For this week’s blog post, I decided to do something a little bit different. Because I have been spending a much greater amount of time in the presence of my own home due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I have found myself digging much deeper into my greatest passion–music. This week, I decided that instead of interviewing one of my good friends on their input on how music has impacted them, I would show you all the 5 ways of how I have been using music as a way to cope with my boredom through this difficult time.
learning bass
The bass has always been one of the instruments that has interested me the most. However, I always have so much going on in my life that I always decide that I will wait to learn bass and I will stick to playing the guitar. When I found out that I was going to be gifted months and months of time to just stay home, I went online and ordered a bass. I do not regret this purchase at all. Although I am still learning, I have a feeling that I am going to play the bass forever.
creating new playlists
Listening to music is the one thing I always find myself doing. During this time period where I have so much extra time on my hands, I have actually discovered a bunch of new songs and amazing new artists. My old playlists began to fill up and clutter. I wanted to organize myself in a way where I have a playlist for the specific mood I am in or the specific occasion. I have made tens of playlists during this pandemic and honestly, it has made streaming way less stressful and chaotic, and I would strongly recommend everyone to organize their music.
karaoke
A recent purchase that I made was a karaoke microphone. During coronavirus, I was not going to let this adorable pink microphone just sit on my desk. I happen to have a 13 year old sister who also loves to sing, so this has definitely came in handy. You can find the karaoke version of almost any song on YouTube and connect it via bluetooth to the microphone. My sister and I have had long nights of just singing and singing. Let me tell you–it’s hard to stop.
playing the guitar
I’ve been playing the guitar for almost 5 years now, so naturally, when I heard that I was going to be stuck inside for months on end, I immediately picked up my guitar. Although it seems obvious that the guitar would be one of the main things that I’d be doing during this time, I’ve actually been taking it way more seriously than I have in the past. I’ve been spending hours every day trying to learn new tricks and songs that are at the advanced level. And I feel like I’ve definitely advanced my skills and I’m really proud of myself for that. However it’s not gonna and here, I hope to continue to grow my guitar skills for the rest of my life.
writing songs
Although I’ve never been very skilled in the songwriting category, I’ve always wanted to be. Now that I have so much time to do basically whatever I want, I’ve took it upon myself to start writing songs. I’m still not very good, but I want to keep working on it because I have so many emotions and feelings inside of me that I feel like would work so well in music.
Aria is 16 years old and lives in Santa Barbara, California. I had the pleasure of meeting Aria when we ended up at the same middle school for 6th grade. When I met her, the first thing that we immediately bonded over was our passion for singing and music. Her talent always amazed me. She had the ability to whip out a guitar or ukulele at ease and sing like an angel. I know that Aria has been practicing and perfecting her talent since a very young age. This is exactly why I thought she would be perfect to interview this week for my blog. Here is the story of Aria Howe:
aria and her guitar
Q: How old were you when you started singing?
A: As long as I can remember, but probably since I was like 2 years old.
Q: Which musical artist inspires you the most and why?
A: I’d say Billy Joel because i’ve grown up listening to his music and he is such a good songwriter and piano player and I saw him in New York at Madison Square Garden and it was just amazing and he’s in his 60’s and he’s still playing live.
Q: How old were you when you really began to take music seriously?
A: In the last 3 years i’ve definitely grown a lot in my guitar playing and my range in my voice. I also started playing live in the last year and it’s definitely something i’ve gotten more serious about this over the last couple of years and something I’m going to pursue now and in the future.
Q: Do you ever write your own music?
A: Yes! All the time. I tend to write snippets of songs and occasionally I finish a song but i’m always playing piano and singing improv and record it on my phone and go back to it and learn it and add more to it.
Q: What do you find yourself writing about the most?
A: Mostly things that us as humans experience emotionally. I really write songs so that everyone can articulate them in their own way and have their own feelings about them.
Q: So far, what have been your biggest accomplishments when it comes to music?
