Get to know... Zach McNabb

Zach McNabb is one of those young people you root for - he has his heart in the right place, a great attitude towards the future and a reverence for the past that is evident in his music and his persona. He's a talented fella and since coming onto the local music scene a few years ago, he has methodically worked to become a good stage performer, a fine musician and now, a good, young songwriter - he continues to put the work in. McNabb is gracious and respectful, which can be a hard combination to find in younger touring acts these days. He seems to appreciate the fans, the help along the way and the people who work to make live music happen. He has his eye on the prize and he appears willing to whittle away on his craft until his goals are achieved, doing things the right way. He's playing a lot of shows throughout the local area, as well as booking regionally, so hopefully you'll have plenty of options to see him for yourself. Until then, take a few moments and get to know Zach McNabb. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "At the age of fifteen, I formed my first band with my younger brother, Caleb and a friend of ours by the name of Willie Vance. The band was formed on the bond that Willie and I shared for Johnny Cash. Our first two gigs as a band were on the sidewalks of downtown Erwin, Tennessee for their local farmer's market, which was our first gig, and our second being a car show in the weeks following. During that time, we went by 'Zach McNabb and the Tennessee Esquires' but have since gone our separate ways to fulfill our individual callings in life. It was that summer that I knew that music was going to be a big part of my life, and over the course of the next year is when I decided that I wanted to pursue it as a profession." Is your current project a first, or have you been involved in other things? "I am currently writing and recording original material in hopes of an album in the near future. However, in the meantime, I will be releasing singles. A little back story: last February (2025), I attended a songwriting workshop hosted by The Little House Songwriting Workshop with Jerry Salley, Donna Unlisse, and Rick Stanley. I had written a little before attending, but this workshop is really the one responsible for igniting the fire and helping me discover my love for the creative process." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "I love this question! Honestly, it's the people. That's the short answer, but it's deeper than that. There are so many great people in the music industry, especially in the genres of country and bluegrass music, many of whom have become such good friends they're like family to me. I also love the culture and history of the music and individuals that go along with it, specifically the genre of country music, not to exclude others, though. It's all an inspiration! Becoming a Grand Ole Opry member is a dream of mine and the ultimate goal. To be a part of the 'Opry' family would be amazing and such an honor. Again, it all goes back to the people in the end." How would you describe your music (band/project)? "That's always a hard question for me to answer, but I would say that it's authentic and honest (from the heart). My original music and sound is well rooted in traditional/classic country music, many of my influences, and my upbringing. I believe it offers a nice blend between the three and like most artists you're always maturing and the music constantly evolves." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "Yes! Since I was a child, I have always been a creative individual and felt a passion for entertainment in one way or another, and from a very young age, I have felt destined for an atypical path and career in life. Though at the time, I didn't know what that path would be, today, I believe that the Lord has called me to a career in music. I am thankful for the abilities and opportunities that He has blessed me with and try to always give back when given the opportunity. Those who have been to any of my shows know that I almost always include a spiritual/gospel song in my sets – it's my way of glorifying and thanking the Lord for his blessings. I also believe it's my way to be a witness for him and his son Jesus Christ." What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "Since I was a kid, I have had a love for motorsports and racing, specifically NASCAR. I spent a lot of my childhood watching races on the TV and would attend races on occasion too. I also enjoyed and spent a lot of my time growing up collecting die cast cars and creating dioramas and racetracks. Around the same time, I discovered a love for photography and film/video creation. Using the dioramas and racetracks, I would create stop motion videos of races or use them as sets to create photos with an optical illusion. I still enjoy photography today and have recently got into film photography with hopes of documenting my life, the people in it, and my music career. I also love tooled leather and would love to learn how to do it someday." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? "I have many influences and favorites across multiple genres, but two of the biggest are Johnny Cash and Marty Stuart – Johnny Cash being my earliest influence. One of my local favorites is The Kody Norris Show based out of Mountain City, TN. I love their sound and what they represent as a band – we need a band like them around. They are also wonderful people and have been very kind and supportive of my music!" If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "I can't think of anything, so I must have covered everything, haha." How can people contact you about booking and information? "For booking or other inquiries, you can email zachmcnabbmusic@gmail.com. All of my contact information and more is also available at zachmcnabb.com."