Zach Brandon is a LA singer-songwriter who recently released his debut single, “Top Of The Hill”. We chatted with Zach about his music, his single, and his future goals.
upfrontNY: How did you get your start in music and realize this was something you wanted to pursue?
Zach Brandon: As a high energy 7 year old, my parents thought the best thing to do to settle me down was to get me piano lessons. And I couldn’t get enough! I started playing drums and then switched to guitar almost right away. I was in college when I had my “a-ha” music moment, and I realized I needed to follow my love for music, no matter how unpredictable the path might end up being.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your single “Top of the Hill”?
Zach Brandon: This song is about believing in yourself and following your dreams no matter how hard that may seem. Something I’ve learned is, it’s important to do what you love instead of giving into the pressure of what others consider “safe choices.” I spent too much of my life doing the latter, and I finally decided that the satisfaction I get from risking everything to do what I love is worth everything else in the world.
upfrontNY: What was your inspiration behind this song?
Zach Brandon: The inspiration for the song came from putting my own self-doubt and fear of failure into perspective and giving me the courage of my convictions to follow my heart instead of the “safe choices.”
upfrontNY: As a singer- songwriter who recently released your first single, how are you feeling?
Zach Brandon: To be honest, pretty nervous. This is a very personal album for me, and I went head-on with difficult subjects that I haven’t wanted to share before. I’m really hoping the music I’ve created will move people in the way I dream it to.
upfrontNY: Your album Sand & Stone is coming out in 2020. What have you enjoyed most about the recording process?
Zach Brandon: What I enjoyed most about this recording process was creating a totally organic album, the old school way, where we all just got to come in and do our thing. Also, working with my co-writers and producers, Charlie Midnight and Jan Fairchild. These guys have worked with a lot of music legends (James Brown, Joe Cocker, Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, etc.) so having their support and belief in me as an artist has allowed me to put my blinders on to follow the sound that is honest to me and not worry about what the latest trend is.
upfrontNY: Is there a special place you go to for inspiration or when writing your music?
Zach Brandon: Nah lol. I just try to be somewhere quiet with no distractions, which is hard to find these days, but headphones help.
upfrontNY: Do you have a favorite song or lyric from the album?
Zach Brandon: My favorite song is “Dear Dad”, and my favorite lyrics are, “You said you’d always have my back / but what about when I make it past that?”
upfrontNY: How have you used music to help you heal with the tough times in your life?
Zach Brandon: Music has always given me an outlet to put words to my feelings. For me, the most impactful part about writing music is how it forces me to dig deep into what I’m feeling and helps me to really understand the root of my emotions.
upfrontNY: What is your dream venue, city, or country you hope to one day perform your music?
Zach Brandon: There are so many, but Madison Square Garden is definitely a goal!
upfrontNY 2020 is not only a new year, but also a new decade. What are your goals and dreams for your music?
Zach Brandon: I want to be able to write songs that might help, inspire, or move people to get through their losses, find their strengths, and hopefully feel less alone. For me, that would be the highest form of satisfaction.
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