A: Well, i’ve played in front of a hundred people before and i’ve also opened for my Dad’s band and recorded on his album. If it wasn’t for Coronavirus I would have played at the Chalk Festival at the mission.
Q: What does music mean to you, and why is it such a big part of your life?
A: Music to me means being able to express yourself through words that are easier to sing sometimes. It’s such a release and very therapeutic. Music is such a big part of my life and also has and always will be. Music is a healer and helps me and all of us get through the dark parts of life.
Q: If you could collaborate with any musical artist, who would it be?
A: Probably Morrisey from the Smiths. He’s a great songwriter and i’ve always loved his music. It would be an honor to collaborate with him.
aria (left) with her friend julia (right) who is also a very talented musician
Q: Which genre of music do you find yourself the most attracted to?
A: That’s a hard one because I listen to pretty much anything and everything but if I had to put it into a genre, probably indie rock/ indie pop.
Q: Which instruments do you play and which do you find the most useful?
A: I play mostly piano and guitar, but I also play drums and I am learning Cello. I feel like guitar and piano are the most useful and easiest to play.
Sam is 17 years old and lives in Santa Barbara, California. When I think of Sam I think of him wandering the world with his headphones on. He always is listening to some type of music and is humming some type of melody. Since Sam has let music overtake so much of his life recently, I have been very curious about how this affects him as a person. Does he use music as an escape? Is he secretly a musical genius? I have no clue. Although Sam and I are close friends, I’ve never really figured this out. I finally decided to get to the bottom of this…which is what I will be doing today.
sam russell
Q: Why do you think music is such a big part of your life?
A: I think because it is kinda just something that u can do whenever your bored or anytime and there is like such a big variety of it.
Q: Which musical artist inspires you the most and why?
A: Imma say Roddy Rich and only because I’ve met him before.
Q: What is your favorite song? Why?
A: Revenge- Joyner Lucas, because a lot of the song connects to my personal life.
Q: Which genre of music do you find yourself the most attracted to and why?
A: Rap, because it just sounds way better to me then anything else like with better flows in my opinion.
sam (left) doing one of his biggest passions in life…baseball
Q: Other than music, what are some things that you enjoy to do in your free time?
A: Baseball, and hanging out with my friends.
Q: When in life do you find yourself needing music the most?
A: When I’m driving
Q: Would you ever plan on making music into a career? What do you want to do when you’re older?
A: When I am older I am planning on doing something more baseball related but working with music doesn’t seem completely out of the picture.
Q: What are your goals with music?
A: To find more of what I love and to discover new stuff.
sam on a wander through nature
Q: Are you interested in learning to play any instruments? If so, which ones?
A: The guitar has always seemed really cool to me. Maybe if I have the time one day, i’ll pick one up.
Q: In your own words, what is music? Why do you think it’s something that most everyone loves?
A: Music helps people cope with problems we face in everyday life. This can lead people to realize that they are in fact, not alone, and there are people going through the same shit as them.
Q: How has music effected the way you live your life?
A: Music has made it easier for me to cope with life’s hardships.
Emma is 16 years old and lives in Santa Barbara, California. Emma also happens to be one of my closest friends. Emma spends a majority of her time with friends and family, going to the beach, dancing, and a heck of a lot of time singing and playing the ukulele. Ever since I first met Emma, i’ve noticed that she’s always singing or humming to a tune. Although she has an amazing musical talent, she tends to be very shy about it, which is why not many people are aware of her skill… the is the exact reason why I decided to choose to interview Emma this week for my blog: to bring her out of the dark and prove to people how talented and passionate she really is.
emma somerville
Q: Why do you think music is such a big part of your life? And when did it become so?
A: Music has been apart of my life since I was less than a year old. I danced to songs all the time and it was a huge part of my childhood. Listening to music is the best way to feel free and happy and alive. It has made a big impact on me and pretty much everyone I know.
Q: What are certain times in your life when you find yourself needing music the most?
A: When my dad, brother, and I moved in with my Grandma, I didn’t have my own space, so all I really did for a year was go on my trampoline with my Airpods in listening to music.
