Zach Teal has been through a lot in his young life. Somewhere along the way, he learned to absorb the essence of a yearning country singer. One unbridled at that. It’s a fantastic experience to just sit and listen to him. His life is all the better for it. Catch this original in his element on stage at The Cove Thursday, January 9, 2025 5-8pm. Details here: web link

Q: It seems you have been through a lot in your musical life touring, performing and competing. What got you into the character of being a young country singer?

Zach Teal: From the start, I wanted to be like mainstream Country artists. Digging further into the traditional side of the music, I based my style around the outlaw country player and that kind of character with a rougher side of the story to tell. Starting performing in the church, I was basing my style around general country living and that kind of down home spiritual experience.

Q: I know you have won many singing competitions across Ontario over the course of your young 18 year career. Where and why did you do so much competing with your art?

Zach: It was easy for me to be get into competitions because it was a great way for me to get my name out there as a solo performer. Just as importantly, I needed to make ends meet and so even something like a third place finish got me some prize money! I was happy to walk away with $300 for performing in front of hundreds of captive listeners! Competition such as the Havelock Jamboree, Country Kicks 93.5 and many other fairs and festivals were the best places for me to get on stage as a young singer.

Q: Traditional country is your sound, for sure. You told me that you “…have tried to stick to the traditional style while also trying to keep up with the times.” What is it about the core of traditional country that gets you and drives you?

Zach: It’s the truth and the deep emotional feeling you get from traditional Country that drives me. There is truth found lyrically in the new artists but it’s more based on stuff like trucks, women, money and fame. with its authentic story of living and getting by. The Old school writers were just more in your face and from the heart reaching for the universal story of actual country living. So much today is about promoting, advertising and selling something. It’s hard to connect when there is a motive like that like trying to get airplay and following a formula. The best artists aren’t on the radio these days because of this. There is a reason that people continue to connect to the classic sound!

Q: You have overcome some personal challenges that I’m sure have elevated you to a new place of confidence and enlightenment. What has changed in your life since then?

Zach: Honestly, it went from horrible to worse to giving up and then finding God. I was an addict because I didn’t deal with my past and kept putting my problems aside. I tried to move forward without dealing with my past. I met some people who I could open up to, and really be honest with. They helped me see the light and I am still connected with them daily. I’m now 11 months sober and I have opened my eyes to a good life. I have to work for it, fight it all the time but now I help myself by helping other people. It feels empowering!

Q: You have a truly inspired voice and it should be heard! Do you have any upcoming plans for writing, collaborating and performing?

Zach: Evan Carlson and I are talking about a project and so we will continue to work on that. I am writing but I am enjoying doing some collaborating as well. I’m getting better at writing but when I write, I’m worried it will sound like something else. Self conscious of getting close to finishing and not finishing it. If I continue to tell my story, I know the music will follow. Looking forward to playing The Cove on January 9! Posted: Jan 9, 2025