Conversations with Z-Man

Today we’d like to introduce you to  Z-Man.

Hi  Z-Man, 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 backstories with our readers?
Before I got into music, I was a lost soul, I grew up in Green Bay, WI and I didn’t really know what to do or where to go. At the time I was battling a cocaine addiction in my late teens right after high school and I thought I’d never see the light and I would be stuck like this forever. But, soon come to find out that would all change when I got in trouble with the law and hit my rock bottom as I was going through rehab and drug counseling. 

I had this old shecter electric guitar just sitting in my closet collecting dust at my mom’s house and so one day I decided to take it out and try taking some guitar lessons just for fun! I needed something to do. There was a music store called Dicks Music Shop, right on west mason St. in Green Bay where I signed up for my first lesson with my instructor and soon-to-be friend Dennis Panneck. He had me write down 7 songs I’d like to learn and one of them was Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” as soon as I hit that G chord it was over. Something happened musically and for once in my life, I felt that this was my calling. 

Through the early stages of my music career there were a lot of growing pains in the process with playing guitar and singing. 

I realized very quickly that Music is a craft and I learned to take constructive criticism to help me grow as a person and as an artist. I knew that I had something special to offer to the world through my artistic fusion of sound and energy. But, in order to be in control of my vision to take my talents to the next level I had to take things slow and practice the right way because as the old saying goes, you have to walk before you can run. 

After playing in dive bars and local coffee shops for years I finally made the plunge and moved out of my hometown. I finally felt like I was ready to take my act cross country where I toured and played in Denver, Seattle, Portland, California, and New York just to name a few! Learning about different cultures and how each city has its own characteristic and vibe has taught me so much and I am forever grateful for these opportunities. 

This all leads me up to my current state where I am now fresh to the Nashville music scene where I call home. I am working with this amazing producer where we just finished up my debut single called “Give it Away” paired with its own music video. I wrote this song when I was 21 in my old room back when I first started writing music and playing guitar. This single has a mixture of emotions running though the record. It’s about seeing the light and beauty even through the darkest of times. It’s also about finding yourself in life and believing in what you have to offer is something magical and how you can really make an impact in this world through music. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has its ups and downs playing music and being on the road. I feel as long as you can learn from it, stay positive and continue to grow to see what works and what doesn’t that’s the most important. Me personally I love to play music. This is what makes me happy and this is my compass. Performing and being on stage is where I belong. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an eclectic singer-songwriter. I play acoustic and electric guitar I play the djembe and I also sing of course! From the get-go I have developed a truly idiosyncratic style of music. My fusion of genres has a variety of appeals and is best described as “scat acoustic funk” some people say it reminds them of a hippies interpretation of a 90s alternative with good vibes along with catchy melodies and lively vocals. 

I am most proud of moving out of my comfort zone aka (moving out of my hometown) and exploring and playing in different cities across the country. In my opinion that takes a lot of guts and not enough people take a chance and really go after their dreams. With my high energy stage presence, intricate guitar technique, lively stage vocals along with my endearing ability to blend different styles together has set me apart from anyone else. 

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is simple… playing music and performing. This is what I am made to do. My style of music is very personal and I wear it on my sleeve. If it wasn’t for my past, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. My songs in general and continuing to learn about my instrument and craft is like my kids. We start out young, we grow together and flourish. When I look back to where I came from it’s really a beautiful thing and I don’t take it for granted. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.thezmanexperience.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thezmanexperience
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thezmanexperience
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaO8fpe7B0295_FobHHZRYw

Image Credits
Ben Sechler