Zach

Artist Information

Biography

A Breath of Fresh Air.

“You can’t act like you’re having this much fun.” Indeed, it is no act. It is nothing less than a genuine love for music. This love shows in everything the seasoned artist does, especially his high-energy shows, which frequently send people into “Zach Attacks” – uplifting moments where people are compulsively risen out of their seats by the passion to dance, sing, cheer, or scream out. “I love reaching people. I know I’m doing my job when people come up to me and say ‘I’m kicking drugs,’ ‘I’m quitting a job I hate to do something I’ve always wanted to do,’ ‘Your music has helped my autistic child become more sociable and make major progress with his condition,’ or ‘Your music has helped me get through some bad times, or Cancer or something, or has turned around a bad day.’ That is why I sing. How could you not put all of your passion into that?”

“You find yourself thinking about the end of the line/ I find myself thinking about it more than I mind/ but ooh the setting sun ain’t sitting down on you/ tomorrow’s love will make a way through” These lines written about his father facing terminal cancer (and are yet, even more relevant today) open What I Meant to Say, the latest offering by Akron, Ohio native Zach. This is a big year for Zach: it marks his 10-year anniversary of playing music (and over 2,000 performances) as he releases his 9th album.

The new record is something different for the singer/songwriter, as well as something that has been a long time in the making. “This is a much more personal record than any of my others. Each song comes from a place of sharp emotion – both up and down. And it has taken me a while to be able to get out of the writing process enough to write things that are really truthful and honest for me.” Many songs on this record were written about or in the aftermath of his father’s passing from Pancreatic Cancer. One, “Wherever You Are,” was written after the sudden passing of a friend. Yet, this is not a melancholy album. It is decidedly optimistic. “How could it not be? Many of these songs started in dark places, but the light found them. If you don’t have hope, then there is no point to anything. I have a song that goes I’ll die trying/ to light the night sky.”

“In the time since my last record, I’ve really come into my own, and into my own skin much more, in writing, performing, and my life in general. What I Meant to Say is a reflection of that growth.” Along with personal growth, Zach has surrounded himself with a talented band who all traveled down to Atlanta’s Tree Sound and Namaste Studios to record with Nick Chawala (Gym Class Heroes, Collective Soul, Outkast). “To lock yourself away in a different town and record is an amazing feeling. It really bonds the band. And that is important – this is definitely a band record.”

Zach started writing songs and playing guitar after he landed in a near death-bed from a burst appendix. “I really believe I was shown my path, and I’m just trying to do the best I can with it. If I can make someone smile, forget about the horrors of the day, to dance, to maybe be a little bit more conscientious of others, than I’m doing my job. Then I can be happy.”

Awards/ Recognitions:

* Best Singer/Songwriter (both Scene and Free Times Music Awards);
* 3 time winner of Best Pop Act in the Cleveland Music Festival;
* He has received over 2,500 Spins on WAPS 91.3 The Summit, and was named in the TOP 3 Artists spun on WAPS 91.3 The Summit Radio (6 places above the Beatles);
* Finalist in the national Soul City Café Music Quest (hosted be pop-star Jewel);
* Receives over 100,000 hits and growing per month on the website;
* Performs over 200 shows a year nation-wide;
* Finalist in the Billboard Song Contest;
* Had his song “On Christmas Morning” spun on over 130 radio stations, wrote the jingle/theme song for the Nationally syndicated radio show “Into the ‘70’s with Tom Kent;”
* Has sung the National Anthem at large sporting events;
* Was invited to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame;
* Is a regular at the New York Songwriter Circle;
* 2 Golden Vikings for Best Folk-Pop Act;
* Has shared the stage with: Farm Aid, Chicago, Michael Bolton, Blessid Union of Souls, Gin Blossoms, Rick Springfield, Richard Thompson, Bad Company, Don Dixon, Michael Glabicki (of Rusted Root), John Eddie, Catie Curtis, Steve Poltz, Bo Diddley, Sonny Geraci, Mountain, Maia Sharp, Jen Chapin, Trevor Hall, The Fixx, Jen Foster (John Lennon Songwriter Winner), Shawn Mullins, America, Trevor Hall, Buckwheat Zydeco.

