Zach Spencer

Kings favorite Zach Spencer has posted a new song
Makes Me Stronger. Also listen to the track Some Love For Ya Baby. Check out his live performance on January 9th at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville. Contact: zachspencermusic@gmail.com


http://www.kingsofar.com/2009/12/01/zach-spencer-2/ - Kings of A&R

On November 4 in the O’Neil Auditorium of John A. Logan College, students were entertained by a free concert from Zach Spencer, John A. Logan Music Program alumni.


Spencer is a young and talented Nashville musician hailing from southern Illinois. He has successfully graduated from the Music Program at Logan and was proud to perform at the college.


JALC music majors gathered in the auditorium to gaze at a man who embodies their collective goal of a career in music. It is common knowledge that a career musician battles against ridiculous odds to reach even minimal public recognition. Musicians put themselves out on a limb every time they shine up their strings or step up to a mic to fight for the audience’s hard-earned respect.


Zach Spencer is one such musician who is fighting his way to whatever heights he can reach. His intriguing songwriting emphasizes country and rock elements sharpened into meaningful, rich melodies. Sincerity and hope radiate from every note, perhaps displaying the artist’s own desire for an increasingly better tomorrow.


After his recent show at the college, Spencer told the Volunteer about his career, his perceptions on music, and the importance of avoiding bad hygiene.


Volunteer: Where did you grow up and what are your musical influences? Was music a big part of your life growing up?
Spencer: I grew up in a small farm town, Nashville, IL. My first and most important influences were my parents. My mom and dad were always in rock bands growing up so music was pretty much there from day one. My dad got me started on guitar and singing, and my mom was into poetry and always encouraged me to write. Musically, I think I draw from a little bit of everything. As I've gotten older I've really come to appreciate all kinds of music. I think there are many different avenues you can draw inspiration from.

Volunteer: What are your thoughts on the John A. Logan music program? Do you feel that it was a step in the right direction for you as an artist?
Spencer: John A. Logan's music program is amazing. I think it's SO important to have some form of training if you're wanting to be a career musician. They really encourage any dream that any person may have while in that program all while making you grow as a musician and a person. That program is going to keep getting better and better with the great people they have behind it.

Volunteer: After graduating from John A. Logan, what steps did you take to reach the level of success you are at now?
Spencer: Well, the first step was taking a risk and moving. The rest has been a blur honestly. I think it's all about taking risks. You have to keep pushing yourself to grow and keep moving forward. I'm still learning down here (in Nashville) everyday. There are so many talented people in Nashville that it makes you work hard to keep up.

Volunteer: Do you have any advice for young musicians, whether they are on the streets or in school?
Spencer: To the musicians on the streets: what are you doing playing on the streets?! It's cold out there! Also, brush your teeth, take your vitamins, and eat your breakfast every morning. I mean I think the best advice I could try to offer is always be willing to keep learning. Nobody comes into anything with all the answers, so find people that you want to be like and learn from them.

Volunteer: What messages and/or themes do you try to convey in your music? What does music mean to you?
Spencer: It differs from song to song, but I'm usually just conveying how I feel at a certain point in time. Usually what I've written comes from experiences or relationships and I'm just kind of spewing those feelings out through verse and chorus. As I've matured as a writer I've really tried to stay positive and write to convey a sense of hope. It doesn't always come out that way because life isn't always great, but I try to choose the songs I've written that will hopefully make people feel good and, hopefully, inspired.

Volunteer: Who is in your band?
Spencer: Well some of the members rotate a lot, but Scott Carpenter (drums) and Gary Ishee (guitar) have been in it since day one. They are my homies, and they wear a lot of Old Spice if you were wondering.

Volunteer: Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?
Spencer: Well I guess to all you John A. folks I would have to say thank you so much for how well you've treated me and my band mates. It was an honor to get to play for all you guys, and I hope we can come back next year and do it again. To all the music majors: keep your heads up and always go after whatever your dream is. You have great instructors who have the knowledge to help you get to anywhere you want to go. Oh yeah, and PRACTICE or Nathan will beat you! Just kidding. - John A. Logan College

"Some artists have perfect pitch when it comes to targeting the mainstream ear. Spencer's recordings are radio friendly to the max, packing the kind of pop chops that cut to the chorus and deliver something for the listener to latch onto. As a performer, this rocker's polished arangements and appealing vocal grit (which show nice low range) aim a warm nod to Nashville. Is it familiar, time tested stuff? Yes, but you've gotta respect this artist's polish and craf as well as his ability to put it across convincingly."

http://musicconnection.com/digital/index.php?page=51 - Music Connection Magazine 03/10

"Some artists have perfect pitch when it comes to targeting the mainstream ear. Spencer's recordings are radio friendly to the max, packing the kind of pop chops that cut to the chorus and deliver something for the listener to latch onto. As a performer, this rocker's polished arangements and appealing vocal grit (which show nice low range) aim a warm nod to Nashville. Is it familiar, time tested stuff? Yes, but you've gotta respect this artist's polish and craf as well as his ability to put it across convincingly."

http://musicconnection.com/digital/index.php?page=51 - Music Connection Magazine 03/10

Zach Spencer is a new singer-songwriter arriving on the Nashville, TN rock scene. His latest EP “When I Found You” is available on iTunes. Our favorites tracks Some Love For Ya Baby and When I Found You. “Great simple rock songs can still be written”.
Check him out on June 30th at The 5 Spot, Nashville, TN


http://www.kingsofar.com/2009/05/26/zach-spencer/ - Kings of A&R

Zach Spencer is a new singer-songwriter arriving on the Nashville, TN rock scene. His latest EP “When I Found You” is available on iTunes. Our favorites tracks Some Love For Ya Baby and When I Found You. “Great simple rock songs can still be written”.
Check him out on June 30th at The 5 Spot, Nashville, TN


http://www.kingsofar.com/2009/05/26/zach-spencer/ - Kings of A&R