Zach Bryan: Modern Americana icon

Zach Bryan is just 28 years old, but he has a story to tell. Bryan joined the US Navy at 17, finishing his service in 2021. By that time, he had performed at the Grand Ole Opry and released his first album—a tribute to his late mother—DeAnn. Recorded in two months in a Florida Airbnb, it was this set of recordings that would start a career seemingly set out in the stars. 

Roots  

Born and raised in Oologah, Oklahoma, Zach Bryan’s upbringing was steeped in the traditions of the heartland. Oologah, a small town with a population of just over a thousand, is known for its close-knit community and rural charm. It is a place where life moves at a slower, more deliberate pace and the values of family and community are paramount. Bryan’s upbringing in such an environment played a significant role in shaping his narrative-driven songwriting. His family’s deep appreciation for storytelling and music was a cornerstone of his childhood. 

Bryan was surrounded by music from an early age. His father and grandfather were particularly influential, introducing him to a wide array of musical genres, from classic country and folk to rock and blues. These early influences can be heard in the eclectic soundscapes that characterise Bryan’s music today. The family gatherings often revolved around music, fostering a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling through song. This environment instilled in Bryan a profound love for the craft of songwriting. 

The Spark of Songwriting 

Despite this early connection to music, it wasn’t until his teenage years that Bryan began to seriously pursue songwriting. Armed with a guitar and a notebook, he started crafting songs that reflected his experiences and emotions. His songs were raw and unpolished, but they carried a sincerity that was hard to ignore. This authenticity would become a defining feature of his music in the years to come. 

After high school, Bryan made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. This choice was driven by a desire to serve his country and honour a family tradition of military service, one that had seen his own birth in Japan, where his family were based at the time. The Navy provided structure and stability, but it also meant that Bryan had to balance his duties with his burgeoning passion for music. It was during his time in the Navy that he began to seriously consider a future in music. While stationed in various locations, Bryan found solace in songwriting. The transient nature of military life, with its constant relocations and deployments, provided ample material for his songs. He began recording his music in makeshift settings, often using a simple iPhone to capture the essence of his sound. This DIY approach underscored the authenticity that would come to define his music. Despite the less-than-ideal recording conditions, Bryan’s songs resonated with a raw, unfiltered quality that set them apart from the polished productions of mainstream music. 

Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j

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