Today we’d like to introduce you to Zack King.
Hi Zack, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I first started playing guitar at the age of 11. As years went on, through high school and college, I started drifting away from music. Once I graduate college in 2018, I came back home and felt my calling again. Having little friends move back to Minnesota, I needed something to fill my time. I started playing guitar and discovered my love for songwriting. I wrote songs about feelings I had never faced head on – heartbreak, anxiety, and depression were big topics I wanted to write about. I needed to get these feelings off my chest.
A few months later, I started recording my first album, Mess, which covered all of these topics. After truly committing to my career as a songwriter, I started performing all around Minneapolis searching for fans of pop-rock music, and those struggling with mental health. I now have created my own ‘Street Team’ community of fans that have a place where they can listen to music, talk about mental health in a safe environment, and build relationships with life-long friends. Over this last year, I released my first 5 song EP, “Bend but Don’t Break”. This EP encompasses who I am as an artist, including multiple stories about navigating life: “TO LOVING YOURSELF, TO LETTING GO, TO HOPE FOR PEACE AND HAPPINESS, TO FINDING THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE.” These stories were written for those that don’t feel like they’re good enough, in any part of their life. I want others to feel heard and feel like they belong. Moving forward, I’m moving to LA, California to pursue my music career. Can’t wait to see what’s in store in the future!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been many ups and downs. The biggest struggle for me has been dealing with mental health and the pressures of being an artist. There’s always a voice in my head saying “what’s next?” which can be very daunting. Overall, I’ve been very blessed with the people who have helped me get to where I am today. My vocal coach Lisa, my producer Matt, and the company Modern Musician. I couldn’t have done this without them.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known for pop/alternative-rock music that focuses on mental health, and situations that can cause you to feel anxiety or depression. There are a few songs that are focused on love and becoming the person you are meant to be as well. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in the short amount of time I’ve been an artist. I’ve released 2 projects (14 songs in total), received over 150k streams on Spotify, built a private music community of 600+ fans, played over 150 gigs, and most importantly, found my purpose in life.
What sets me apart is the message behind my music. I want others to believe in themselves, feel like they aren’t alone when it comes to the challenges of mental health, and have a place to congregate and create life-long positive relationships.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I used to be a shy and very anxious kid. I always wanted everyone to feel welcome and loved. Having these qualities, along with struggling with mental health, has formed me into the person I am today. A lot of people think mental health is a burden, but what I’ve learned is it’s a positive tool that can help the world start loving one another. Growing up, I was always interested in music, sports, and making friends. I can say proudly I haven’t changed one bit.
Pricing:
- $7 Starter Pack – Merch bundle (signed poster, stickers, bottle opener, guitar pick, personalized note & more)
- $60 – Merch Bundle (Limited Edition Zack King T-shirt ($15 value) Official ZK Hat ($10 value) ZK Keychain ($5 value) Virtual VIP Meet & Greet with Zack ($30 value) 1 VIP Meet & Greet Ticket to any live show ($40 value)
- $15 – ZK Hat
- $15 – ZK Shirt
- $4 – Keychain/Bottle Opener
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.zackkingmusic.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/zackkingmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zackkingstreetteam
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC68OnYuIuFa9UpPMjhga38w
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/zackking-music
Image Credits
Dana Leigh Photography
