Victoria G Interviews Zach Taylor

Victoria G: What inspired you to become a singer?

Zach Taylor: Basically I've loved singing for as long as I can remember. I remember one time I was singing at home when I was probably 8 or 10 and my dad heard me and was really impressed. He told me "Man one day you could be a great worship leader if you keep at it". That has always stuck with me. And singing has always been something I've enjoyed. So over the years as I started singing and church, playing guitar, and writing songs I realized it was something as I got older that I wanted to do as a career.

VG: What is your favorite thing about singing?

ZT: My favorite thing about singing is that it gives me a venue to truly express myself without anyone else telling me what I can and can't say. Music is a way for me to get messages across that I in other ways couldn't. It allows me to be honest and real with people in a creative way.

VG: Who are your musical inspirations?

ZT: Ed Sheeran, Tauren Wells, and Chris Tomlin hands down. Ed Sheeran has always been a huge influence for me as far as me trying to since different ranges as well as Tauren Wells. They both have amazing songs and voices and I love listening to them. Chris Tomlin has been a staple in Christian music for a long time and was one of the main artists I grew up listening to so his influence on me can't be overlooked. His song 'How Great is Our God' was one of the first songs I ever played on guitar!

VG: What is your songwriting process?

ZT: For me I let songwriting come naturally. I don't like forcing anything or writing just to write. Whenever I am inspired by an event or some words come to my mind that I think would make a good song, that's when I start to write. And because I begin with an idea of what to write about when I sit down to finish a song, it usually comes pretty quickly and naturally.

VG: What messages are important for you to express through your music?

ZT: The main thing for me to express is that Jesus cares about us. He truly sees us where we're at and knows what it's like to feel hurt, sorrow, joy, peace, and stress. He is someone you can completely open up to because he gets you better than anyone else ever could. I also want people to get a message of authenticity from my music. I hate it when every song I listen to starts to sound the same, I want mine to be real and honest not something that was written just to make money.

VG: Do you play any instruments?

ZT: I play acoustic guitar and some basic piano.

VG: How would you describe yourself in three words?

ZT: Loyal, bold, and uncompromising

VG: Do you have any hidden talents?

ZT: If I do I haven't discovered them yet haha.

VG: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

ZT: In 10 years I hope to be doing music full time, and also helping my parents as a staff member at their church. I'd also love to be a business owner one day so possibly in 10 years that dream will be a reality as well.

VG: What are your social media handles?

ZT: Instagram & Facebook: @zachtaylorofficial Twitter: @ZOchsner

VG: What advice do you have for an aspiring singer?

ZT: Just keep pursuing your craft and dream. There will be times that it seems things are moving slow or are stagnant but if you keep at it I promise doors will start to open if it's what God has in store for you.

VG: What advice do you have for an aspiring songwriter?

ZT: I'd say don't be too hard on yourself at the beginning because as you write more, your songs will keep getting better and better. I look back at my first album compared to where I am now and I can definitely see the growth I've had as an artist.

VG: What's next for you?

ZT: Just gonna continue to write songs and record them with my friends and producers. Still trying to completely get my foot in the door of the music industry and I have some things possibly on the horizon that may help make that happen. So I'm continuing to pursue music with the end goal of making it and possibly one day moving to Nashville.

VG: RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS What's your favorite genre of music?

ZT: Christian Pop probably is my top right next to worship.

VG: What is your favorite pastime?

ZT: Honestly, playing basketball with some buddies of mine. It's something I love doing even though I ain't the best at it not gonna lie.

VG: Who's your favorite superhero?

ZT: Spider-Man for sure!

VG: What's your favorite candy?

ZT: Probably Kit-Kat or pretty much any type of chocolate.

VG: What's your favorite movie?

ZT: Titanic 100%

VG: What is your biggest fear?

ZT: Spiders or being stuck in a small space with no way out.

VG: Do you have any pets?

ZT: I have a Husky named Blu and a Labrador Retriever named Willow!