Shaped by Music: Zach Person

Rock Stardom Secured

Words by Guadalupe Triana Photos by Eric Morales

Despite the many obstacles artists may face today, for Austin-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Zach Person, no challenge is too great. Artistically, the musician can’t be slowed down; he has too many exciting ideas to share with the world.

For the past two years, Zach and his bandmate, drummer Jake Wyble, have been busy securing rock star status. In April 2021, Zach released his highly-anticipated self-titled debut LP, which has since garnered critical praise from local and national media outlets. Plus, he’s collected a couple of nominations for “Best Rock Act” and “Song of the Year” at the 2021-2022 Austin Music Awards.

With that warm reception, Zach embarked on his ambitious “Let’s Get Loud” tour, which first took the band to Europe, then back through the states. The duo’s live presence is unmatched, and their explosive sound is natural and effortless.

“[It’s] just us on guitar and drums, then I go back and layer in the bass and any other sounds or instruments I want on top of us playing and then release that,” Zach explains.

As a musician, Zach describes his musical evolution in three parts. First, there is the early-on influence of rock classics like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin. Then, once he discovered pop radio, he picked up the charm of contemporary alternative rock bands, like Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys. “The third part,” he says, “is moving to Austin.” Musically, that’s what prompted Zach to begin drawing on many of the styles embraced here in the city, like folk, blues, and indie rock. 

“That’s where I try to land with all my music, bringing all the stuff I love, including classic and traditional styles and giving them a modern age sound,” Zach says. “[That way] it resonates with people, is accessible, and doesn’t sound old when someone really young listens to it.”

In 2017, right after wrapping up Season 15 of American Idol, Zach took advantage of every possible opportunity in Houston. However, his long-term goals pushed him to envision a life beyond his hometown. That’s when he decided to relocate to Austin. “At some point, it felt like I needed a different music scene,” Zach says. “Houston is so spread out; it’s hard to develop a community like there is in Austin.”

Some of Zach’s first gigs in the city took place at Friends Bar, in the 6th Street District. It was a Thursday night residency at the bar that he says helped him “stretch out of [his] comfort zone. I was able to soak up everything that artists were doing there.” Zach reveals, “Plus, it’s very easy to network and mingle here. I moved here for that specific reason.”

Now, as he continues building on the foundation he has laid, one thing is clear. This is just the beginning for Zach.

Contact:
@zachperson
zachperson.com
Listen to Zach on Spotify
Listen to Zach on Apple Music