Instrumentation

Charlie Trenta - Guitar, Backing Vocals.
Michael Marotta - keyboards
Neil Keating - Bass and backing vocals
Chris Maneri - Drums

Discography

"What I Meant to Say" (2009) LP
-- features the singles A Way Through, Ever After, Runway, Perfect

"Lost + Found" (2008) LP
-- features Every Time I ThinkAbout Her, Paper Dreams, and See From the Stage

"1.19.2007" (2007) LP
-- features the singles Manifest, Perfect, Heart Never Rusts, as well as a few very inspired and choice cover songs

"Into the 70's with Tom Kent" (2005)
-- syndicated radio show -- wrote and performed the theme song on the nightly show

"On Christmas Morning" (2005) Single
--Holiady single released to over 130 radio stations nationally

Face With a View (2005) LP
-- featuring the radio singles: "Distracted (Saturn Mix)", "Sundown", "Girl in the Corner (Chase Me Away)", "Chances", "If"

Mesmerize (2005) LP
-- an acoustic solo CD that captures Zach in a semi-live setting. featuring "Sweet Bird," "Life," "The Fade," and "What Do I Do."

Beautiful Possession (2002) LP
-- featuring the radio single "Son of the Circus"

91.3 FM WAPS The Summit's "Bandwidth V2.0" (2001) -- featuring "Distracted" live

Turquoise Dreams (2000) LP
-- featuring the radio singles: "Sweet Bird", "Turquoise Dreams", "Listen"

Official Website

http://www.zachmusic.net

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Official Site
• House Concerts
• MySpace

Audio

• Ever After
  Listen   Download
• Manifest
  Listen   Download
• Imagine
  Listen   Download
• Distracted
  Listen   Download
• Perfect
  Listen   Download
• Apple Pie
  Listen   Download
• A Way Through
  Listen   Download
• Sweet Bird
  Listen   Download
• On Christmas Morning
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• Distracted
• Sundown
• Hello
• Runway
• Perfect
• A Way Through
• Some Love
• Ever After

Video

Ever After

Zach College Solo Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Huffington Post 10.9.09 [+ Show ]
  

  Akron-based alt-rock singer/songwriter Zach is a dedicated road dog, faithfully touring no less than...Akron-based alt-rock singer/songwriter Zach is a dedicated road dog, faithfully touring no less than 200 days a year. Whilst in his teens, Zach collided with an almost fatal appendix rupture, turning aside his high-school basketball dreams. The upside: He picked up the guitar and jump-started his career. Zach's songs have been featured in a handful of indie flicks as well as MTV's Real World. Get "Some Love," from his 2009 release What I Meant to Say, recorded with Nick Chawala. Currently on tour.
  
  
  Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/phil-ramone-and-danielle-evin/dog-ears-music-volume-nin_b_315263.html

• Cool Cleveland Review 6.3.09 [+ Show ]
  

  What I Meant To Say Zach Buffalo ZEF Records Parma-born singer-songwriter Zach is tireless. ...What I Meant To Say
  Zach
  Buffalo ZEF Records
  
  
  Parma-born singer-songwriter Zach is tireless. In the last decade, the Akron native has released nine albums and performed 200+ shows a year. He's played onstage with everyone from Dave Matthews and Neil Young to War and Chicago. And on his latest soulful effort, What I Meant To Say, he delivers his ten best and most organic-sounding tracks yet. He veers away from John Mayeresque territory and stretches out into a distinctive folk-rock/Americana take on pop music. Think Counting Crows with a Freedy Johnston-like sensitivity... and yet, he can get the funk out when he likes.
  
  Zach recorded Say in Atlanta with producer Nick Chawala (Collective Soul, Gym Class Heroes) and the duo seem to have struck a creative chord together. "A Way Through" opens the festivities, with a rumination on Zach losing his father to terminal cancer. You find yourself thinking about the end of the line/ I find myself thinking about it more than I mind... he sings and you feel the disc (like his others) pull the direction of the disc into heartfelt existentialism. "Runaway," "Sky is Falling," "Some Love," "What Are You Afraid Of?" and the set-closer "World on Fire" are among the highlights here -- though "Apple Pie" could (and should) be this summer's funky-crunchy anthem of looking forward and staying real. Let's face it, you're fed up with what's on the radio in your car anyway. Zach's got a lot to offer; you'll definitely enjoy his craft.
  