Q: Who are some of your favorite artists and why?
A: I like Bruno Mars, his songs are fun to sing. I also like Billie Eilish’s old albums because she used to write such gentle beautiful music that really showed her voice. I also love Jack Johnson. His old songs give off the best vibes
Q: What’s your favorite genre of music?
A: My favorite genre is probably alternative/indie/pop. I like the songs that make you feel something.
emma (left) before a long night of music and dancing.
Q: When did you start singing?
A: I started singing when I was between 6-7. I was in a girls band and was trained by a voice teacher.
Q: Do you play any instruments? If so, what are they and why did you choose this instrument, and when did you start?
A: I played piano when I was in elementary school, 1-2 years ago I started playing the ukulele. I wanted to play something along the lines of a guitar, but I didn’t want to start there because it’s harder to learn and they’re more expensive. So the ukulele was a perfect choice
Q: What is one thing that you want to know more about when it comes to the world of music?
A: I wish i could discover more artists easily, I usually find out about them through other people or when they get popular. I also want to learn how to play more instruments.
Q: Would you ever plan on making your own music in the future?
A: I’d love to write songs, I definitely need some inspiration and focus, but i’ve always hoped that one day i’ll put together a song.
emma (left) surrounded by one of her other passions, the ocean.
Q: What are your goals with music?
A: Like I said, it would be nice to write a song.
Q: In your own words, what is music? Why do you think it’s something that most everyone loves?
A: Music is words and a beat that when you put together, is an expression of emotion. Everyone loves it so much because sometimes music can describe exactly how someone is feeling, it can make them feel happier, and it lets us connect with the people around us.
Q: What do you want to do when you grow up?
A: I haven’t decided yet, but something that has to do with nature, the ocean, or music.
Q: How has music effected your life?
A: Music has been a huge part of my life ever since the start, and it will always be. It’s given me so much happiness and emotion and makes me feel alive!
Nakoa Newman is 16 years old and is one of my closest friends. He lives in Santa Barbara, California. Nakoa spends most of his free time surfing, hanging out with his friends, and spending time outside. However, one thing that I have personally noticed is that Nakoa spends a majority of his time with Airpods in his ears. No matter what he’s up to, he most likely has a beat in his head. Music has become a big part of Nakoa’s life. While having so much free time on his hands during this pandemic, Nakoa decided to pick up the guitar and is trying to teach himself to play. Because of Nakoa’s recent show of love for music, I decided that he would be the perfect interviewee for this week’s blog post.
nakoa (headphones in of course)
Q: Why do you think music is such a big part of your life? And when did it become so?
A: Because music is fun to listen when I get bored.
Q: What are certain times in your life when you find yourself needing music the most?
A: I find myself needing music the most when I am by myself, alone with my thoughts.
Q: Who are some of your favorite artists and why?
A: I really like Cage the Elephant, Cuco, and Green Day. I can relate to a lot of their music and it reminds me that many people are going through the same things…nobody is really alone.
Q: What’s your favorite genre of music, and how does it effect you?
A: I like Indie and Rock music mostly. I like how they sound and the melodies are usually really good.
nakoa (right)
Q: Do you play any instruments? If so, what are they and why did you choose this instrument? If not, what instrument would you be interested in learning?
A: Not really, but i’m trying to learn to play the guitar.
Q: What is one thing that you want to know more about when it comes to the world of music?
A: I want to expand my horizons and listen to new genres, I also want be better at guitar.
Q: Do you ever make your music? If so, what inspires you to, and if not, would you ever plan on doing it in the future?
A: I think I plan on continuing to mess around, and listening to music as a coping mechanism.
Q: In your own words, what is music? Why do you think it’s something that most everyone loves?
A: I think that the reason why music appeals to everyone, is because music isn’t a set thing, everyone can find something that appeals to them. Also, music can help people figure out that they’re not alone and other people might be going through the same problems.
nakoa and his surfboard
Q: What are your goals with music?
A: I want to use music as a positive thing in my life to cope with hard times.
Q: How has music effected the way you live your life?
