Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Carney
Hi Zach, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started fiddling around with the guitar at 19. I started to take it a little more seriously when I began writing songs. I was at my first show and I had planned one of (I though at the time) one of my better originals. I looked out and saw a woman crying. I approached her and asked if she was okay and she told me how much the song really connected with her. She responded by letting me know that it had helped her make a decision about a very delicate situation she was going through. I realized right there that it was about connecting. I loved that I could write about an experience and that someone out there could find some peace or healing through a shared world view. And that paradigm shift started me on this long and difficult path.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is anything but smooth! It’s barely a road. It’s more like starting from a mountain, looking down into the valley and seeing very clearly what you want. But there is no path and you’ve no clue how to get to that party. But you take the first step and you get on your way. Sometimes you end up in the same place confused. You thought you tried a new way. Sometimes your completely lost. Other times you meet up with a person on your path in the circular motion you’ve been on. But they know a better way and have gotten a little farther, and you get to walk with them for a bit until the path and gain a little insight. Other times there is a beautiful clearing with a path and signs pointing you in the right direction. There is a lot to handle. But you wake up everyday knowing where you want to get to. The music business is tough. In the beginning, you have to be a booking agent, promoter, PR, photographer, videographer, social media manager, tour manager, regular manager, travel agent, producer, sound engineer (both live and recording), recording artist…..oh and you have to make sure there is time to do the actual songwriting, practice your voice, your craft, your main instrument, and any other instruments that might make recording easier. It’s pretty overwhelming at times. And you start to realize the road is easier with some people by your side.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a full time music entertainer and recording artist. I write and (as of more recently) record my songs and perform them for an audience who is interested. I’m the front man in my band on lead vocals and guitar and I also play solo about equal parts a week in contrast to band gigs. I’m most known for my songwriting, guitar work with the band where I can really let loose on the electric guitar, and taking covers and reharmonizing them to better fit my aesthetic sound. I have amazing musicians that I get the pleasure of working with. So far I’m most proud of the work I’ve done with Edgewater in Sugarland and that work will be distributed by Sony. I got the first mixes back last week and I can’t wait to release this album and tour with it! I’m also planning on releasing four or five additional tracks very quickly after these are released.
I think what sets me apart from others is a work ethic. It’s hard to play an average of 7 shows a week, stay up to date with emails, practice, record, write, collaborate, be a father to a 23 month old, and a husband. I can’t deny that life would be easier to phone one or two of those in or just skip entirely. But I don’t think I’d be able to go to bed at night knowing someone is doing that too and they could be in a more difficult situation than me. So if there’s breath, there’s work to be done!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve found mentors by IG mostly. And one by work of mouth. But in this day and age it really isn’t that crazy to reach out to a stranger you respect on IG and ask a few questions. You might be surprised who will respond and how kind they are. If you need a mentor and have your eye on someone; Ask! I think the worst that’s ever happened to me was they said “Thank you so much but unfortunately I’m too busy at the moment. Feel free to ask questions anytime and I’ll get back when I can”. Definitely not the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.
Pricing:
- $300 per hour for private solo shows
- $600 per hour for private band shows
- $0.75 per mile after a total of 60 miles for travling
- $500 for songwriting services (this is dependant on a few things)
- $150 per hour for session guitar work
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zachcarney.com
- Instagram: @thezachcarney
- Facebook: @thezachcarney
- Youtube: @thezachcarney
Image Credits
Feather Muse Photos
