Interview: Zach Taylor
Contemporary Christian artist Zach Taylor has just released his self-titled EP. Louder Than The Music caught up with Zach to find out more about his music, what inspires it, and how he hopes to lead listeners to a deeper relationship with God.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Yeah for sure! So I have always been into music whether that was marching band, or choir in school, or just singing as a young kid. I am the youngest of 5 kids and both of my parents are pastors, and you know how it goes a lot of the time is that the pastor’s family helps on the worship team. So over the years my brothers played instruments and sang on the team while my mom was the worship pastor. Then it kinda just trickled down to me eventually picking up a guitar, getting a few lessons and writing songs around age 12. The songs just started coming to me naturally and that’s when I knew it was something I could do as I got older.
Tell us about your new EP and what the inspiration behind it was?
I wrote the songs for the EP in no particular order. I honestly didn’t even know I was writing an EP when I was writing the song. The reason I say that is because I write songs when they come to me or when I get an idea about something not usually for a project. So this EP was created from 4 songs written over a span of a year that I decided to turn into this project. Having a new artist name also was a factor because I wanted something I could release with the new name and establish it a little bit. Putting 4 songs out right off the bat with the new name seemed like a good way to do that.
Which is your favorite track on the EP and why?
That is a super tough question for me. I love all 4 of the songs a ton for different reasons but I’d have to probably say My Everything because it was the first song to ever be released under my new name and it’s what got this whole thing started. It’s the EP’s single and is the first song for me to have sent out to Christian radio. So this track will always have a special place in my life.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I just want people to see that this music is authentic and not just me trying to be somebody else. I want them to know every time they hear one of my songs that if God can use my music he can use them too. I am from a small town in Indiana but yet I’ve made some connections and done things with my music that some people might say isn’t possible. Let the message of my music be to keep pushing forward and have faith in God because when you do that, amazing things can happen!
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My music is a mixture of singer/songwriter, contemporary, and pop with a little bit of alternative sound added in here and there. Some of my influences are Tauren Wells, Chris Tomlin, Ed Sheeran, and Joshua Micah. Every one of these artists have had a major impact on me and my style and definitely in the music I like to write and sing.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I actually have two I would love to work with. If we are talking about just a Christian songwriter then Brandon Lake hands down. He is one of the most creative and talented people in the Christian music space right now and I’d would love to work with him.
If we can expand out of just Christian songwriters, Ed Sheeran by far would be my top pick. He has some of the catchiest, beautiful, and memorable melodies and songs that I’ve ever heard in my life. His style is amazing and just to be able to work with him would be a dream of mine for sure!
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success in my career looks like a couple different things. First off if it is leading people to a deeper relationship with Christ then that is the most important thing. If my songs can help save some lives and can leave a lasting impact then I’ve done something right. But another factor of success would be if I could do music full time and not have to worry about working full time on the side. I’m not saying making huge amounts of cash by any means, I am talking about being able to pay my bills and yet do the thing I love to do full time without another job’s distractions. If I could focus on music 24/7 365 then there would be so many more chances to do things that having a separate job might hinder a bit and that would be considered success to me.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Favorite album of all time is either Divide by Ed Sheeran or Awake by Skillet.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
It’s funny you ask this because I’m stuck in Aruba right now since my flight got delayed back to the states haha. But the one track would have to be the version of Graves into Gardens by Brandon Lake and Bethel off of their Peace Volume 2 album that just came out a few months ago.
What does the next year hold for you?
Honestly I’m not 100% sure on this answer. I’m planning on possibly recording some new singles in the studio that I might release later this year or wait til next year. I’m in a season of just seeking the Lord and making sure I’m doing what he wants me to do without rushing things. His timing is better than mine and if I try to force something it could ruin what I was supposed to wait on.
