In this interview, Zachary James discusses the inspiration behind his track "Along the Way," his journey with music production, and how his bond with his dog Cooper shapes his creative process.
1. Can
you share the inspiration behind Along the Way and how your bond with your dog,
Cooper, influenced the track?
I took inspiration when I pondered over the journeys we have been on, especially on those summer days where the sky is blue, and beautiful. I really wanted to capture the ever differing changes of scenery, from walking on an exposed mountain path all the way to trekking next to a vast lake while watching coopers face light up as he is taking on all senses. We have that intense feeling of companionship whenever we hit the trails which is the main factor that inspired the creation of this song.
2. You’ve cited John Petrucci, Paul Gilbert, and Steve Vai as inspirations. How
have their playing styles shaped your own approach to guitar and songwriting?
Each of these wonderful guitar players had a massive impact on this track whether it be the melodic and hard hitting playing of John petrucci, the experimental and conceptual playing of paul Gilbert, and the classic shred and harmonic playing of steve vai. I've spent my childhood listening to these guitarists, learning there songs and using there techniques and tips so it really isn't surprising how this song is seasoned with small hints from these amazing musicians.
3. What was the most challenging part of producing this song entirely on your
own, and how did you overcome it?
Writing
music is something I've done from a young age with the aid of the voice
recording feature on everybody's mobile phone, where I would just record as and
when I came up with something I liked.
The biggest challenge of all for me was Music Production as when I began making
music for commercial use I found my songs sounding extremely muddy, dry, and
void of any real mastering as I didn't know how to equalise properly, which was
the case with my first 2 solo albums "Panic Attack" (2020) and
"Head for Shelter" (2022) after feeling a little downhearted I
decided to try and learn, which is why I have been absent for a while.
I have applied everything I've learned into this song in terms of production
and feel like this is one of those small victory's.
4. Your music has a very personal and unique touch. How would you describe your
sound to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
My music is
often very dynamic in terms of structure, not using the common intro, verse,
chorus, verse, Chorus, break, Chorus, End makeup.
Instead it's a made up of different songs that blend in and end finishing
likely with the same riff or melody it started with, only with a quick and
sudden finish.
It really is prog with the hopping in and out of light and dark, I'd reccomend
my music to all prog fans.
5. The recording process took place entirely in your bedroom. How do you think this setting influenced the final outcome of the song?
The saying
goes, there's no place like home, which is extremely apt as I find my
creativity flows when I'm in a comfortable and firmilar environment.
When alone in my bedroom making music I don't have interference, I have the
freedom of my own mind, to create what I want, not to please, but to make music
in my own style in my own setting. I feel individuality is so important for
musicians and not to feel that they should just follow everyone else because
it's the norm.
6. You mentioned a trial-and-error approach to creating music. Can you walk us
through how you typically develop a song from an idea to a finished track?
It's always been my go to method for composition, I will record something, listen and think " does this work?" Sometimes I will keep it and other times I will scrap the idea and just keep on jamming to a drum beat in order to find what I like. I will listen to music that fits the vibe I'm trying to generate and take inspiration from it. all the while just playing and seeing where my mind takes me.
7. What was the biggest lesson you learned while producing Along the Way that
you’ll carry into future projects?
Deffienly to pay attention to the trends in loudness by normalising my songs before release, along with mastering, mixing, equalising, THORUOGHLY and not just thinking that as long as the music is okay it will be fine. Audio quality is the most important part of music production, the little imperfections in music itself don't matter AT ALL, as long as the mix is good, your likely to be on a winner.
8. You’ve spent the last three years studying production techniques like
equalization, compression, and mastering. How did that learning process impact
this release?
As I got to
grips with these essentials I began to hear not just my music but Actual
Music!!!
And this taught me that consistency is a really good thing to practice as it is
so very important. Although It took the 3 years to learn, I now realise that I
made the greatest choice in shaping my music career into the best thing I could
make it into. It took me those 3 years to also not OVERTHINK and take advice
from people who know what they are doing.
9. You performed at an open mic in Swansea. Do you see yourself playing live
more in the future, and what would your ideal live performance look like?
I do (though nothing massive) enjoy just participating in small events or gigs. I really do see myself playing live to small audiences frequently but nothing massive, just something small.
10. Your story highlights how music has been therapeutic for you as someone
with autism. How has playing an instrument helped you personally, and what
advice would you give to others who might benefit from music in a similar way?
When I was
9 years old and struggling with just trying to fit in and make friends, my
perants took me to a show in Aylesbury in 2009, which is where I met the
bassist of the famous 80's band Kajagoogoo Nick Beggs.
His words to me were "Zach, If you learn how to play guitar, you will
ALWAYS be happy".
As an autistic young lad I took this literally and begged my perants for a
Guitar, of which they so lovingly honoured my wishes. since then the words of
that brilliant bassist have echoed through my head.
Though having autism hasn't always been easy, guitar playing and music in
general has been a wonderful thing to enjoy and I urge all with neuro diverse
conditions to take up music not just as a hobby, but a method of expression.
11. Looking ahead, do you have any plans for more releases or a larger project,
like an EP or album?
Along the
way is one song of an upcoming album currently in production that will
hopefully release and the end of this year or early 2026 which will be jam
packed with original and individual sounding songs, and I hope you enjoy it
when it releases.
I do intend to produce for as long as I can.
12. Finally, what message do you hope listeners take away from Along the Way?
The songs
message is simple. Go out there and explore the world, take a furry loyal
companion if you can. Somtimes it may be difficult to get out, but once your
out, you'll be glad you got out.
Zachary James Smith (@zachary_james_smith_music) • Instagram photos and videos
Amazing read :)
ReplyDeletethanks!
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