A: Music helps me reflect on my relationships, experiences, and friendship and to be more sympathetic towards others.
David is 15 years old and lives in Massachusetts, USA. I met David at a 1-week songwriting intensive at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. David and I immediately clicked over our similar taste and our passion and love for creating music. Other than singing and playing the guitar, David spends a lot of his time running, biking, and spending time with his friends. The reason why I chose to put David in the spotlight this week, is because his music journey was really interesting to me when he told me about it last summer, and I unfortunately haven’t been able to connect with him very much since, due to the miles between us, therefore I took this blog post as a way to reconnect. Without further a do, meet one of my good and long-distance friends; David Dodge.
david dodge
Q: Why do you think music is such a big part of your life and why did it become so?
A: Music has the ability to connect people. Whether it’s through bonfires, school, or concerts, I feel like everybody can relate through music. I like just being able to play a song everyone that everyone can sing along to. I have also been able to meet a lot of cool people through it, and it’s just fun.
Q: What are certain times in your life when you find yourself needing music the most?
A: I’m not great with feelings to be honest, so music is my way of expression. Also girls, music helps me deal with girls.
Q: Who are some of your favorite artists and why?
A: Ed Sheeran, because he writes his own stuff, and his work is relatable and people love his melodies. I am also a huge Drake fan.
Q: What’s your favorite genre of music, and how does it effect you?
A: I honestly don’t really know. I like rap, pop, soft rock, country, but they all have a similar effect I guess. Music can make u sad happy and it makes me remember. For example some songs correlate with certain memories.
david pursuing another one of his passions: rock climbing
Q: Do you play any instruments? If so, what are they and why did you choose this instrument?
A: I’ve been playing piano since I was 8 because my parents made me, and more recently I picked up the guitar because I liked the idea of a more portable instrument
Q: What is one thing that you want to know more about when it comes to the world of music?
A: I want to learn more about writing non-vocal music.
Q: Do you ever make music? If so, what inspires you to do so, and if not, would you ever plan on doing it in the future?
A: I have tried to, but i’m not very good at writing. I do want to write and put out at least one real song in my life.
Q: Would you ever plan on making music into a career? What do you want to do when you’re older?
A: I’m not sure what I want to do, but I do not think that music is my dream career.
david (far left) with his school choir
Q: In your own words, what is music? Why do you think it’s something that most everyone loves?
A: I think music is loved because it has ability to do something that nothing else does. Even sad music is happy. It’s emotional, connecting, and relatable. I think music understands people better than people understand people.
Q: How has music affected the way you live your life?
A: Music makes me happier, that pretty much sums it up.
Noa is 13 years old and lives in Santa Barbara, California. I am in fact, lucky enough to be able to call her my younger sister. Noa loves spending time with friends, listening to music, going to the beach, and fashion. Being quarantined with my family during such a scary time has lead me to spend a lot more quality time with my sister than I usually do. I have learned so much more about her passion for music and I noticed that she can barely go 5 minutes without saying “Hey Alexa, play this song!”. Coronavirus has brought many families together from around the world, which made me think that this would be the perfect time to interview my sister for my blog.
noa (left)
Q: Why do you think music is such a big part of your life? And when did it become so?
A: I think music because such a big part of my life because just by listening to one song your whole mood and vibe can change completely.
Q: What are certain times in your life when you find yourself needing music the most?
A: I find myself needing music the most when I am bored and just need some background noise that can help keep me in a good mood.
Q: Who are some of your favorite artists and why?
A: Some of my favorite artists are Ruel, Wallows, Dayglow, Rex Orange County, Clairo, and Cuco. I listen to them because they bring my mood up, and their songs and melodies are very catchy.
Q: What’s your favorite genre of music, and how does it effect you?
A: I find myself listening to mostly Pop, Indie, and Rap music. I’m mostly drawn to these genres because they’re uplifting and they have good energy. Whenever I listen to these genres, I always find myself in a better mood.
noa in front of the guitars that she wants to learnt to play
Q: What is one thing that you want to know more about when it comes to the world of music?
