Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Neil.
Hi Zach, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a country singer who has embraced the Texas country music scene. I love how Texas country fans want to hear authentic music – songs with great lyrics and melodies; and they let me be myself. So, while I am not a native Texan, I have built a fanbase here and proudly consider the Lone Star State my home away from home.
I wasn’t supposed to be a country singer. I grew up working on my family’s farm in Exeter, Ontario, Canada. Tending crops was the only way of life I knew. My plan was to earn a degree in agricultural business and become a third-generation farmer. But, when I was 16, I had a country band, and we entered a Battle of the Bands competition at my high school and tied for first place. We weren’t great, but we were different. The other bands were playing rock music, and we were playing George Jones, Keith Whitley, and Randy Travis. That night a guy who worked on a lot of rock records on the east coast pulled me aside and said, “Hey, you sound great.” That really motivated me. I started writing more and playing out and then started touring and putting out songs on the radio.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think one of the biggest challenges for me was after I had been in Nashville for a while and was ready to take the next step, I heard a time or two that I sounded “too country.” In the early to mid-2000s, country music had shifted to a more pop sound – and don’t get me wrong, I think a lot of artists were producing good music – it just wasn’t the music I wanted to do. But fortunately, what I considered an obstacle became an opportunity. It led me to Texas where fans love traditional country music.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have put out several songs on the Texas country charts over the past few years that have landed in the Top 40, some in the Top 25. These include: “When She Drinks Whiskey,” “Something Going on in the Stars,” “Half Bad” and my current single, “Long Live the Cowboy.” I always wanted to write and sing a cowboy song, and I’m really happy with how this turned out and the response we’ve received. We incorporated some fiddle and steel guitar into the arrangement. You don’t hear this in country music as often as you used to, but we knew a cowboy song needed it.
I am really excited to have a new single coming out in November. It’s called “All the Pretty Horses.” I hope everyone will check it out.
What’s next?
I want to keep doing what I’m doing. I love writing, recording, singing, and touring, and can’t imagine doing anything else for living. In 2023 we are planning heavy touring in Texas and hope to play more often in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I will be headed to Fort Worth next month for the Texas Country Music Awards at Billy Bobs. This year I am nominated for Male Artist of the Year, and I would love to take home that award.
Contact Info:
- Website: zachneilmusic.com
- Facebook: Facebook.com/zachneilmusic
