How Growing Up in South Africa Shaped Zoë Ashberg’s Songwriting

In this episode of Overeducated & Underemployed, we sit down with up-and-coming South Florida singer-songwriter and Florida State University Commercial Music graduate, Zoë Ashberg. Zoë opens up about her unique upbringing—spending seven formative years of her childhood in Cape Town, South Africa—and how that culturally rich environment shaped her worldview, resourcefulness, and approach to music. We dive deep into the therapeutic nature of songwriting, navigating perfectionism and imposter syndrome, studying commercial music at FSU, and what it was really like flying out to Los Angeles to co-produce her upcoming debut album with Steve Postell. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a fan of authentic folk-pop storytelling, or just love a great behind-the-scenes studio conversation, this episode is packed with great insights. Connect with Zoë Ashberg: Website: https://zoeashberg.com Instagram: @zoeashberg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1yTtYWk45FVzzc0Sks9vfg Theme Song by Sloan Brothers : http://open.spotify.com/artist/1Z0YyvTetovciEDRoRNudB New Album By Sloan Brothers: https://sloanbrothers.bandcamp.com/album/love-other-diagnoses Title inspired by Lee Bains III: https://www.thegloryfires.com/ https://www.patreon.com/Feddun Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Upcoming Florida Tour Dates (Stuart, Jensen Beach, Tequesta, Nashville, Jupiter) 2:05 - Earliest Musical Memories: Barbie & The Diamond Castle Soundtrack 5:25 - Moving to Cape Town, South Africa at Age Seven 9:40 - Childhood "Divas," Making Music for Family, and Perfectionism 20:40 - Writing Your First Songs & Studying Commercial Music at FSU 29:20 - Using Songwriting as Therapy & Processing Isolation 58:15 - Recording in LA with Producer Steve Postell & Crafting the New Album 1:08:00 - Live Performance vs. Studio Creation 1:15:30 - Acting, Theater, and a Love for Hadestown