Zach Robinson

Photo with Sixty Minute Men at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver by Zach Rowe @downhilltrucker

Branching Out as a Solo Artist

When did you first get into music?

I started playing trumpet in elementary school. My parents restrung an old acoustic guitar one Christmas when I was ten years old and gifted me a months’ worth of lessons. Been playing guitar ever since.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I had a small TV in my bedroom when I was a kid and would watch MTV and VH1 religiously; TRL, rock video countdowns, behind the music ( you name it, I watched it). I wasn’t sure on how it would happen, but I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a musician.

How has your music evolved since you first began performing?

When I first began performing, I was incredibly shy. I fondly remember my Dad yelling at me to “Sing into the mic!” Now, I don’t think much when I’m playing.. I just go on stage and let her rip.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

My favorite story happened at the Belly Up in Aspen, CO. My first time playing there I got to open for Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. For those who are unfamiliar with Karl D...he is a phenomenal saxophonist and band leader who used

Photo by Asia Be @justdream_photos

to play with Lenny Kravitz and is part of the Rolling Stones touring horn section. The fact that I was only a few degrees of separation away from Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Lenny Kravitz blew my mind! Seeing that level of musicianship was an inspiration for sure!

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Definitely passion. I’ll be playing guitar and writing music for the rest of my life, regardless if I ever make it big or not. I am addicted to writing and performing music. It is part of my DNA, part of my essence. I wouldn’t be who I am without it.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I would have to say my ability to write catchy hooks. With regards to all the tunes I’ve written over the years, they’ve all had solid hooks and melodies. I try to write music that everyone can get down to.

What has been your biggest challenge as a singer-songwriter? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

I was in bands for the better part of the last decade and this year (2020) has been the first where I have branched out as a solo artist. Having full creative authority was a new experience for me. Instead of arguing song structure, chorus placement, how long a solo should be, etc....I got to make all the decisions, which brought me a significant amount of anxiety. Once I got used to being in charge, I embraced the role as bandleader. After finishing my EP this Summer, I realized that I want to press on forward as a solo artist.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I believe all artists suffer for their art. We all forego “normal” careers to pursue our passions full time. I often find myself daydreaming what my life would be like if I wasn’t a musician and always end up at the same conclusion: that I would be miserable doing anything else. Sure, I second guess myself daily, but pursuing music brings me a peace of mind that cannot be attained chasing after another pipe dream.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

The internet has taken the reigns of the music industry, even more so now that the Coronavirus has shut down the live music scene. As a new solo artist, I’m learning that an internet presence is a necessity to make it to the next level. It has made it easier for me to share my music with world, especially without the help of a major label.

Have you done or plan on doing any Live-stream Concerts? If you have, how has the response been from your fans?

I’ve done a handful of Live stream concerts since March. To be completely honest, I’m not a huge fan. Part of it is that I don’t have a great set up for doing high-quality live performances from my tiny cabin in CO. The other reason I dislike it is that I miss the energy of a live audience. Trying to get into a performance while staring at my phone just doesn’t do it for me.

Sixty Minute Men at Bohemian Biergarten

Photo by Ryan Westcott @rywestcottphoto

If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be?

I would change what Spotify pays artists. We spend thousands on recording, mixing and mastering music and get pennies for our time while their dude at the top makes millions. Also, I’d make MTV show music videos again!

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

Calcification - Red Hot Chili Peppers I remember listening to this record on repeat for months on my CD player. It had all the balls, funk and energy of Blood Sugar Sex Magic but added that quintessential alternative flair that I grew to love about the Chili Peppers. Also, John Frusciante is one of my biggest influences on guitar.

Sixty Minute Men at The Fox Theater in Boulder

Photo by Ryan Westcott

The Stranger - Billy Joel I grew up on Long Island (NY) and was raised on Billy Joel. I remember rocking out to this record when I was in diapers. Billy Joel’s songwriting skill was undeniable. I can listen to any song on this record and be immediately transported back to New York. “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” might be my favorite song ever written.

Moving Pictures - Rush Three dudes who sound like ten on stage. The energy, the precision, the mysticism...that’s what drew me to Rush. The first time I heard “Tom Sawyer” I was blown away. Alex Lifeson is another inspiration of mine on guitar. He played with such fierce determination, it had me hooked on their brand of prog-rock immediately.

Audioslave - Audioslave I grew up on RATM and Soundgarden. This record was the best of both worlds. Chris Cornell always sang from a deep cavern in his soul that always took me to another place emotionally....he is sorely missed. Tom Morello taught me to think outside the box as a musician. “Like a Stone” is such a well crafted tune, from the haunting lyrics to the powerful guitar solo. Love this band.

Reggatta de Blanc - The Police The combination of punk, reggae and pop is what drew me to The Police and this record. I remember hearing “Message in a Bottle” for the first time on the radio and was immediately hooked. Sting is one of my favorite vocalists and he is an inspiration as a songwriter. Andy Summers has this fusion - jazz element to his playing that I always admired. Stuart Copeland is one of a kind on the kit.

Tell us about your current project. Are you working on new music? An EP or Album?

I have a few things in the works. This weekend, I’m doing a four song video set at a library in Nederland, CO called “Songs From The Stacks”. I’ll be doing three tunes from my recently released EP “Evolve” and one unreleased track. Also, I am getting back into the studio in December to record my new single “What A Crazy World.”

What is the best advice you have received?

“I’ve got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.” -Larry Bird

What’s next for you?

Record new single, write more music.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Check me out on Spotify or Instagram.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5CH5qpUv5CLj9hKRV4puBd?si=-yYcm-4ORhmvsDKhMxkeHw

Instagram: @zach_robinson_music