Roll Out, Roll Out

Zendaya is on the cover of the most recent issue of Rolling Out magazine. Highlights from the interview are below.

On playing Aaliyah in her new biopic: “I’m inspired by a lot of Aaliyah’s music and her sound and her look. Her voice was soft and she had a wide range of fans because of her look and sound. I definitely look up to her.”

On catching the acting bug at a young age: “My mom worked at the California Shakespeare Theater when I was very young. I grew up around theater. I was that weird 8-year-old that was into Shakespeare and wanted to sit and watch rehearsals for hours. I was very intrigued by acting and everything that world had to offer. I think that’s when I first realized I had a passion for theater.”

On her music: “People already think about me based on my Disney background and they already assume certain things about me. I wanted to give the dopest and coolest music you’ve ever heard that is family friendly, and you’re going to like it. I did that and I’m very proud of it. I found a way to make music that I like and that I would enjoy that is family appropriate. I wanted to create music that was edgy and mixed with R&B and pop. I wanted to create a sound of my own that people would enjoy without it being vulgar. I think some of the best artists in the world, like Michael Jackson, don’t have to curse or do something crazy just so they can get people to enjoy their songs.”

You can check out more from Zendaya’s interview here.