Victoria Justice has blended dance-pop energy with Halloween chills in her new single, “Love Zombie.” Originally recorded when Justice was just 17, the track remained unreleased for years until an unofficial version leaked online and unexpectedly captivated fans worldwide. The song’s transformation? from a forgotten demo to a viral hit? culminated in 2024 when TikTok videos featuring “Love Zombie” amassed millions of views, sparking overwhelming demand for an official release.

The renewed interest inspired Justice to re-record and officially release the fan-favorite track, making subtle updates to reflect her growth as an artist. “This is fully me and the fans making this happen,” Justice shared in an exclusive interview with Collider. She discussed the song’s origins, the viral resurgence, and hinted at future musical projects.

Justice admitted she was stunned by the song’s sudden popularity. “This is not normal. This doesn't normally happen for me,” she said, recalling how she had once seen the leaked version online and been moved by fans’ enthusiastic comments urging for its release. When her social media team later sent her TikToks featuring the song with millions of views, she realized how deeply it had resonated with listeners. The organic fan-driven demand ultimately convinced her to officially “resurrect” the track. “I’ve always loved the song? it’s so fun and campy and perfect for Halloween,” she added, explaining why October felt like the perfect time to drop it.

As an independent artist, Justice celebrated the grassroots success of Love Zombie, which is nearing one million streams across platforms? all without major label support or editorial playlists. “I’m fully self-funded,” she emphasized, crediting the achievement to the shared effort between herself and her devoted fanbase.

Discussing the creative direction behind the song’s visual elements, Justice revealed that budget constraints influenced her decision to release a lyric and visualizer video rather than a full music video. Nonetheless, she aimed to capture the “sexy and kind of dark” vibe of the song, designing a distinct “Love Zombie girl” aesthetic through styling, makeup, and wardrobe. The visuals were shot the same day as the cover art, creating a cohesive look that embodied the track’s playful eeriness.

To celebrate the release, Justice hosted an “epic” Halloween party at Bar Jubilee on the Sunset Strip. Though initially hesitant to throw a party, she ultimately recognized it as a perfect opportunity given the song’s theme and timing. The event proved a huge success, attended by close friends including former Victorious co-star Leon Thomas and two Zoey 101 castmates. Guests enjoyed a drag performance by Venus Fly Snatch, a candy bar, a photo booth, and a lively DJ set, making for an unforgettable night of music and camaraderie.

Justice also revealed she made slight lyrical adjustments to improve the flow and reflect her maturity as a songwriter. For instance, she changed the original line “There’s something wrong with me, 169 degrees” to “Do something wrong with me, 169 degrees,” saying that the earlier phrasing “rubbed my ear the wrong way.” These refinements, she noted, gave the song a bolder and more confident edge.

Reflecting on her artistic evolution, Justice shared that while her creative process has stayed relatively consistent, her music has grown “more personal, honest, and vulnerable” with age. She now draws heavily from lived experiences, often using journal entries as lyrical inspiration, as seen in her track Raw. “I’ve lived through a lot more now than when I was 17,” she said. “There’s just more to write about.” She cited Sara Bareilles, Sasha Sloan, Julia Michaels, and Raye as lyrical inspirations, adding that her songwriting now spans “fun, sexy, playful songs” as well as empowering tracks born from heartbreak.

Outside of music, Justice remains passionate about acting. She described balancing both careers as “a juggling act,” guided by whichever creative outlet calls to her most at the time. “If a song needs to be written, I go to the studio. If a great script comes my way, I dive into that.”

True to her love of spooky themes, Justice recently wrapped filming on the horror feature Send a Scare in Arkansas. She praised co-stars Robbie Amell and Anna Konkle, as well as director Josh Trank, describing the film as “thrilling and visually striking.” Justice plays Callie, a venture capitalist navigating personal and professional challenges — a role she says many will find relatable.

As for what comes next, Justice summed up her upcoming musical chapter in one word: “Playful.”