Published: April 23, 2009 8:45 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight April 2009 Edition
Zac Mac Band
Zac Mac Band Photography by Jay C. Stone
Zac Mac Band's music is full of raw energy that will have you tapping your feet and moving your head. The band moved to Massachusetts to enjoy the music scene in that area and through their tenacious work ethic has landed a record contract. Check out this recent interview with the band. Enjoy!
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for the Zac Mac Band?
All: Practice and repeat. We formed in early 2008 via craigslist and we spent most of the year honing our craft and developing our songs. By September, we were gigging regularly. We ended the year on a high note, signing a record deal with Night Train Records in Westford, MA. All the practicing paid off!
Isaac: Describe the music scene in your area (Massachusetts).
All: There are thousands of amazing musicians in this state and that's why I moved here from Maine a little over a year ago. In Maine, I wasn't finding the right musicians to collaborate with. There are just fewer people and the music scene is much smaller, though Portland does have a very excellent music scene now. I knew that it was mathematically probable that I would find the right pieces for a great band, just knowing how many musicians there are down here and how great the music scene is, especially in Boston. We played a lot of dives at first, but recently we have started getting some pretty sweet gigs. This past winter we played Cask n' Flagon, Johnny D's and Bill's Bar.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Zac Mac: Signing the record deal was a big step for us. We now have a great manager who is constantly working hard for us to help spread the word about ZMB. In addition to that, we also have unlimited free studio time, which really allows us to take our time and not feel the pressure of the clock when recording our songs.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in
the music industry and why?
Zac Mac: Coldplay is probably my biggest influence. I love their songwriting. I love their sound. Chris Cornell is also a huge inspiration of mine.
Jeff: The Cure, rocking groove bass great catchy songs. Dave Mathews.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Zac Mac: I feel that our sound is unique and that our music is powerful. I try to write honest songs with a positive message.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who
would it be and why?
Zac Mac: I would love to collaborate with Chris Martin of course. Who wouldn't want to collaborate with their biggest influence?
Jeff: Dave Mathews would be pretty cool.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Zac Mac: I would say that our music is incredibly heavy soft rock. We are the warlords of soft rock and we will rock you…. (Softly). Seriously though, I would say that we are a melodic alternative rock band.
Isaac: What is your definition for Rock Music?
Zac Mac: Rock Music - Socially cool and sometimes rebellious popular music with an edge.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous releases?
Zac Mac: I've recorded several demos in the past, but nothing has been officially released until now. It is certainly an exciting time for us.
Isaac: What has been the inspiration behind your debut 5 songs EP
"Under the Radar" released in March 2009?
Zac Mac: "Myspace Heartbreak" was a band creation inspired by online communities. The song is pretty self explanatory, outlining the conveniences and subsequent inconveniences about knowing everything about your lover on MySpace and Facebook. "Loaded Gun" is also very self explanatory. It's the story of a man that brought a gun into a bar and open fired. "15 Songs on the Radio" is quite autobiographical, telling the story of working a tiring day job, while wishing I could be a Rockstar full time. The song also talks about how hard it is to get into the 15 song rotation that is corporate radio. "Roll Me Over" and "Highest Level" are love songs that I actually wrote many years ago and they have been on the shelf for a while. The band resurrected them and we built them into powerful songs.
Isaac: What can fans expect from your full album, you are working on
currently? What is the inspiration behind the CD?
Zac Mac: A great mix of songs. There are uplifting songs, sad songs, dark songs and even a funny song about a 'Cougar.' We tried to put a nice range of songs on this album and I'm pretty happy with how it is sounding. I can't wait for people to hear it.
The inspiration comes from my life experiences. I also sometimes write from other people's perspectives, which really allows me to open my mind up to what other people are going through.
Isaac: What can fans expect from The Zac Mac Band in 2009?
Zac Mac: Fans can expect a great first album, lots of great shows and we'd even like to get a second album in the works. We already have enough songs for the second album and we would like to begin recording it as soon as we finish the first one!
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Zac Mac: I'd like to thank my family for putting up with the entire racket over the years. I used to drive my parents crazy, but it was worth it! Secondly, I'd like to give a shout out to my friends and fans that have come out to see us play. We truly appreciate your continued support!
Isaac: Final words from The Zac Mac Band…
Zac Mac: Check us out online at www.zacmacband.com. You can stream many of our songs from this website and if you join our fanlist; we'll give you a free mp3! I hope you like what you hear!
