Chapter 1: How I’m Going to Make It: Anything Can Be Accomplished In Life With 3 Things

Posted by admin on February 19th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

This is the first chapter of a story that both you (the readers) and I (the author) will have the pleasure of seeing and helping unfold in real time. Here is the basis of the story:

I believe that ANYTHING can be accomplished in life with three things:

1) A vision: my definition of vision is a clear, burning, and unbridled desire manifested in the form of a dream, or a want to become or create something in life. This could be becoming a doctor, a father, the president of the United States, a teacher…whatever.

2) An unwavering belief in oneself. This is self-explanatory

3) A shit load of hard work. Again, self-explanatory

This story begins with me, Zach Maxwell, who has had the vision of being a world-renowned singer, songwriter, performing artist, guitar player and motivational speaker since I was a young lad.

Why is this my vision? Because I believe that I have something to offer people, and that I have something to say. I believe that my soul is here to express my unique flavor of joy, passion, connection to God, the Universe, whatever you want to call it for the sake of helping others experience something greater for themselves as well. Call this arrogance, call it self-confidence, call it what you like. I call it my vision and it’s unwavering.

For the past ten years I have spent thousands of hours, at times, regularly practicing my instruments alone over 8 hours a day; refining, focusing, living and breathing my craft 24/7  to get to a point where I feel I am remarkable enough to offer something of value to people. I will continue to consistently practice my ass off and get better as this story unfolds.

For the past year also, I have been reading a lot on how the music business has changed, and how independent artists have a chance to “make it” in ways that they never could before with a lot of hard work and the technological resources available to us that weren’t available even 5 years ago. I am going to prove it.

Not only am I going to prove it, I’m going to use this blog to transparently share the steps I’m taking, as I’m taking them for all the world to see. This will be my “story.”

Just so we’re clear on what my vision is: My definition of “making it” is becoming world renown. Not being on the cover of People Magazine, not being a tabloid “celebrity,” but being a “world renown” artist…known for making a difference for people with my music and message. Right now I have about 10 fans. A few people, if any are reading this first post. At the end of this story I will prove to millions of people that with a burning desire and vision, a firm and unwavering belief in yourself, and the willingness and integrity to work your fucking ass off for your dreams, ANYTHING is possible. How long it will take? A year, 2 years, 10 years…who knows?

Stay tuned as the story unfolds.

And if you would like to help make this story happen, feel free to comment, share and spread this post to anybody and everybody that you feel would be interested.

Interview with Myself

Posted by admin on December 7th, 2009 | No Comments »

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: “Inside Zach Maxwell: A pointed look at the distinctive, the virtuosic, and extraordinary songwriter and performer, ZACH MAXWELL.  December 7th, 2009″

Interviewer: Zach Maxwell

Zach Maxwell:  So Zach, it’s really great to have you here.

Zach Maxwell:  It’s great to be here and thanks so much for having me.

Zach Maxwell:  I’m a big fan really…and the last time we sat down to have a chat was quite a while ago.  You’ve been a pretty busy guy these days haven’t you?

Zach Maxwell:  Sure have Zach, just finished a new album, got finished with a series of solo acoustic shows and a CD/birthday release party…trying to train my dog not to jump on people and getting ready for three weeks in the beautiful rocky mountains of Colorado.

Zach Maxwell:  Sounds like a pretty tough life to me!  (laughter)

Zach Maxwell:  Can’t complain bout a thing!

Zach Maxwell:  So the last time you were here, we were talking about how you didn’t feel like you had any studio material that really represented you clearly, or at least represented you as a songwriter…am I correct?

Zach Maxwell:  Yes you are correct.  Although, in retrospect I think it was more that I hadn’t really found my true voice yet as a songwriter.  In the previous two recordings I’d done, I was either focusing on showcasing the band arrangements, groove, vocal harmonies etc., or trying to showcase my own vocals or guitar playing so that people could know I was a “good” singer with a “good voice.” And, over the past year and a half, I’ve done a lot of soul searching on what the most important things are that I want to convey as an artist, and  began to realize how narcissistic and lame that old approach was. And that’s not to say that I don’t love my old records or that I think that things that I’ve done in the past are lame, because I don’t…but it’s more so to say that one of the things that I’ve realized about music, and what I believe separates the remarkable from the ordinary is being able to remove “oneself” as much as possible from the creative process.  Do you know what I mean?

Zach Maxwell:  I think so, but I’m not totally sure.

Zach Maxwell:  Well, in other words…the less the music is about YOU–the performer, and the more the music is about the MUSIC the better.  You see, there are SO many good singers in the world who can do this crazy vocal run and sing this slick phrase here or hit that
crazy note there.  And when shit hits the fan, nobody really cares that much.  Sure, people like to be impressed, but nobody really gets moved in their heart just be being impressed. What moves people and has always moved people are good songs and good stories.  And
that’s not to say that people don’t love an amazing singer or an amazing voice, but more so what I think makes a truly amazing singer is when they use their instrument in service of the story they are telling and the song they are singing, rather than to show off their “talent.”  This might seem obvious…I don’t know.

Zach Maxwell:  No Zach…it’s not obvious…it might be the most profound thing I’ve ever heard.  You are clearly a genius.

Zach Maxwell:  Thanks.

Zach Maxwell:  So, how do you feel like this new record “Silent Bear” relates to what you are saying.

Zach Maxwell:  Well, it’s the first time in my life that I have really focused on trying to write great songs and great stories, and remove myself from it as much as possible at the same time.  In each song I try to become the character singing it, or if the song needs to be
sung simply to convey the message, then I will sing it that way instead of worrying about trying to show somebody how cool this lick is how great or powerful my voice is.

Zach Maxwell:  Gee…that’s amazing.  No wonder why it’s the greatest record I’ve ever heard.

Zach Maxwell:  Oh…I don’t know about the greatest…but I appreciate the sentiment.

Zach Maxwell:  No seriously Zach, this is without a doubt, the greatest record I have ever heard.  Ever.

Zach Maxwell:  Well, I’m glad it resonated for you.

Zach Maxwell:  I’ll say!  So what’s next for you now?

Zach Maxwell:  Well, going to be enjoying the holidays and then once the new year starts I will be performing regularly in the New York City area, both solo and with my electric band, and am planning to hit the road in late spring for a more formal tour. Stay tuned for the dates…

Zach Maxwell:  You’ve been performing strictly solo-acoustically for the past year and half, do you have a preference between your solo gigs and your electric gigs?

Zach Maxwell: Well, the past year and a half I’ve really had the intention of trying to strip down everything, and like I said before, focus mostly on telling the story and writing good songs with good hooks.  I’m very excited however to get back to playing with my electric band because that is really what I enjoy doing most.  I love playing solo, but the joy of connecting with other musicians, and playing with a drummer and bass player who get people off their feet and dancing is really what give me goosebumps.

Zach Maxwell:  Yea…there really is nothing like seeing you live with your electric band.

Zach Maxwell:  It’s definitely a good time.  No doubt about that.

Zach Maxwell:  Well Zach, I look forward to hearing it and coming to those shows.  And as always, for the people reading this, if you would like to receive updates on Zach’s upcoming tour dates and appearances, enter your name and email in the opt in form at
www.zachmaxwellmusic.com.  You can download Zach’s new record “Silent Bear – EP” as well as Zach’s other music at that same url, as well as listen to streaming mp3s etc.  Zach, thank you so much for coming. It was really a great honor to get to speak with you and hear your wisdom and check out your hot body.  Can’t wait to see you live in the coming months.

Zach Maxwell:  Thanks again for having me Zach.  See you soon.