  Check out Zach's mad touring schedule and his new record by visiting http://www.ZachMusic.net.
  
  From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

• Review of What I Meant to Say [+ Show ]
  

  Cleveland Scene April 23rd, 2009 Zach (Buffalo ZEF) zachmusic.net You could call it Souther...Cleveland Scene
  April 23rd, 2009
  
  Zach
  (Buffalo ZEF)
  zachmusic.net
  
  You could call it Southern comfort. Singer-songwriter Zach went to Atlanta to record this, his ninth album, with producer Nick Chawala (Collective Soul, Gym Class Heroes, Elton John), and the result is his best, most natural sounding effort. Zach's vocals have a distinctive, soulful quality on the snappy first tune, "A Way Through." That sensibility carries through the disc on songs like "Sky Is Falling," with its terrific organ riff, and "Runway," which builds in intensity as Zach sings, "I wanna climb/I wanna climb." The song could be a commercial country hit if it landed in the right hands. At times, the production gets a little too fancy. But What I Meant to Say shows just how much Zach has developed after a decade-long career. — Jeff Niesel
  
  Zach performs at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Cuyahoga Falls High School (2300 4th St., Cuyahoga Falls). Tickets: $7.

• Zach Attacks! [+ Show ]
  

  “Zach is an awesome talent! John Lennon's compassion courses through his veins. I'm very impressed ...“Zach is an awesome talent! John Lennon's compassion courses through his veins. I'm very impressed with this kid and believe he is a star! He is also a down to earth, level headed decent human being willing to do whatever it takes to make it. Also, I've seen him live and he's just as good live as his recorded presentation and a charmer as well.” -Tom Kent
  Elektra Records/ Formerly a DJ on WIXY, WHBQ, WIBG, WLS, WAVA, WKLIF
  
  “ZACH’s performance is in a word, INCREDIBLE! I have never seen a solo performance like it. If you've never seen one of his solo shows you gotta go.” -Rick Reich
  Rudedog Music Promotions
  
  “Zach performed its unique, simple-but-confident tunes, the crowd jumped, laughed, and swelled to at least twice its original size. With each succeeding song, bodies pressed closer to the stage and closer to one another as the steady beat overtook their minds and limbs. Not one person stood still… As the players wound down and announced their last song, the crowd cheered and begged for more… ‘The band performed beyond my expectations’ said senior and Student Activities Board Officer Erik Butcher.”
  - Rachel Womelsduff
  The Collegian Magazine
  
  “If Zach's intention was capturing the power of his live show, he succeeds on "1.19.2007." - The Cleveland Plain Dealer
  
  “The very definition of "working musician," Zach performs more than 200 shows a year, playing on stage with both contemporary and classic performers… Zach channels smart and sensitive James Taylor-esque lyrics and melodies, peppered with the contemporary zing of Gavin DeGraw or Jason Mraz. His spunky live shows are mostly Zach originals, and his goose-bump-inducing cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" is worth the price of admission.” - Bill Gruber Program Manager 91.3 WAPS The Summit
  
  “Zach’s music is pop/rock at its best, with catchy hooks and insightful, clever lyrics.
  -Tim Busbey
  Ashland Times-Gazette
  
  “He's (Zach) very cool. I think "Distracted" is my favorite one. I hope it does well. He definitely deserves to be heard.”
  -Maia Sharp
  Singer/Songwriter
  
  “ZACH has exceptional talent and I’d like to see him make it all the way. I think he will. And that’s why I’m here [performing with ZACH].”
  - Jeff Berlin
  World’s #1 Bassist
  
  “Zach is a seasoned musician and a great songwriter.”
  - Jeff Niesel
  Cleveland Free Times
  
  “Zach is a great talent and an awesome performer. His song, ‘Distracted,’ has such a good hook; I swear you’ll be singing it in the shower for a week.”
  - Nora Spitznogle NUVO Indy’s Alternative Voice
  
