Zay Santos

Photo by ZSM Branding

Man of Many Talents

We caught up with the talented and well respected, Zay Santos in Santa Fe, NM.

When did you first get into music?

I come from a family with a musical background. My father sings, my mother and sister play the keys and my brother plays the drums. So needless to say it runs in the family. I became interested in music in church. I was selected to be a sound-man for our church at a very young age, even before I learned to played an instrument. I believe this gave me a good ear and caused me to pay close attention and listen to what was taking place on stage...

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

I couldn’t help but be moved by music. Especially in church. When I started to play my own music I was hooked. It was almost as if I didn’t have a choice, from day one I was hooked.

I had two older cousins who played in a rock band here in Albuquerque New Mexico and I just thought they were the coolest. I was also gifted tons of great music to listen to along the way.

I think it had to be the first time I played live on stage that made me pursue it. My first show was at a state fair in Arizona and I bombed but I will never forget how excited I was and the energy I felt. Like I said, I was always moved by music and that feeling is what I continue to chase.

How has your music evolved since you first began performing/writing music?

In terms of the music I believe you grow daily as you practice and get better. I will say from the beginning to now the music has gotten happier, heavier, more lighthearted, more meaningful, up-tempo and fun. I am not confined to one particular genre and I am exploring new things.

The biggest evolution I see is in writing music. It’s funny how you get into writing-or how you start writing.. I think when you’re young you use it as a way to express your emotions, or at least deal with them. As you grow you start to fall in love with the artistic side of writing. I think when you’re young you use it as a way to express your emotions, or at least deal with them. As you grow you start to fall in love with the artistic side of writing. The two become an amazing blend of personal story and emotions, while flowing with your artistic style. In my earlier writings, I was pretty blunt about what I was saying. I didn’t hide much in metaphor and didn’t leave much to the listeners’ imagination. Now I have found a way to allow the listener to draw their own conclusions. I think this gives a more personal experience to the listener. It allows them to make the song what they want it to be about not just what or why I wrote it.

Opening for Ian Moore at Launchpad in Albuquerque.

Photo by Angela Villarreal Photography

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?

So, I have two perspectives to music. One is as a fan, the other is as an artist.

Here is something from each.... I was fortunate enough to be a part of a festival in Gulf Shores Alabama. I was only a spectator at the show, but with a few handshakes, doors seem to open and they open a little wider if you are willing to push them. I found myself backstage and loving every minute of it. as a music lover meeting your favorite artists is top on the list. On the bill that night was one of my favorites Jack White. He was set to perform the headliner set for the evening...

Like I said, sometimes you have to push the door or the limit a little further to experience something amazing! As the band took to the stage I walked on as if I was one of the members. I know what you’re thinking that’s crazy, right? The crowd that night in Gulf Shores Alabama exceeded 40,000 and up until that day, I had never experienced anything like it... From the side of the stage I sang along with the band and one of my favorite artists. I watched the crowd, the sea of people and how they reacted. Talk about energy!! Wow! As Jack closed the set, I walked down the stage stairs and waited for him to cross my path backstage hoping just to say hello. His road manager promptly met him at the steps, gave him a towel and started walking frantically towards the bus. As he walked past me, he threw his hand up in a quick wave. I wasn’t really sure what to ask or say, but I wanted to get his attention. So, I said “hey Jack!, hey Jack!” As he turned around I asked “would you ever want to do a gospel album together??” He had a puzzled look on his face. I’m sure that’s not a typical fan question. He said, “not now man, not now”, with a strange but intrigued look on his face. To this day, I’m hopeful that it will happen...

As an artist I have been fortunate enough to share the stage and work with so many amazing musicians, actors, producers and writers. I will say this, at the end of the day, we are all just men and women trying to find happiness within our artistic abilities. Some meetings have been pleasant, others have been a nightmare. I take what I can get from each person and learn...

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?

I would say, that it’s the fulfillment that keeps me in it. You never forget the fulfillment inside after writing a meaningful song, or the fulfillment after a show. You never forget the times people cry from the personal connection to the song you wrote. You never forget the fulfillment from achieving a goal when the road to it was tough…

I live for the fulfillment that I get being a part of something bigger than myself and meaningful to others!

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

I think the willingness to be yourself is probably the most important ingredient. We all have something unique about us! It could be the way we look, the way we dress, our voice, the way we write etc. I think by staying true to that, you find what truly makes you unique.

In my own way I know that I am unique in the fact that I am willing to cross genres. I have a unique style from my clothing to my writing. I am also constantly changing and growing and that in itself is unique. It’s amazing to me that when we achieve some success for a certain thing, we tend to not want to move away from that. The ability to adapt has made me unique in an ever-changing industry. There is something special about you, don’t forget that!

