It’s been just over a month since we last saw Zinadelphia. In late October, she stopped by WXPN for a Key Studio Session before saying farewell to Philly and embarking on her first headlining tour, covering 19 cities, 17 states, and a world of unknowns as she sang her way across the country. Zina finally returned home Tuesday night to her biggest audience to date: a sold-out show at The Foundry. As the room went dark, the sound of an old film reel slowly counted down, hypnotizing the audience to follow one collective thought: all hail The Magazine.
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Harlee Torres doubled on bass for Zinadelphia’s band and as the evening’s opening act, debuting a number of sleek R&B tracks fronted by melodic bass lines and retro drum machines. A bassist performing solo is a rare occurrence, but Torres’ effortlessly smooth riffs cut a deep groove that demanded attention. Songs like “Eb and Flow,” “To Know is to Love You,” and “Silver Lining” created walls of low end for Torres to soar over, singing about her Puerto Rican heritage, her best friend of eight years, and how an ex once tried to gift their way back into her life (unsuccessfully she assured). After recounting her experience as a jazz bassist at the now-closed University of the Arts, Torres concluded her set with 2023 singles “Passerby” and “Call Me Again,” underpinning her indie inspirations with silky smooth vocals and another dose of low-tones. Torres joked that she’d be right back after a quick costume change, and left the stage to a resounding applause.
Zinadelphia | photo by Danielle Ciampaglia for WXPN
Zinadelphia’s prerecorded voice soon echoed throughout The Foundry, but she was nowhere to be found. “I love a story. I love a plot. A slow journey, a nail biter, and a grand finale,” her message began. “With writing, there’s such an opportunity to be dramatic, so much power in words, even in their simplest form. Simplicity with intention is art … This is the first edition.”
The film reel ticked down to zero, and Zina appeared, jumping right into The Magazine’s title track as the crowd erupted in excitement. The usually subdued and introspective song was overdriven with guitar licks, saxophone, and a crashing breakdown at the end to characterize the evening as one of celebration: the long-awaited homecoming of Zinadelphia.
Zina was equally thrilled to be home, extending her thanks and praise for Philly as the band lept into “Snap Out Of It,” a catchy pop leg-kicker that swung the crowd into a lighthearted dance and sing along. She followed up with the 2022 single “Mirrorball,” a song that began as a school project before becoming her debut release and kick-starting her musical journey. Zina continued this detour down memory lane, performing “Underdog,” “Waterfall,” and “Can You Hear Me Now” from her 2023 debut EP, Lucky. Zinadelphia took up her guitar for the latter track, explaining in true singer-songwriter fashion how she wanted to “play it just as she wrote it.” The heartfelt, somber ballad left fans silent, a perfect encapsulation of Zina’s delicate songwriting and unbelievable vocal range.
Zinadelphia | photo by Danielle Ciampaglia for WXPN
Special moments only multiplied as Zina brought her mom on stage to sing her happy birthday, gifting her a bouquet of flowers as the audience whole-heartedly joined in on backup vocals. Fans were given a gift too, as Zina and the band then tried out an unreleased track titled “Nancy,” an homage to one of Zina’s biggest inspirations, Nancy Sinatra.
Following a jazzy cover of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and a short commercial break for the “Do you have a mid man quiz,” Zinadelphia circled back to highlight all of The Magazine‘s remaining songs. A fiery performance of “Zinfandel” followed closely by “Knock The Wind” left only two songs from the EP untouched.
Zina’s penultimate performance was of “Advice from Ray,” a deeply personal and complex introspection about her grandfather and how he taught her to be herself, be loud, and fight for what she loves. Zina expounded on the other layers within the track, explaining her decade-old mantra “what you seek is seeking you” and how her show has provided a safe space for women throughout the entire tour. Zina dedicated the song to her grandmother, who was also in attendance, capping off a truly memorable and special occasion.
Zinadelphia | photo by Danielle Ciampaglia for WXPN
Zinadelphia had one final trick up her sleeve before the night was over; however. Fans eagerly awaited the live spectacle of The Magazine’s standout hit “Love Over Glory”, but after a short deliberation, the band opted for a cover of Cher’s “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” instead. As the opening notes sounded off, the crowd grew restless, until an unexpected radio static shook the speakers and began playing the track fans yearned for. Zina and the band smiled at one another, clearly pleased their prank had succeeded, and launched into the final song of the night. The audience’s anticipation immediately cascaded into overwhelming elation, with Zina and fans alike dancing, singing, and sharing in a beautifully intimate moment for Philadelphia live music. Zina finished singing, said one final goodbye to The Foundry, and danced off stage, wrapping up The Magazina Tour on a glass-shattering high note.