  "We did that kids show, which was great. He was great! He was dancing on the stage. The kids were loving him! He was very animated. I really enjoyed having him on that show. And his album is great -- in the groove!"
  - Johnny Ciao,
  Legendary Culinary Rocker and chef of the stars
  
  "I love his voice."
  - Brett Dennen
  #1 Folk Artist/Album
  
  “What's clear is that people loved Zach’s stuff. We received emails and message board postings from people who are blown away by his work. His music has touched many lives through this competition and we're all very grateful for his participation. Soul City Cafe is extremely proud of its association with Zach.”
  -Ken Calhoun
  Soul City Café
  
  “He has released a pair of good albums, and his better-than-average songwriting – confident, witty, and surprisingly kinetic folk-pop… he carries himself with soul and elegance.”
  - Ed Bumgardner
  Relish Magazine
  
  “I enjoyed listening to the CD … someone will recognize his talent.”
  -Dick Clark
  
  “I put local CDs we get in the changer with four national discs to see if the local one stands out… when I heard Zach’s, I had to take (the CD) out and see whose it was. I said ‘Wow, this is really good. Who is this guy?’”
  -Bill Gruber
  Program Director 91.3 WAPS The Summit
  
  “Zach has the quiet intensity of Elliot Smith.”
  -Jeff Niesel
  Cleveland Free Times
  
  “The title track (Turquoise Dreams) and “Invisible Man” are songs that make you feel like you are experiencing brilliance on the rise.”
  -Mike Farley
  Michael J. Media Promotions
  
  “Zach’s not just good for his age; he’s just good.”
  -David Martin
  Scene Magazine
  
  “Zach… brings his blend of rockin’ folk-pop songs and love on the rocks ballads for an evening of awesome entertainment.”
  - Jeff Smith
  Relish Magazine
  
  “If there is one musician that I will never have to worry about fitting into the afore-mentioned slug category, it's Zach. Zach is a young 23 yr old singer songwriter from Ohio who has started making some rather impressive waves in the music industry and my guess is after seeing him perform at Rubber Soul Thursday, he and his music might hit Tsunami proportions in the near future. When I wasn't watching Zach move effortlessly from acoustic to electric guitar and from profound and evocative songs to crowd pleasing covers, I was watching the crowd. Not many singers can boast a fan base that ranges in age from 21 to 51, and in that Zach has an edge over most. His youth and effervescent personality draws the younger crowd in as this feels like "their" music and the more mature listeners wish for the same. As one person commented to me, "you can't "act" like you're having that much fun". Indeed it is no act. Zach is truly enjoying himself and it comes through in his music.”
  - Kim Thore
  Go Triad Magazine
  
  “This young poet puts his mindful, sensitive, yet hip lyrics to catchy, toe-tapping groves that uplifts audiences, while making them think at the same time.”
  -Tommy Bruno
  Station Manager 91.3 FM WAPS The Summit
  
  "He's electric...enter Zach and everyone lights up" -Tom Kent Ex-Elektra Records
  

• Colleges and Awards [+ Show ]
  

  College Performances: Ohio State University (multiple campuses), University of Illinois, University...College Performances:
  Ohio State University (multiple campuses), University of Illinois, University of North Carolina, University of Miami (FLA), Akron University (multiple campuses), Cleveland State University, John Carroll University, Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University, Youngstown State University, Marietta College, Bowling Green University, Ashland University, Ursaline College, Cuyahoga Community College (multiple campuses), Hillsdale College, Wayne College.
  
  Zach’a latest CD, Face With a View, has gotten spins and support on many college and AAA radio stations around the country.
  
  Accolades/Awards:
  Best Singer/Songwriter, a 3 time winner of Best Pop Act in the Cleveland Music Festival, 2 Golden Viking Awards, Best Singer/Songwriter Nominee in the Free Times Music Awards 5 times, Best Pop Song (Garageband.com); over 2,500 Spins on WAPS 91.3 The Summit; was a finalist in the national Soul City Café Music Quest; a finalist in the Unisong Song Contest; receives over 150,000 hits and growing per month on the website, and over 83,000 views on his MySpace; named in the TOP 3 Artists spun on WAPS 91.3 The Summit Radio (6 places above the Beatles); performs over 200 shows a year nation-wide, had his song “On Christmas Morning” spun on over 130 radio stations; wrote the jingle/theme song for the nationally syndicated radio show “Into the ‘70’s with Tom Kent;” had music featured in several independent films and an Extreme Home Makeover Documentary.
  