What has been your biggest challenge as a musician/producer? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

One of the biggest challenges for me is understanding success. We all want to make it! But what exactly is making it… If “making it” is being famous with your name in all the lights, well then I haven’t made it! But, if making it is holding true to yourself and bringing happiness to others with your music along the way, then I have.

I’m one of those people who are constantly wanting and chasing more. I’ve overlooked some of my successes because to me it just wasn’t good enough. When you have a big picture mind set, it’s easy to overlook the small things that have happened along the way. I’m starting to learn that success or making it is different to everyone and should be celebrated. Half of the fulfillment of success is within the struggle. I’m learning to overcome these challenges by slowing down to celebrate those seemingly small things along the way.

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 disagree!

I don’t think you have to suffer for your art. I started off playing blues music and this was a common misconception amongst artist I met. They felt they had to live a certain way or they had to go through certain things in order to feel the blues, in order to feel their music. I do know that experiences, whether they be bad or good, definitely shapes an artist’s view. My perspective is that my art should be something that I do that brings fulfillment…

In my humble opinion Art should bring happiness to the artist, it should bring hope in the trying times. After all, isn’t that why we do it? Suffering is a part of life we will all go through, but there is such a thing as a happy and content artist!

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

Well, there are always two ways to look at things you can choose to see it as a negative or you can choose to see it as a positive. Its all in your perspective…

The Internet has helped tons of artists just like me to get out and be seen, be heard and valued. It has also brought new ways to be creative. It’s constantly presenting new ways to earn a living. It has made the recording process easier and more accessible. It has given us a platform to showcase who we are as artists. The Internet gives us more ways to communicate with fans and colleagues across the globe. It has expanded our reach to the entire world instead of just our backyard.

I do miss the old days when a rep would walk into a club and find an artist based on a feeling or recognition of extreme talent. I do wish the process of creating music was still personal and hands-on, but this industry like everything is always changing and so should we...

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

I have yet to do any live-streaming concerts during the pandemic. There was, sometime a couple years back when I was live-streaming every show from Austin, Texas. I definitely see the value in it. I have been using this time to collect my thoughts, write new songs and prepare for when we get the chance to perform again. I think during this time I’ve had more response and fun with friends by creating video content for them to view and share. I do know that I have a few live-stream events coming up and I look forward to seeing the response.

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

I guess it depends on what level of the music industry we are talking about. At the ground level, I would like to see some change in professionalism. I would like to see artists pay closer attention and take pride in their appearance, on stage performance and overall persona. I think professionalism is something that is lacking or gets overlooked at the ground level of this industry.

As you move up the ladder, things feel a little more rigid and the industry pays more attention to your professionalism and business savvy vs. raw talent. I think they overlook potential because they are not willing to develop an artist. In my opinion, this needs to change. I know artists with so much potential and in the back of my mind, I know that they will never get the shot they deserve just because of how this industry operates. They want a quick hit, not an investment. This should change.

And at the tippy top, I think they need to make room for new styles, new artists and change! How can the industry grow, expand and advance if the people at the top keep a lid on it?

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

Jimi Hendrix - “Axis: Bold as Love”

Stevie Wonder - “Songs in the Key of Life”

Rival Sons - “Feral Roots”

Third Day - “Time”

Sturgill Simpson - “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music”

I’m truly in love with artists’ expressions and there’s no way on earth I could pick just five albums, but here’s a few for now. These albums are always go to, to feel something special. They all have a unique quality within them, they all have something that I go to, to find what I am seeking in becoming who I am today… They all take me back to a special place in time sometimes to the first time I heard them.

What is the best advice you have received?

“Zay, When you get your chance, you kick that f#@king door down and you rock it”. He was only talking about me playing a solo on his stage, but to me it meant so much more.

Photo by ZSM Branding

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

So, it’s definitely time for new music. I put out an EP and a couple singles this last year and I’m excited about a new direction for this upcoming project. The last project was definitely rock ‘n’ roll, whereas the upcoming is leaning toward song writing and simpler melodies... I have been back in New Mexico, my home state for some time now and it’s showing in my playing and writing.

What’s next for you?

I don’t think this thing ever stops. I don’t think you could ever fully just quit or give up! I think it keeps going and you just roll with the punches. My life is taking me in many different directions and I’m embracing it.

I started a business in Santa Fe, New Mexico in a completely different industry. I have started taking modeling more serious, than I have in the past and I’m looking forward to a new career in acting!

One thing I know for sure, is I will never stop playing, writing and loving music. It has become a necessary component to my sanity and happiness.

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

You can find me as Zay Santos or Zay Santos Rock Revolt on any streaming platform.

If you would like to keep in touch with me, my social media is the best way to do so. You can find me: @zaysantosmusic and zaysantosmusic.com

Opening for Ian Moore at Launchpad, Albuquerque, NM Photo by Angela Villarreal Photography