A: I want to know more about artists who lived before my time.
Q: Would you ever plan on making music into a career? What do you want to do when you’re older?
A: I don’t think I have enough potential to make music into a career, but I listening to a lot of music and singing for fun around the house and with my friends. When I’m older, I probably want to do something that has to do with show business, whether or not that involves music.
Q: What are your goals with music?
A: My goals with music are to expand my horizons with both artists and genres.
Q: Are you interested in learning to play any instruments? If so, which ones?
A: I really want to learn how to play guitar, because it seems as if you can pick up a guitar and play any song in the world, and it also seems very relaxing.
noa with her airpods in listening to music (as always)
Q: In your own words, what is music? Why do you think it’s something that most everyone loves?
A: To me, music is beats and instruments combined to create a story for people to listen and relate to. I think everyone likes music because it’s not a very specific and set thing, so everyone can find their own place in it, and something that they like.
Q: What is an important lesson that music has taught you?
A: Music has taught me that no matter what you’re going through, there is always something to distract you and lift your spirits.
Bridget DeVine is 15 years old and lives in Santa Barbara, California. Ever since she was born, music has made up a huge portion of her life. Whether it’s through theater, dancing, performing live, choir, or musicals, Bridget is all in. She has performed in numerous musicals, was apart of the 2020 Teen Star, and has performed her music a lot. One of the reasons why Bridget inspires me a lot, is because she has never given up. No matter how hard life can be, Bridget never fails to chase her dreams, and it clearly has paid off. This is exactly why I chose to put one of my friends, Bridget DeVine, in the spotlight this week.
bridget devine
Q: How old were you when you started singing?
A: I started singing at a very young age, but I got serious about it during 6th grade when I was 12 I think
Q: How did you figure out that music was something you wanted to pursue?
A: In junior high, I really discovered my true passion for it. The joy and safety I feel when I sing is such an incredible feeling that I just can’t get enough of. It is my passion and I couldn’t live without it.
Q: Which musical artist inspires you the most and why?
A: She is a family friend of mine. Her name is Grace Fisher. She was planning on attending Berklee College of Music, but was diagnosed with a serious disease that paralyzed her from her shoulders down. She is such an incredible and inspiring person. She still makes music and art despite her disability. She also now runs a foundation in which she gives special needs children the opportunity to make art in many different forms!
Q: What is your favorite musical?
A: Waitress
bridget performing as a 2020 santa barbara teen star contestant
Q: What do you want to be when you’re older? Do you plan on making music into a career?
A: I want to pursue musical theater. I want to try to do all that I can to make that dream become a reality because I love it truly so much.
Q: So far, what have been your biggest accomplishments in terms of music?
A: Getting to be a finalist in Teen Star this year while also making it to the final round of the competition. Also, I won a triple threat award at the Musical Theater Competitions of America.
Q: What inspires you to keep going when life gets tough?
A: Singing helps put me at ease while also trusting in my faith/religion.
Q: What made you want to do teen star?
A: I’ve always wanted to in the past but I never ended up doing it. I thought this would be my year to just go for it and I’m more than happy I did.
picture from one of bridget’s school musicals: head over heels.
Q: What about music is so appealing to you?
A: It’s just so beautiful. I recently discovered how much I love jazz music. It is so intimate, calming, and lovely. Music is such an incredible way to connect and express your emotions while also sometimes being able to escape reality.
Q: Do you play any instruments?
A: During quarantine I am trying to learn the piano. I am not very good, but I am focusing on expanding my knowledge of music theory and it’s been great!
Q: Other than music, what are some things that you enjoy to do in your free time?
A: I enjoy being with friends, being with family and relatives, dancing, baking, decorating, and fashion.
Q: What is one word of advice you would give to aspiring musical performers?
