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Zachary Hunter Interview
After spending time learning the craft of songwriting, Zachary Hunter began his recording career. Now with two albums behind him, he has recently released his third album "In Your Dreams," chalked full of tunes that Hunter himself has penned. We caught up with him to chat about "In Your Dreams," the importance of writing your own songs, co-producing the album, and more.
Official Zachary Hunter Website
Zachary Hunter Myspace
Zachary Hunter - "In Your Dreams" Review
1. What can people expect to hear from your latest album “In Your Dreams” when they hit play?
A mix of new and traditional country music that I hope works pretty well on one disc. It’s split in half on that score. But old and new country are both very much part of my music life. And, if they like variety, I think they’ll find 13 “snowflakes”, in that each song is very different from the next.
2. You spent a lot of time learning the craft of songwriting and wrote a majority of the songs on “In Your Dreams.” What elements do you think it adds to your songs when you write them rather than someone else?
I think from a chord structure standpoint, as a solo writer I feel pretty free to add some progressions that some writers might not consider. That makes my songs a little different than straight-ahead Nashville country. As for lyrics, I think putting my own "voice" out there helps define who I am as an artist.
3. How important is it for you to write your own material for your albums, and what are the exceptions for an outside writer’s song to find its way to your album?
Being my own song “provider” has given me motivation to improve and stay on top of my writing. That’s been important to me for a number of years. So, for practical reasons, I just haven’t been in the mode of looking elsewhere for material. We’re almost ready to release a new CD of 18 songs, 17 of them mine…and one cover. But I think I’m ready to expand my horizon now. On my next project I plan to step out and do some song shopping.
4. What approach to the songs did you take going into the recording of “In Your Dreams,” that was different then the way you had done things in the past?
I went a long time between my second CD and this one, my third. That was because I had a batch of songs that I really believed in, and wanted top production value for them. That meant finding a good producer. When I met Ed, I couldn’t have been more psyched. I knew then that, at least from a sound standpoint, “In Your Dreams” would trump my earlier efforts.
5. For the album, you sat behind the production board with co-producer Ed Stasium?
What did Ed bring to the table that ultimately helped shape the overall feel and sound of “In Your Dreams?” Aside from Ed’s longtime friend Michael Bonagura (Baillie And The Boys) helping us round up the amazing session players in Nashville, I would say, with his rock background, Ed helped give my songs the edge they needed be more attractive to radio…and listeners in general. He has an amazing ear and adapted really well to the country market. He’s just a total pro.
6. You recorded in two locations, Colorado and Nashville. How did the elements of your surroundings contribute to your album?
I think Colorado shows up big time in my lyrics for several tunes on IYD. The title song is a page right out of my life and observations of the young cowboys I see out there. And Nashville…well, it taught me how to write a song…directly AND indirectly. Plus, how can you top the Nashville session guys like Brent Mason, Paul Franklin, Stuart Duncan, etc.? They really had an impact on the sound of this recording.
7. Which one song from “In Your Dreams” is your personal favorite and why?
You know, songwriting comes natural to some folks. With me, not so much. I spent quite a few years having to work on the craft…learning the elements of a good song and then working hard to make those elements show up in what I was doing. The song that really represents, I think, my progress is the title cut. I’m really proud of that particular one.
8. Having had your experience in the music industry, do you feel that a solid album or solid tour/shows are more important to advancing your career?
Releasing a record gives an artist the chance to connect to listeners wherever they are. Done well, your recording communicates everything that the song has to offer. Live shows are more about the artist and who he or she is…connecting with the fans from a personal level. Both are critical for success. They are really two sides of the same coin.
9. What does a Zachary Hunter live show offer to someone that just spinning your album isn’t going to show?
I hope that people who see me perform live go away feeling they’ve developed TWO new relationships. One relationship is with the music; and the other, I hope, is with me, the person. On stage I try to not just sing to folks, but to connect with them with what I say between songs. Just like in a regular relationship, it’s important for the stage relationship to be a “two-way street”. And I enjoy being able to look into people’s eyes and get that feedback.
10. What piece of advice can you offer someone that is looking to break into the music industry?
For me, it’s all about the music. That may sound obvious, but I think, especially for a newcomer, a singer or songwriter can get a bit lost in the demands, the distractions, and the mountain climbing that is all part of the quest. Just keep working on, and believing in, your ability to make music and there’s nowhere to go but up!
