Zaytrnl’s path into music wasn’t the result of a perfect beginning — it came from movement, growth, and a family doing everything they could to give him a chance. His childhood was spent shifting from place to place while his parents worked tirelessly to provide. Money was tight, and stability wasn’t always guaranteed, but the love around him was constant. When things became difficult, the family moved into his grandmother’s home until they were able to get back on their feet.
Eventually his parents reached a point where they could stand on solid ground again, settling into an apartment complex called Vista Ridge — a place he still remembers clearly. As life steadied, his dad began pursuing filmmaking. Watching that creative world up close inspired Zaytrnl to try acting himself. He even went to school for it and took it seriously, but over time he realized his heart wasn’t truly in acting. Even so, the support from his parents never wavered. No matter what direction he leaned toward, they were in his corner, encouraging him through every high and low.
Music found him early. Around fifth grade he started writing lyrics at the kitchen table — coming home from school, finishing homework, and then filling notebooks with whatever crossed his mind. The freedom of turning thoughts into songs felt powerful, like something he could genuinely call his own. After a while he drifted away from writing and doubted whether being an artist was really for him, leaning more toward producing. But that didn’t feel right either. It took his dad’s guidance to bring him back to what he was meant to be doing: making his own music.
The artists who shaped him growing up carried emotion and truth in their work. Juice WRLD and J. Cole were huge influences — one for his honesty and vulnerability, the other for his perspective and lyrical truth. He also gravitated toward the energy of artists like Lil Uzi Vert, and later found inspiration in the sounds of Trippie Redd and Drake. Those influences helped him figure out the direction he wanted to take, leading him to describe his own sound as a reflection of the 2018–2019 era — a time he believes music was at its peak.
Most of Zaytrnl’s released music was recorded at Chalice Studios, a space known for shaping the sound of countless major artists. Outside the studio, he spent most of his youth at familiar places that grounded him: his grandmother’s house, El Cariso Park, and El Rancho Liquor — spots that hold memories of growing up, hanging out, and becoming who he is.
His most recent release, “Glue,” shows the direction he’s heading as he continues sharpening his voice and finding his place as an artist. He’s working toward an EP, but wants to perfect his sound before dropping a full project. For him, rushing isn’t the goal — getting it right is.
Along the way, a few people have been pivotal in his growth. He credits his dad, Balencii, his producer Chris, and his friend Jorgie for riding with him and supporting the vision, especially when things were uncertain.
