Zach McKenzie is a name that has quickly become synonymous with heartfelt storytelling and genre-blending artistry. His recent single, “The Day That I Found You,” not only climbed to #7 on the UK iTunes chart but also resonated deeply with fans for its personal and emotional narrative. In this exclusive interview, Zach opens up about sharing the story of meeting his wife, Rossy, through music, the creative process behind his powerful upcoming single “Don’t Dish It Out If You Can’t Take It,” and how his Southern roots shape his unique sound. From collaborating with Nashville’s finest to exploring his passion for filmmaking, Zach proves that he’s a storyteller at heart—whether through song, film, or both.

“The Day That I Found You” has been a huge success, even hitting #7 on the UK iTunes chart! The music video beautifully tells the story of you meeting your wife, Rossy. What inspired you to share such a personal moment through your music, and how did it feel to have Rossy make a cameo in the video?”

Thank you so much! I wrote that song for her shortly after we started dating. At the time, I was relaunching my solo career and it just felt like the perfect time to tell the world that story. I wanted to share with everyone how happy I was. When the opportunity for the video came, I knew that I wanted her to appear in some capacity. I really love the way we did it. I was not expecting the song to catch the way it did. I am very grateful for it!

The upcoming single, “Don’t Dish It Out If You Can’t Take It,” takes on a more defiant tone compared to your previous release. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this song and what message you hope listeners will take from it?”

I think that we all have been in a situation, at one point or another in life, where we are involved with people that are being extremely hypocritical. I found myself in one of those. I understand that none of us are perfect, but that was really the basis of the idea. That’s what songwriting is to me. Letting out how you feel on the inside. If we don’t want people to react a certain way, then maybe we shouldn’t hurt them in the first place.

In the music video for “The Day That I Found You,” Josh Pryor plays a younger version of you. What was it like watching someone else portray such a pivotal moment in your life, and how involved were you in the creative process of the video?”

Josh Pryor and Samantha Valdez did a fantastic job! It was fun watching that story unfold on camera. Joe Lane really brought it to life! I wanted it to be like a mini movie rather than a traditional video. It was easy for me to just cameo at the end!

Your songwriting blends Country, Soul, and Gospel influences. How do these genres shape your sound, and what role do your Southern roots play in your music?”

Gospel was really my first love. I grew up in church where Southern Gospel and the Old Hymns were very prominent at the time. I also loved the feel good side of Motown music. When I grew up a little, Country Music had made a big comeback and so I started writing songs. The reality of Country Music, the feel goodness of Soul, and the heart of Gospel, is what shaped my sound.

The bridge of “Don’t Dish It Out If You Can’t Take It” flips the typical heartbreak narrative, focusing on moving forward rather than dwelling on the past. Is this reflective of your own life experiences, and how does this mindset shape your approach to both music and life?”

Absolutely! Something that I’ve learned is dwelling on the past can really drive a person crazy. When something is clearly over or not working, no matter how hard it is, the healthiest thing you can do is move past it. I haven’t always practiced this mindset but I’ve grown and learned from those experiences.

You’ve worked with some incredible talent, including producer Lee Turner from 2twenty2 Studios in Nashville. What was it like collaborating with him, and how has working in Nashville influenced your growth as an artist?”

Lee Turner and I are definitely on the same page. That can be hard to find in this industry. He has really brought my songs to life in a way that I was hearing it in my head. Working with him has been a blast. Nashville is where songwriters and artists go to chase their dreams. It definitely opens up songwriting possibilities. Not just in collaborations, but being there creates more stories and ideas.

You’ve explored other creative outlets, including filmmaking with your short film “Joanett Road.” How do your experiences in storytelling through film influence your songwriting, and can fans expect more film projects in the future?”

Music is the focus at the moment. But I plan on continuing my passion for filmmaking in the future. I love telling stories in both screenwriting and songwriting. They complement each other in various ways. Each experience I have creates stories and ideas.

Al Geiner

Not the Usual LICK Publicist! 27 yrs in the biz ~Worldwide! Actual Peer of the Realm~Unitarian Universalist Pragmatic Buddhist~ PROUD GAY Liberal