  Shared the Stage:
  Farm Aid (Dave Matthews, Neil Young, John Mellencamp), Chicago, Michael Bolton, Rick Springfield, Richard Thompson, Bad Company, Don Dixon, Michael Glabicki (of Rusted Root), John Eddie, Catie Curtis, Steve Poltz, Bo Diddley, Sonny Geraci, Mountain, Maia Sharp, Jen Chapin, The Fixx, Jen Foster (John Lennon Songwriter Winner), Shawn Mullins, America, Buckwheat Zydeco, Michael Stanley, Kyle Vincent, Johnny Ciao, Damien Horne, and more.
  
  
  
  

• Zach - Kim Thore's Review [+ Show ]
  

  My personal taste in music may be as varied as my wardrobe but there's one characteristic that must ...My personal taste in music may be as varied as my wardrobe but there's one characteristic that must remain consistent -energy and passion. There is nothing that will bore me faster than a musician or band that plays their music with the vigor of a slug. I'm not saying once on stage you have to act like you've been on a steady diet of Hydroxy Cut and Mountain Dew, but please at least act like you are enjoying what you are doing.
  If there is one musician that I will never have to worry about fitting into the afore-mentioned slug category, it's Zach Friedhof. Zach is a young 23 yr old singer songwriter from Ohio who has started making some rather impressive waves in the music industry and my guess is after seeing him perform at Rubber Soul Thursday, he and his music might hit Sunami proportions in the near future. When I wasn't watching Zach move effortlessly from acoustic to electric guitar and from profound and evocative songs to crowd pleasing covers, I was watching the crowd. Not many singers can boast a fan base that ranges in age from 21 to 51, and in that Zach has an edge over most. His youth and effervescent personality draws the younger crowd in as this feels like "their" music and the more mature listeners wish for the same. As one person commented to me, "you can't "act" like you're having that much fun". Indeed it is no act. Zach is truly enjoying himself and it comes through in his music. Songs like "A Beautiful Possession" and "Liar" stick with you in a catchy way but there's also another quality to Zach's music that is often a rare find. His songs weave a tapestry that paints you a landscape and serve as a backdrop. Much like the last words of a good novel stick with the reader so do the notes of his guitar and the echo of his voice. So good are both, you don't want to shake them off. Zach's cd "A Beautiful Possession" is a must have , if for no other reason than it is probably the most aptly named cd of the summer.
  

• ZACH- Face With a View [+ Show ]
  

  CLEVELAND FREE TIMES August 24-30th, 2005 (Vol.13 No.18) Pg. 28 ZACH Face With a View (Buff...CLEVELAND FREE TIMES
  August 24-30th, 2005 (Vol.13 No.18)
  Pg. 28
  
  ZACH
  Face With a View
  (Buffalo Zef Records)
  zachmusic.net
  
  Between the John Mayers and Jason Mrazs cluttering up the airwaves,
  there's a surplus of male singer-songwriters these days. That's why
  it's remarkable that Zach stands out. The 22-year-old's latest album
  features everything from self-righteous folk songs ("BLT") to
  radio-ready pop tunes ("Distracted") and love-on-the-rocks ballads
  ("Traces"). Recorded in Cleveland at Buffalo ZEF and Metrosync Studios
  and produced by Jason Lustig and Zach, it's a professional sounding
  recording. It features a number of cameos, including an appearance by
  bassist Jeff Berlin (Al DiMeola, George Benson), who adds an
  understated elegance to the Dave Matthews-like ballad "Girl in the
  Corner (Chase Me Away)." – Jeff Niesel
  

• ZACH [+ Show ]
  

  The CLEVELAND FREE TIMES December 7-13, 2005 (Vol. 13, No. 33) ZACH Mesmerize (Crooked River G...The CLEVELAND FREE TIMES
  December 7-13, 2005 (Vol. 13, No. 33)
  