A: Try to appreciate and grow from each performance experience you are given. Every opportunity to perform is a blessing. Keep working hard in your craft and that is how you will improve 🙂
The first time that I ever met Trey, I could immediately tell that music had got the best of him…which is one of the best things that could happen to someone in my opinion. He’s always has a tune in his head. Trey is 16 years old and lives in Santa Barbara, California, and I am lucky enough to call him one of my friends. In his free time, Trey’s favorite things to do include skate boarding, hanging out with friends, and listening to music. Not only does Trey love listening to music, but he also writes and sings his own music and uploads his songs to sound cloud. Trey is so creative, funny, unique, and also inspires me a lot to do what makes me happy, and to follow my dreams… which is why I chose to put him in the spotlight this week.
Trey Murray
Q: Which artist do you look up to the most and why?
A: Playboi Carti because I really like his music and fashion choice. Also, I look up to how much money he has and the lifestyle that he lives.
Q: Why do you think music is such a big part of your life? And when did it become so?
A: Because it can make you feel certain ways. It became a big part of my life when I got a phone after 6th grade and I could listen to music whenever.
Q: If you could record with one artist who would it be and why?
A: I would record with Pierre Bourne because I love the beats that he makes and he seems like a super sick person from the interviews that i’ve watched.
Q: What made you want to start making music?
A: I just really liked the music that I listened to, and my friend Steven and I thought “why not try to make music ourselves?”
one of trey’s EP covers “dori”
Q: What are your goals with music? Do you plan on continuing to do it for fun or do you want to take it to the extreme?
A: My goals are to just have fun doing my music, and hopefully inspire or help at least 1 person who I don’t know. Also, I hope that I can meet new people through music. I don’t really know if I want to take it to the extreme. I would love to but I just don’t think I have the potential so I think I’ll just continue doing it for fun.
Q: Why do you enjoy making and listening to music so much?
A: I really couldn’t tell you why, but it just makes me feel good and music is just pleasing to me I don’t know why.
Q: What is your favorite genre of music and how does it affect you?
A: My favorite genre is probably rap/trap/hiphop but I pretty much like all music.
Q: Which artist are you not that fond of, and why?
A: I do not like Rich The Kid because I don’t really like his music, and he also has beef with Uzi.
Trey’s Soundcloud profile
Q: What inspires you to write music and what do you find yourself writing the most about?
A: I just write about whatever is on my mind, how i’m feeling, or whatever vibes the beat gives me I try to match it.
Q: Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
A: I get most of my inspiration from Carti, Uzi, D Savage, Yung Bans, Pierre Bourne, Lil Tecca, and just whatever goes on in my life that I can be inspired by.
Q: Lastly, what do you aspire to be when you grow up?
A: I hope I can have a successful clothing company that also incorporates music, photography, skating, and videos. But I overall just want to be happy
Zack Bouchard is 18 years old and lives in Rhode Island, USA. I had the honor of meeting Zack at a 1-week songwriting program at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusets. Zack has one of the most spunky, fun-loving and unique personalities I’ve ever met. Immediately when I met Zack, I was in awe of his musical talents. With his exemplary guitar skills and a killer voice, musically, he has so much to offer. I could not go another week without asking Zack some questions, so here you go…you’re welcome.
Zack playing his Gibson electric guitar
Q: How old were you when you started singing?
A: Well…a long time ago in a galaxy far far away…nah I’m just playing. I started singing when I was in the second grade, heard little things from movies like Alvin & The Chipmunks and I’d sing little ditties here n there.
Q: Which musical artist inspires you the most and why?
A: That is a very difficult question…there’s probably 4 artists that come to mind, and they all inspire me for something different. AC/DC inspired me to be a better guitarist and keep some serious groove with just a guitar. The Beatles inspired me to pick up the guitar and pretty much started it all for me. Queen inspires me to be better at singing because of course everyone has wanted to sound like Freddie Mercury at least once before. And lastly, Green Day inspires me to write songs with hidden meanings in them and to make sure the lyrics have real meaning to them instead of just some words that rhyme but have no meaning to them.
Q: How old were you when you really began to take music seriously?
