One day, Paris Jackson is thrashing to grunge rock in a vintage band tee; the next, she’s seated front row at Chemena Kamali’s Chloé show in Paris. Life is a spectrum, and Paris Jackson is ready to embrace it all. It has been a while since the singer-songwriter has unveiled new music. Her debut as a solo artist, the alternative-folk album, wilted, soared to No. 1 on the iTunes U.S. Alternative Albums Chart. She followed with the lost EP and a series of singles, touring across North America alongside celebrated rock bands. Now, her latest, brooding single, zombies in love, offers a glimpse of what’s next—an evocative preview of the next chapter set to unfold before year’s end.
Shirt, vest and pants, all Isabel Marant. Shoes, Christian Louboutin.
Can you tell me about how you discovered your love for performing and creating music?
I’ve always loved creating music, but sort of suppressed it as just a hobby for a long time because I was afraid. I started to gain more confidence when I started performing in a folk-duo in my early 20s, and as time went on and the duo broke up, I learned how to have the confidence to do it on my own.
What draws you to the genre of alternative folk? How would you describe the music you create?
I’ve looked up to poets like Damien Rice, Conor Oberst, Andy Hull, and Richard Edwards for probably the last decade, and obviously, my first record was heavily influenced by Radiohead. The music I’m currently working on now has more of a 90s grunge feel, but still with singer-songwriter roots, with inspirations like Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and Audioslave.
Can you describe your songwriting process?
My process changes depending on who I’m writing with, but if I’m writing alone, I usually wait until I get a one-liner that feels like a good topic or lyric, then I find the chord progression, the melody, and the rest of the lyrics come on their own. If I’m writing alone, and the process takes more than an hour, and the song isn’t finished, I usually bail on it entirely. I guess I’m impatient.
How do you let yourself be raw and free in your music? Do other people’s experiences ever seep into your music?
I don’t know any other way to be than to be raw and honest. Otherwise, what’s the point? Who would I even be writing to or for? Sometimes I write about other people’s experiences, like a character in a book or a song to a friend about their life, in hopes of making them feel seen.
Have there been any unexpected sources of inspiration?
No, just like there are infinite ways to find God, there’s infinite ways to find inspiration. If art imitates life, all I have to do is live.
Given how personal your songs are, does making music feel more like creating something new or letting something go?
Both at the same time. It’s a death and a birth.
What is it about working with Linda Perry that inspires you differently?
I think she sees through me in a way that most people don’t. There’s something very familial and tender about our relationship, while simultaneously lots of fire-sign energy and momentum. I think some of my best stuff is the stuff I’ve written with her. She has a magic about her.
Shirt, jeans, choker and necklace, all DSquared2. Shoes, Christian Louboutin.
Tell us more about “zombies in love”
My song “zombies in love” was about a darker time with someone I consider to be one of the greatest loves of my life, possibly one of the most fervent, life-altering, and impactful relationships I’ve ever had. The song itself explores the feelings of being numbed out and in an alternate state of mind together. Having companionship in escapism, having someone who sees all of your dark parts and has ones of their own to match. Sort of like broken pieces fitting together like a puzzle. The song also clarifies, by using a term like “zombie,” just how unsustainable, though profound, an entanglement like that can be.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Conor Oberst.
Do you think your music influences your fashion choices, or vice versa?
My music taste definitely influences my fashion. Depending on what I’m most listening to that day I may go for baggy jeans with a band-t over a long sleeve shirt, or I’ll go for a more bohemian look. Messy hair, always.
What more can you reveal about your musical project launching in late 2026?
It’s loud!
Are you still pursuing acting roles?
If auditions come in, I take the time to work on them and submit something I’ve put a lot of energy into, but I wouldn’t say it’s currently at the forefront of my mind at this moment.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I believe legacy is the feeling we leave behind in people’s hearts. Personally, I’m here to experience the full spectrum of feelings while I’m here on this planet, in this lifetime. I’m here for the whole enchilada. So whatever I can do to help others feel, I’m all in.
Photographer: Domen & Van de Velde
Stylist: Foxla Chiu
Executive Producer: Alexey Galetskiy
Creative Producer: Marina Fairfax
Casting: Maddie Kelly @Creative Casting Agency
Makeup Artist: Paul Blanch
Hair Stylist: Clay Nielsen
Photography Assistant & Videographer: Laura Berrou
Fashion Assistants: Keyan Miao
Production Assistants: Ashton Wilson & Shana Olivero
Studio Assistant: Justin Barahona
Editor
Karrie Lam
