Their music is mystically buoyant. Their message is joyfully optimistic. Though aiming to romanticize life’s simplicity, their style is uniquely complex. Whimsical folk duo Colton and Zara aren’t ordinary indie kids. They’ve have created an authentically original presence in the music scene by being themselves and staying true to their values.
Colton Davey and Zara Henry hail from Independence, KS, where their musicianship was born. Their talents were fused at a young age. They met at age 12 during a 4H gathering. There was instant personal and creative chemistry. They both knew they would become significant forces in each other’s lives. They didn’t foresee how their synergy would become important to other’s lives, though.

Colton and Zara soon formed a band and began playing to youth group audiences. Within a few years, their band had fizzled out, but their work together continued. Their music was discovered online by Brandi Cyrus, elder sister of pop star Miley Cyrus, who was looking for new talent to showcase at the 2008 Band With a Mission contest in Nashville, TN. Most of the entrants were big bands with loud sounds and huge stage presences; Colton and Zara were just two kids with small guitars and simple, sinuous voices. They felt like mini-Davids in a sea of Goliaths.
Their distinct style and genuine voice caught the attention of head organizer Austin Cook. He liked their blend of acoustic folk with indie flair as well as their soothing, hopeful message. There was uniqueness about them that audiences would find resonating. A development deal was soon presented to them, and their first EP, Whimsical Dreams, was recorded and released in the spring of 2009.
Whimsical is a 6-track collection of their lighthearted melodies. The lyrics dance playfully, prompting listeners to imagine simple, sunny days surrounded by loved ones on grassy fields. They sing of young love, carving out realities based on idealism, and holding true to personal values. Permeated throughout all of their songs is a budding spirit of harmony.

With their first work completed, the two are aiming to grow and mature as musicians. They see a big part of that in hitting the road. They’re now on a full time mission with their music. They aim to spread a message to inspire audiences to find personal happiness, love, and joy. Since August of 2009, Colton and Zara have been on a touring frenzy. They’ve played over 100 shows, with several stops along the west coast, in the Midwest, and throughout the south. Audiences respond well to their music because their songs are open and inviting. Listeners bring their own experiences and perspective as the soundtrack of Colton and Zara helps them sort through the throes of life. Their music is what people want to hear on their worst days to cheer them up and during their best moments to make life even brighter.
Colton and Zara believe in the healing power of music. Their values are love, harmony, peace, and clarity. They aim to remind their fans that life doesn’t have to be a stream of stress and chaos; through their work, they show the bubbly, effervescent side of the human experience.
With a growing fan base, the two are taking on the project of producing a full-length CD. They’ve signed on with Hartke Records to produce an album that diversifies their sound. The reverberations promise to be more mature and fully incorporate their folk sounds into the melodies. Colton and Zara look forward to enthralling fans with new tracks and more gigs as their whimsical musical journey continues to unfold.