  ZACH
  Mesmerize
  (Crooked River Groove)
  www.zachmusic.net
  
  The second release on the Crooked River Groove label, Zach’s Mesmerize was recorded by student recording engineers Kevin McFadden and Thomas Jeffries at the Cuyahoga Community College studios. The guys have done a masterful job here, as the semi-acoustic music sounds crisp and Zach’s soulful vocals really resonate. You can even hear every last whisper in the title track. It helps that Zach, a singer-songwriter who performs some 200 shows a year, is a seasoned musician and a great songwriter. While most of the 11 songs here fall roughly into the singer/songwriter genre, Zach branches out a bit, adding vocal percussion to “Life” and rocking out for “The Fade,” one of the disc’s best tracks.
  -- Jeff Niesel
  

• ZACH [+ Show ]
  

  RELISH MAGAZINE (WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL) 30 March 2006 Page 8 It’s hard to imagine that anybod...RELISH MAGAZINE
  (WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL)
  30 March 2006
  Page 8
  
  It’s hard to imagine that anybody who goes to clubs hasn’t heard of Zach Freidhof, a young singer-songwriter known, simply, as ZACH (at least there’s no exclamation point). ZACH (why is he shouting?) essentially lives on the road, playing 200-plus shows a year in every club, room or lean-to that will have him. He has released a pair of good albums, and his better-than-average songwriting -- emotional, witty and surprisingly kinetic folk-pop – has started to win him a legion of fans. He sounds a bit like Dave Matthews – make of that what you will – but he carries himself with soul and elegance.
  
  -- Ed Bumgardner
  relish staff writer
  

• The Kids Are Alright [+ Show ]
  

  The Kids Are All Right Akron Life and Leisure June 2006, page 26 "The Kids Are All Right." Br...The Kids Are All Right
  
  Akron Life and Leisure
  June 2006, page 26
  
  "The Kids Are All Right." British rock'n roll legends The Who penned that song title more than 40 years ago and, ever since, it has been a rallying cry for generations of youthful music lovers who feel their musical tastes are misunderstood, if not vilified, by their elders. While there will always be youthful music that deserves a little elder paranoia, plenty of adult-friendly music is created by musicians barely out of their teens.
  
  In recent years, the Akron area has been blessed with a bumper crop of such performers, along with high quality venues in which to perform. Our area is home to a growing assortment of respectable small clubs where today's young musicians can creatively hone their skills and try out new songs to cozy but appreciative audiences that seem to have no age barriers.
  So, who's making music that transverses a once insurmountable generation gap? On any given night, there are honestly many. Leading the charge are two guys not yet 25...
  
  ...Singer-songwriter Zach Freidhof was y our typical clean-cut Brecksville High School student who turned to music to pass the time when temporary health concerns sidelined his basketball game. Basketball's loss was music's gain. In the ensuing years, "Zach," his official performance moniker, has released six CDs and has piqued the curiosity of more than one major record label.
  
  The very definition of "working musician," Zach performs more than 200 shows a year, playing on stage with both contemporary and classic performers like Chicago, Bad Company, Catie Curtis, Rick Springfield, Rusted Root and Michael Bolton. A repeat winner of many regional music awards, Zach channels smart and sensitive James Taylor-esque lyrics and melodies, peppered with the contemporary zing of Gavin DeGraw or Jason Mraz. His spunky live shows are mostly Zach originals, his his goose-bump-inducing cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" is worht the price of admission. Rarely a week goes by that Zach, solo acousitc, or with his full band, isn't playing someplace in the Akron area.
  
  Ratings:
  Zach CD-"Face With A View" released 5-05 4/5 stars
  
  http://www.zachmusic.net
  
  --Bill Gruber
  

Setlist

Zach has material for 120 minutes of original music. He is also known to perform his take on John Lennon's "Imagine", Prince's "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry," U2's "With or Without You", and Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" as well as his version of songs by the White Stripes, The Verve, Michael Jackson, Bill Withers, Steve Poltz, Neil Young, Tom Petty, James Taylor, and even the occasional polka.

Basic Requirements

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