“Never forget the purpose of your gift.”
Originally from Vacherie, Louisiana, Zack Landry has been through a lot over the years. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina displaced Zack and his family. But he remained strong and used that experience on his way to becoming the winner of the the Rhythm of Gospel Best Contemporary Artist. He also won the NOLA Award for Best Contemporary Artist. Through all that, Zach has remained humble in his walk with God and his love for gospel music has not changed.
You can hear passion in his voice and his new single “Hold On” hits home no matter what you are going through. Zack has been working with Michal over at MTS Management Group and I couldn’t wait for a chance to learn more about this man. “Hold on. Be strong. You can make it. Yes, you can!” This was a ton of fun and it is a pleasure to introduce you to Zack Landry.
Start by giving me an overview of your work… Who is Zack Landry?
Zack Landry is an artist with full of music surprises, arrangements, and vocal capability. I come from a family that was strict about church and education. Music runs in the family starting back with my great grandfather Wilson Marshall. Started singing at the age of seven, and started playing piano at the age of 14. Since then, I have developed a great gift that God has stored upon my life.
Your website URL is iamasound.org. I love that… How do you best describe your sound?
Contemporary with ingredients of traditional, neo soul, and jazzy style. I sing and play how I feel at that given moment which interprets the type sound I bring from time to time.
That photoshoot looks amazing, too! Where did you take those photos?
My photos were taken in Atlanta, GA by Brandon Rashad (great photographer)
What is the music scene like in Central Louisiana?
To be honest, I really don’t know these days. I’ve been so focused on creating my sound. Trying to find that thing that separates me from everyone else.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Kirk Franklin, Michael Jackson, Eddie Murphy, and Musiq Soulchild.
It feels like only yesterday, but Hurricane Katrina was in 2005. What was that experience like for you? I went through Hurricane Irma and have been through several wildfires here in Northern California. Always something!
Geez, I thought the world was over because the city was at such a standstill at that time. I have never experienced anything like that before in my life. I wasn’t even 21 yet. We had to break into stores to get food to survive those weeks being stuck there. Getting to the dorm and being there was a different level then being stuck there for that time. People were going crazy and losing their family members and friends. I just thank God that I survived that situation.
What is your songwriting process like? Do you sit down with a yellow pad and write or do the lyrics just come to you?
It varies. Sometimes the music comes in the form of a beat or just some chord progressions, and then there are times words will come to me. I normally have to be either relaxed somewhere or around music. I most definitely use a composition notebook. (Laughs.)
Tell me about your relationship with MTS Management Group.
Michael Stover is my PR and his partner is my radio promoter. They have been an amazing job on my behalf making sure that “Hold On” gets promoted and recognized.
You have an amazing voice. Not really a question… Just wanted you to know!
Well, thanks a lot, much appreciated.
I LOVE your single “Hold On”. The video, too. Tell me more about that single and where you shot the video.
“Hold On” was originally written as a worship song in 2008-2009. It was just a hook and a vamp at the time. Until around 2019 I started to make some adjustments with the groove and the lyrics and add on a few verses. “Hold on” come from a personal testimony. Just basically me dealing with so much adversity, low self-esteem, fear, and depression. All of that built me up to create some verses for the song.
COVID-19 put a damper on live music. But there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Are you planning a spring/summer tour?
I have some major things coming up in 2021. A Single Release concert, and finish up the EP. There have been conversations about a Live Recording, but who knows what will happen.
Speaking of live music, what can folks expect from a live Zack Landry performance?
The presence of the Lord to take place, souls saved, a huge shouting party, dancing, crying, and most definitely a show.
Tell me about PhaZe.
PhaZe is a group of individuals that started out as a praise team for this conference and I decided to turn them into a group. It started off as a coed situation then turned into an all female group. When I moved back to New Orleans, I extended the group here with new people still keeping the group I had in Dallas, TX.
What is that tattoo on your left arm?
A huge treble clef with a bunch of musical notes around it, and right under there would be a tattoo of my zodiac sign. (Capricorn)
I LOVE the “I Am Sound” shirt on your website. Planning to add that logo to other merchandise? I could see that on a hat or a beer koozie!
I’m already ahead of you. I’m selling hoodies, and hats on my website. Now even though I don’t drink beer, a beer koozie does sound like an interesting idea. (Laughs.)
‘ “CHAMOO” ‘ is cracking me up. What is the story behind that alter ego?
So I taught Theatre for two years as a long-term sub, and there will be times in our class sessions, we are doing monologues, skits, etc. So during Halloween, I decided to come as this jerry curl 80s looking character with leopard shirt and black pleather pants on. (Laughs.) At this time I was working on building music content, so I decided to call my video guy and a few of my musician homies, and create a video with some R&B. That’s when outstanding came about, and as I was trying to get in character, I then decided to birth the name CHAMOO. (Laughs.)
Where can folks at home learn more about you?
They can learn more about me through all of the digital outlets for my music, as well as my website iamasound.org where It has all the latest videos, merchandise, and video content as well.
What’s next for Zack Landry?
Zack is going to continue to put out great music, and try new things musically as well.
Thank you for doing this. I enjoyed our time together. In all of the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Hey, it’s been a honor being here fellowshipping with you all. Hey guys, please out and get my music “HOLD ON” it’s a banger.
Connect with Zack Landry:
Website: https://www.iamasound.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zdlmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialiamasound
