Zach Thomas is a local country music artist and singer-songwriter that describes his sound as “authentic hit-you-in-the-feels country music.” Thomas jump-started his career with two top 100 finishes on the hit singing show “American Idol” and has paid his dues playing in bars, festivals, and backyards ever since. In 2021, he made the journey down to Nashville to record his debut EP “Better Off” with John Shaw producing the project. As we get ready to celebrate Zach’s album release at The Hall this week, we sat down to ask him a few questions.
Who are your musical influences?
My biggest musical influences range from more traditional country artists like George Jones and Keith Whitley to acts that are big in the Texas/red dirt scene like William Clark Green, Kolby Cooper, and Turnpike Troubadours.
If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?
If I could open a show for any artist, it would definitely be for a legend like George Strait or one of my current favorite artists like Koe Wetzel or Muscadine Bloodline.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received was to stay authentic. I was reminded once that our stories are unique to us but they’re also very relatable to others. Being authentic and telling your story only helps the listener connect with you even more.
What did you learn from being on “American Idol”?
American Idol is like a crash course in the music business. The most important thing I learned during American Idol is to not let rejection keep you from working hard and to use it as a way to improve and work harder. American Idol gave me a platform right from the start and was the best springboard I could have had at the time.
What is your favorite venue that you’ve played when traveling?
I’ve had the opportunity to perform in some pretty cool venues! My favorite venue would definitely have to be The Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, SD. I was able to perform with Keith Urban in front of about 12,000 people. A close second would be when I performed at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles during my time on Idol.
What can we look forward to seeing from you in 2022?
I’m hoping/working on big things for 2022! I’m already planning my next project in the studio and want to keep getting music out to everybody. I’m also going to be spending more time in Nashville and Texas, as well as putting together a full band for shows!
Zach Thomas plays his album release show at The Hall at Fargo Brewing Company with Bryan Loweree this Friday, January 21. The show is 21+ with doors at 7PM and the show at 8PM. Tickets cost $10 at the door or can be purchased on our Events page.
