs. “But if you had Pocket Z to welcome you, it could make the experience more accessible and engaging.”

 

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