It was way back in Elementary school when Zach Churchill began penning love songs. Between discovering a early love for a writing and spending time in choir and musical theatre, a future in music was simply a no brainer for Churchill. Influenced by artists throughout the genre spectrum, Churchill carves out his own unique lane in a musical world sounding increasingly similar.
Fresh off the release of his new album, Heartbreak & Hope, we had the chance to chat with Churchill about his musical journey, influences, and the construction of the new album.
Worlds of Country: When did you know that music was something that you wanted to pursue?
Zach: When I was in elementary school, I joined choir and music theater, and I started writing my first ‘love songs.’ I knew that young I wanted to be a singer. Shout out to Ben Fawley, my music teacher at Del Cerro Elementary!
Worlds of Country: Once you knew, what was your first step towards making this dream a reality?
Zach: I picked up guitar in Jr. High and began learning chords and continued writing songs. After high school, I went to college and studied voice as well as music theory and business. I got a job in radio, met incredible musicians, and began working on my own debut album back in 2018.
Worlds of Country: How would you describe your musical style?
Zach: Influenced by singer-songwriters like James Taylor and John Prine, classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, and alternative artists like Jeff Buckley and Radiohead. Also spent a lot of time studying Jazz, and Chet Baker is one of my favorite vocalists.
Worlds of Country: Who would you say most influenced this style of music?
Zach: There is not one person or artist that most influenced this record. At least, it’s not possible for me to answer that with certainty. I think my life path and all my previous experience had the most influence on this style of music.
Worlds of Country: How did your new album, Heartbreak & Hope, come together?
Zach: I began work with Julian Coryell on Heartbreak & Hope in Venice, CA in October 2018. Julian had been my guitar teacher for years, and I had wanted to work with him in the studio for much of that time. The stars aligned in 2018.
Worlds of Country: What do you want listeners to take away from hearing the album?
Zach: That pain is the price of freedom and running away from pain only causes suffering.
Worlds of Country: Is there a song on the project that sticks out to you as a personal favorite?
Zach: “Faithful Spouse” is especially emotional for me.
Worlds of Country: What’s next for you?
Zach: I am currently working on a follow-up album and plan on continuing to promote H&H this year, then go on tour in late 2022/early 2023 to promote both records 🙂
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