A: Most likely the 7th grade, I mean I had been playing guitar and singing for about 2 1/2 years beforehand, but 7th grade was when days upon days of being in school listening to nothing but Green Day really fueled me and made me think “This is exactly what I wanna do with my life”. That year I started forming a band or at least trying to, and by freshman year of high school, I was playing gigs with them.
Q: How old were you when you actually started writing music? What do you usually write about and what inspires it?
A: I remember the first song I ever wrote was this short little blues thingy, and the lyrics were god awful because I ripped off the lyrics of the song that Mary Jane sings at the end of Spider-Man 3. However, the first song I wrote when I was serious about music was a song called “Cold Hearted B**ch” about an ex who I found out was cheating on me on my birthday.
Zack (second from the left) playing live with his friends in his home town.
Q: What does the songwriting process look like for you?
A: That actually varies quite often for me. It depends on what comes first: the riff or the lyrics. Usually, it’s easier if the riff comes to my head first because then I can put the lyrics to it, but if the lyrics come first then I go nuts and just write a sh*t ton of verses n choruses and when it comes time to record it, usually 50% of what’s on the song isn’t all of what was on the paper.
Q: What do you want to be when you’re older? Do you plan on making music into a career?
A: I honestly just want to make music. Getting money out of it would be a sweet bonus, but I just want to be able to write songs, record ‘em, and play gigs because the energy that a crowd can give off can drive you to places you’d never have thought to exist.
Q: So far, what have been your biggest accomplishments when it comes to music?
A: I’d say my biggest accomplishment so far is the album I’m working on. It’s a rock opera, which is when played from the first song to the last, tells a story of a character. In my case, it’s telling the story of a teenager by the name of Johnny Backlash who has just had enough with all the b.s. from everyone in his town. He meets this girl by the name of Cinderella and the antagonist of the story is one of Johnny’s friends-turned-enemy known as The Maestro. The title track of the album is one of my prouder songs as it has 5 different sections of music and lyrics and spans at a staggering 11 minutes long. But the best part about it is that the lyrics aren’t all just “bla bla bla”, they actually mean something, which is something I’m very proud of.
Q: What does music mean to you, and why is it such a big part of your life?
A: Music means everything to me. In my darkest moments I’d probably go batshit crazy without being able to go home, pick up my guitar, turn the amp up to 11 and jam to the riffs of Angus & Malcolm Young or Billie Joe Armstrong. I say this to everyone and I mean it: music is pretty much the only thing I’m good at.
Zack’s senior photo…he decided to incorporate music into it.
Q: If you could collaborate with any musical artist, who would it be?
A: I’d love to collaborate with Green Day. Just the idea of writing songs with my favorite modern musicians and then professionally recording and producing them would be amazing.
Q: Which genre of music do you find yourself the most attracted to?
A: Usually I’ll listen to stripped-down, cacophonous, skull-crushing rock n roll, but I’m pretty much an open book I listen to a lot of that stuff like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Cream, punk rock bands like The Clash, The Ramones, and The Sex Pistols. But I also listen to alternative stuff like Green Day, Imagine Dragons and a LOT of blues such as B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Robert Johnson. And some modern stuff like Post Malone, Hoodie Allen, A Boogie, Drake, and Eminem.
Q: Which instruments do you play and which do you find the most useful?
A: I play guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard. I find the guitar to be most useful because that’s where all my songs start, with my guitar. Everything else comes afterward if I feel like the song needs it.
Q: If it wasn’t music what would you be pursuing?
A: Probably meteorology.
Zack (far left) and some of his friends at Berklee College of Music
Q: Other than music, what are some things that you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: I like to play video games like your average teenage boy, read comic books, and spend time with friends.
Q: Last question, whats one word of advice you would give to aspiring music artists?
A: Be yourself, but not in the way that everyone makes it out to be. For example, as a guitarist, I take a lot of inspiration from my heroes such as Angus Young. I use the same licks and riffs as he does but in my own way. If you can do that in the same way, taking something that you hear that makes you think “not gonna lie, but that just screams ‘me’” then don’t hold back and friggin’ do it.
for the record 