An Interview With The Newcomer Portland-Based Musician, ZACH WOLF!

Meet the Portland, Oregon based musician, Zach Wolf. He’s a dreamer who aims to bring his message of hope to his fans and continue to create music that brings life and freedom to people

His newest single “Dark” was created in what he calls a “beautifully difficult” writing session which describes and incredibly painful season in his life. Zach’s musical vision draws inspiration from alternative, hip-hop and dark-pop melded into authentic and riveting cinematic-style overtures which can be heard in “Dark”

Connect With Zach Wolf Here:

zachwolfmusic.com

Learn more about Zach Wolf in the following All Access interview:

So where does this interview find you today?

I am in my home in Portland, Oregon today!

Has it been a good day?

It has been a great day! Sunday’s are my day off so I got to take it easy.

Overall, how do you think 2017 was for you and your career?

2017 was great for me and my career. I started getting radio play for my song “Dark” and that has been really cool to see.

What are you most excited about for this year?

I am most excited about the continued development of my career; things are really building up momentum in all facets.

What is one big goal you have for 2018?

I want to release my debut EP. That will be huge for me.

Growing up, did you ever think that this would be the kind of life that you would have?

I am not gonna lie, I did think this would be my career. Music has been my dream for as long as I can remember.

Has music always been a big part of your life?

Music has always been a huge part of my life, from the time I could talk I was singing, and from the time I could sit down long enough to concentrate I was learning guitar.

Can you recall your first ever musical experience?

My first ever musical experience was probably when I would have “concerts” for kids on my street growing up. I had this cheap karaoke machine, and I would drag it out and perform for the two neighbor kids who lived next door.

Portland is such a big melting pot of cultures so I am curious to know how your sound and who you are as a musician has been influenced by the city?

Portland has definitely given me a lot as a musician. I wouldn’t say my sound is necessarily specific to Portland, but that the eclectic mix of music here helped me to be bold in pursuing my own style.

Does it make you feel like you don’t really need to move to Los Angeles or New York ever?

It does. I go back and forth on it, but for the most part I really think staying in Portland will be where I end up.

What was the inspiration for your newest single “Dark”? How was it a “beautifully difficult” writing session?

“Dark” was inspired by a hard time in my life, where I went through some tough things in my personal life that lead me to a season of struggling through depression. It was a beautifully difficult writing session because I had to really “go back” emotionally into the place when I was at the pit of that hard season.

What did it feel like to hear “Dark” on the radio for the first time in Portland?

That was unreal. On one hand, because the global release was in my home town which is so cool. Secondly, there is just something so satisfying to see the years of hard work you’ve put in come to bear fruit.

When do you hope to release more new music and a full album or EP of new songs?

Hopefully sometime in the year 2018 I will release my EP.

How have your recent shows been going lately?

My shows have been going really well. I love connecting with fans.

Where can fans see you perform next?

I will playing at MUSEXPO in Hollywood in April. I am also booking shows in Portland up until then. Check my site zachwolfmusic.com for those dates as they’ll be released soon.

What do you think makes for an ideal concert for you?

An ideal concert is one where I get to connect with fans. I really love hearing how what I’ve been through gives someone else hope.

How do you think you are continuing to grow as an artist year after year?

I think I am learning how to really convey my story in a way that is relatable. We all go through life, and art for me is the act of turning different life experiences into beautiful moments for others to experience as their own.

Where do you find that you sing the most- in the car, in the shower or elsewhere?

Everywhere. I don’t stop singing.

Where do you find that you have the most fun- on stage performing, making music videos or recording in the studio?

Performing for sure.

How active on are you on all of your social media platforms?

Fairly. I try to be organic about social media. I am not trying to create some fake profile that doesn’t actually represent my voice. Personally, I don’t spend a lot of time on social media. In the same vein, my socials are only as active as I actually am as a person.

How important do you think it has been to your career so far? Do you find that it’s hard to update all of them all of the time?

I think it is important as it gives fans a glimpse into who I am as a person beyond the music. Sometimes, but like I said I try to be organic with my posting.

We are living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? How do you think that music is going to reflect these challenging times?

Music gives me joy because it allows me to take what I go through and create a space for someone else to relate. That is huge. My music will reflect these challenging times by staying consistent. I want to bring people hope as an artist, whether times are good or bad. That will not change.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Chris Martin of Coldplay is definitely my biggest influence. I would love to work with Chris Martin, Ryan Tedder, or Sam Smith. Artists I respect immensely.

What do you hope your fans take away from your music?

I hope they leave feeling this: “I am not alone; I am going to make it.”

Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself or your music?

My music is for anyone who has ever fallen in love, for anyone who has ever gone to bed with a broken heart, for anyone who has ever felt alone in their struggle for mental health and peace, for anyone who has nobody in the world to call their own, for anyone and everyone who wants to leave this world a little bit brighter than they found it. Wolf Pack for life!