INTERVIEW: Zach Day Narrates a Relationship's Downfall on "Washington"
Growing up in one of the top 10 poorest counties in America, in the backwoods of Kentucky, Zach Day would regularly skip school to teach himself how to play guitar and sing by examining the subtle nuances of legendary vocalists and songwriters. Zach would devour songs of all genres and adopted his own style of original works. As a deep love of folk emerged, Zach perfected the art of lyrical storytelling through his beautiful soul-bearing voice.
Zach Day’s impossibly technical vocals have proven undeniable as the likes of John Legend, Meghan Trainor, Bon Iver, Brandi Carlile, YEBBA, and many other brilliant artists and writers have actively followed his musical journey on social platforms. In our interview, though, Zach shows he’s as big a fan of music as we are.
Have you ever been star-struck when playing with a musician?
I recently have been working alongside Hana Elion of Overcoats, she produced my new single “Washington” and it’s been so fun and such a wild experience because I was a fan for the longest time before we met. I’m opening for them on their LA show on May 19th and I truly believe I manifested getting to play music with them.
Does your song have an overarching theme?
Washington is a song about what could have been. My whole life has been about romanticizing things. I fall in love with ideals and dream scenarios and as hard as I try I can’t seem to break that habit. The particular situation and song is about the person I spent the most time with during quarantine and it’s pretty much my journal entries explaining the downfall.
How do you feel your queer identity ties into your performance style or music?
I am a queer musician from the backwoods of Kentucky. I’ve seen some things but I’m proud of where I’m from. These songs are my stories and my experiences, I’m writing and singing about my life and from my perspective: being raised in the coal mines, or seeing your heroes fall to drugs, or being told you can’t ride in someones car to church because you’re a “queer” before you were even old enough to know what that meant… or being surrounded by the best musicians you’ve ever heard, or a warm hug from your grandma, or playing guitar on the porch to the cattle. It all shapes me.
What 5 albums are you going to make your kid listen to and why?
As a storyteller and someone with an affinity for good stories, I tend to gravitate toward music with a strong concept or lyrics that really have a strong theme. I think when you can find yourself playing a movie in your head while listening to a song, you have something really special. These albums have all impacted me that way and I could talk about them all day!
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars – David Bowie
Tapestry – Carole King
Pure Heroine – Lorde
Preachers Daughter – Ethel Cain
What are some of the best venues you’ve played? Why?
I love a venue with good sound, an active and drawn in audience, and an intimate feeling. I always loved playing The Burl when I got the chance in Lexington, KY. I sang a lot of BGVs for Mojothunder over the years there. I haven’t played a solo set there yet! I also always loved playing The Local in Nashville, TN and my new comfort spot is Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, CA.
Californians can catch Zach at the following shows:
June 1st – Santa Cruz, CA, Moe’s Alley
June 2nd – Hollywood, CA, Hotel Cafe
June 3rd – San Diego, CA, The Holding Company
More TBA
