Today we’d like to introduce you to Z Huynh.
Hi Z, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It’s funny because I never had a huge background in music. I’ve always learned as I went. Country music wasn’t something I grew up on, but over time it started to grow on me. I joined Hazard County about ten years ago, and the band had already been together a few years before that. I always wondered how far we could go and what we could make out of it.
About three years ago, I decided to take over the band and turn it into something more official. That’s when I built the LLC and started putting systems in place. I wanted us to have structure, goals, and a real sense of direction.
At the time, I was still working full-time as an assistant principal at a middle school, and that job taught me a lot about teamwork, leadership, and consistency. Those same lessons helped me figure out how to build something meaningful with the band.
The first few months were tough. Keeping everyone motivated, handling the business side, and balancing it all with my job wasn’t easy. But I learned to listen, set goals, and keep pushing forward. The turning point came when I decided to take full ownership. It was risky, but I told myself to stay consistent and trust the process.
About six months later, things started to click. We began landing better gigs, our branding got stronger, and we started to find our rhythm. It took a lot of sleepless nights, but it was worth it.
What I love most now is seeing how our music connects with people. Our goal is simple: to turn a good night into one people remember. We want folks to laugh, dance, and live in the moment. Life moves fast, and if our music helps people slow down and enjoy it, that means everything to me.
Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve built. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, but they’ve all been part of the process. I wouldn’t change a thing.
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 wish I could say it’s been a smooth road, but it hasn’t. The hardest part was learning to stay consistent when there was no guarantee that any of it would work. Every step felt like a risk. You wear a lot of hats when you’re building something from the ground up: accountant, social media manager, website designer, booking agent, and more.
I’m thankful for my bandmates because they really helped balance things out. They took charge of song choices, the flow of the night, and connecting with the crowd. We learned how to play to each other’s strengths quickly, and that teamwork made all the difference.
I will say that there were definitely moments of burnout. The long nights, lack of sleep, and constant wondering if it was all worth it can wear you down. But you have to push through. Negativity spreads fast, and you can’t let it take over.
I’ve been lucky to have people who kept me grounded through all of it. My drummer, Ludo Baccherini, has been my backbone since the beginning. His consistency and dedication give the band its heartbeat. Tony Pierce brings a contagious energy and drive that keeps everyone motivated. His passion and ideas never stop, and that kind of enthusiasm is inspiring to be around. Stacey Barefield helps keep me centered. She’s honest, steady, and reminds me to slow down and stay focused when things start to move too fast. And Billy Hazard is always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. He’s dependable, loyal, and one of those people you can always count on.
Outside of the band, I’ve got a close friend, Paul Wilkinson, who’s been there since day one. He’s the person I reach out to when I’m working through new ideas or tough decisions. He’s patient, insightful, and always brings a fresh perspective when I need it most.
Having people like that in your corner makes all the difference. Balancing a full-time job in education with running a business isn’t easy, and I wouldn’t recommend it unless your mindset is strong and you have a solid support system. I’ve learned that who you surround yourself with truly matters. The people around you shape your direction and your success. Not everyone fits every season of your journey, and that’s okay. I’m proud of the team I have now. They’re the reason we keep moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of Hazard County Music. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Hazard County Music is more than a band. It is a brand built on service, connection, and care. We are a 90s country tribute group that mixes in classic rock and crowd favorites, but what truly defines us is our commitment to people. Our focus has always been simple: take care of our clients, take care of our musicians, and deliver a live experience that leaves everyone better than we found them.
We specialize in creating unforgettable moments for events of all kinds including corporate gatherings, private parties, weddings, universities, festivals, and special venues across Texas and beyond. Every show is custom tailored to fit our client’s vision. We communicate, plan, and perform with the same level of care you would expect from any professional service. For us, it is not just about playing songs. It is about serving people.
What sets Hazard County Music apart is the way we approach what we do. We do not see ourselves as a band that just shows up and plays. We see ourselves as a partner in making your event seamless, enjoyable, and memorable. Communication is at the heart of everything we do because it gives our clients confidence and peace of mind. If we can remove a stressor from your day, we will. If you are not sure how to bring your event to life, we will help you shape it. We show up early, stay ready, and go above and beyond. No ego. Just genuine service done the Texas way.
Brand wise, what I am most proud of is how we have grown while staying grounded. We have built a strong reputation for reliability, high energy performances, and genuine connection both on and off the stage. We have become known for engaging crowds, honoring requests, and creating moments that stay with people long after the lights go down.
Off stage, our professionalism and communication make us the client’s right hand. We aim to make every client look great for choosing us. That is the heart of our brand, to help people celebrate, connect, and enjoy life’s moments with music that feels personal.
Looking ahead, I want Hazard County Music to keep expanding. My goal is to work with more talented musicians and build a network of teams who share our values. There is a lot of great talent out there, and I would love to help connect those artists with clients who appreciate quality and heart. We are not in this for fame. We are in it to serve, and that is something I will always be proud of.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Being a musician doesn’t mean you understand business, and being the owner or leader doesn’t mean you know everything. My biggest advice is to stay a learner. Learn from people, collaborate, and keep growing. You’ll have ups and downs, but pick yourself back up and keep moving. Don’t worry about what others think, because most people won’t truly understand your journey, and that’s okay. That’s part of being an entrepreneur. I’m still learning every day.
And don’t let anyone tell you there are too many country bands, too many t-shirt companies, or too much competition. There’s always room for something done well. Do your homework, know your audience, and if it makes sense, go all in.
One thing I wish I knew early on is not to chase perfection. If you spend too much time trying to make everything perfect, you’ll never start. Take risks. You’ll fail sometimes, but that’s how you learn. Study what works, make adjustments, and keep moving forward. Don’t get emotionally attached to failure. Look at the facts, make changes, and keep going.
I also keep a simple checklist of things I want to accomplish each day. My goal is to complete at least three meaningful tasks that move things forward. If I get stuck, I move on to something else or reach out for another perspective. Collaboration can get you unstuck faster than trying to figure it out alone.
Finally, define what success means to you and give it your full effort. If you’re building something while working full-time, give it your full commitment. Halfway effort won’t get you far and will only drain your energy. You’ll face uncertainty, loneliness, and exhaustion, but that’s part of the process. Surround yourself with people who refuel you and keep you grounded. The right ones will help you get back on track when you need it most.
Pricing:
- Pricing depends on the event, location, and production needs.
- Every show is tailored to the client’s vision and crowd.
- Our goal is to provide an unforgettable live experience that matches the energy of each event.
- For customized quotes, we handle all inquiries directly through booking.
- Email: booking@hazardcountymusic.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hazardcountymusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazard.county.music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HazardCountyMusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hazardcountymusic
Image Credits
Ben Ripperton, Kevin Myer Photography, Texas State University
