If you’ve spent any time roaming the neon-soaked streets of New Eridu lately, you've definitely heard the name Astra Yao. She’s the idol that basically everyone in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) is obsessed with. But while her polished hits play on every radio station in the Sixth Street district, there’s one specific version of her music that’s been living rent-free in the community’s head: zzz sanz original me 1st take.
It's not your typical over-produced pop anthem. Honestly, it’s kinda the opposite.
The Magic of the "First Take"
Most of the time, when we talk about game soundtracks, we’re talking about these massive, sweeping orchestral scores or high-energy EDM tracks designed to make boss fights feel epic. HOYO-MiX usually kills it in that department. But Original Me (1st Take Ver.)—released as part of the Stars of Lyra+ album in early 2025—strips all of that away.
Think about the vibes of the popular "The First Take" YouTube series from Japan. One mic. One singer. One chance. No pitch correction. No hiding behind a wall of synthesizers.
That’s exactly what this version of Original Me feels like. It’s raw. You can hear the breath between the notes. You can hear the slight imperfections that make it feel like Astra is sitting right there in a recording booth at 3:00 AM, just trying to find the soul of the song. For a fictional character, it adds a layer of "realness" that most idols never get.
Who is Sān-Z?
There’s been a bit of confusion in the comments sections lately. Some people see "Sān-Z" and think of the legendary Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz. While that would be a wild crossover, Sān-Z (or Sān-Z STUDIO) is actually the in-game musical entity or label associated with Astra Yao within the Zenless Zone Zero universe.
In the real world, the track features vocals by Yu Zibei (于梓贝), and the production is handled by the heavy hitters at HOYO-MiX, specifically producer Wutao Yang.
The song itself, Original Me, serves as Astra’s "Ultimate Song." While the standard version is a full-blown production, the 1st Take Ver. is basically an acoustic, piano-driven demo or a "vocal-only" style performance. Fans love it because it feels like a peek behind the curtain of a superstar’s life.
Lyrics and Meaning: The "Real" Astra
The lyrics of zzz sanz original me 1st take aren't just fluff. They actually dive deep into the theme of identity—which, if you've played the game, you know is a huge deal in the post-apocalyptic world of ZZZ.
- "Life has no rehearsal, but at every step, I have the power to decide."
- "Let my flaws be seen... let beauty be truly restored."
It’s about shedding the "idol" persona and showing the world the person underneath. It’s pretty meta when you think about it. You’re listening to a fictional idol sing a song about wanting to be seen as a real person, performed in a style that is intentionally unpolished to sound "real."
The BPM sits at a steady 127, but because this version is so sparse, it feels much more intimate and slower than the danceable original. It’s the kind of track you put on when you’re just vibing and looking at the rain outside your window in-game.
Why It's Trending Now
Part of the reason this specific version took off is the sheer contrast. In a game that is loud, colorful, and fast-paced, Original Me (1st Take Ver.) is a moment of silence.
The community has been using it for everything:
- Edit Audio: It’s become a go-to for "sad" or "reflective" character edits on TikTok and Reels.
- Piano Covers: Because the arrangement is so clear, it's inspired a wave of fans to transcribe the melody.
- Lore Theories: Some players think the "First Take" isn't just a stylistic choice, but a hint at Astra's backstory—perhaps a recording from before she became a household name.
It’s rare for a "bonus" version of a song to get this much traction, but that’s the power of a good vocal performance.
How to Experience It Properly
If you haven't sat down and actually listened to it (not just had it as background noise while checking your Inter-Knot notifications), you're missing out.
- Use Headphones: You’ll hear the subtle "mouth sounds" and the resonance of the piano that get lost on phone speakers.
- Read the Translation: If you don't speak the language, look up the English lyrics. The themes of "unscripted life" hit much harder when you know what she’s saying.
- Compare the Versions: Listen to the Ultimate version first, then the 1st Take. It’s like seeing a 4K movie and then looking at the original charcoal sketches. Both are beautiful, but the sketches tell a different story.
This track is proof that even in a world filled with Ethereals and Hallows, it’s the human moments—even the simulated ones—that stick with us the most.
Next Steps: Go to the "Fairy Radio" in your in-game player or check the official Stars of Lyra+ album on Spotify. Pull up the lyrics for "Original Me" and try to spot the subtle vocal shifts in the 1st Take that didn't make it into the final "radio-ready" version.
