How Zach Bryan Became an Overnight Indie Country Star | Interview + thoughts on 'DeAnn'

Do we have the next Tyler Childers on our hands? That's what a lot of people are saying about Navy ordinanceman Zach Bryan, who is having a viral music moment (at least "viral" in our little corner of the country music world) with his album 'DeAnn.' In today's video I talk with Zach about his sudden rise.
Some TIMESTAMPS for the interview:
8:23 Where are you/where do you live?
9:00 What do you do in Navy?
10:00 When did you get into music?
11:30 How are you handling the sudden rise?
13:40 Who are your musical influences?
16:45 Why did you start releasing stuff online?
18:30 Songwriting style... "messiness"
20:00 Discussing recording the album (and why there is laughter in the recording of "Condemned")
24:40 Talking about his low-fi production style, and why that is working
27:00 Tell me about DeAnn, your mother.
29:50 Discussing "God Speed" and hopefulness.
32:00 Where do you go from here?
34:15 Zach makes a clarification about his song "Felker."
Find Zach Bryan:
Apple Music: / deann
Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/3YYZIz...
KZbin: / @zachbryan1067
Twitter: / zachlanebryan
Instagram: / zachlanebryan
Shoutout to this piece at Saving Country Music, which helped me research for the interview: www.savingcountrymusic.com/me...
Find Grady:
Website: gradywsmith.com
Patreon: / gradywsmith
Subreddit: / countrymusicstuff
Twitter: / gradywsmith
Instagram: / gradywsmith
Facebook: / gradysmithwriter
Spotify: open.spotify.com/playlist/5SB...

[@GradySmith]

Some TIMESTAMPS for the interview: 8:23 Where are you/where do you live? 9:00 What do you do in Navy? 10:00 When did you get into music? 11:30 How are you handling the sudden rise? 13:40 Who are your musical influences? 16:45 Why did you start releasing stuff online? 18:30 Songwriting style... "messiness" 20:00 Discussing recording the album (and why there is laughter in the recording of "Condemned") 24:40 Talking about his low-fi production style, and why that is working 27:00 Tell me about DeAnn, your mother. 29:50 Discussing "God Speed" and hopefulness. 32:00 Where do you go from here? 34:15 Zach makes a clarification about his song "Felker."

[@garyyoung5080]

Please review Kyle Park

[@David-cb6bd]

Dude is gonna be the next big thing just wait.

[@bassinwithbryson9209]

David L. Yea

[@dutchdettweiler]

next sturgill simpson, gonna do it his own way, an original for the record books

[@yamahaguy1732]

David L. Idk if I want that I mean I want him to be successful but when they go big it’s never the same producers always change them

[@haydenc9689]

dutch dettweiler yeah Like Ed Sheeran of Country Just Wait!!

[@heix0]

People are yearning for real. The dude is as real as it gets

[@jamescraddock3579]

2 years later and waiting for American heartbreak Zach Bryan was not a flash in the pan and his music is damn near perfect

[@nikibrowne]

34 songs on the album wow who does that?! Zach does that and they're all pure gold

[@GemsOnVHS]

I've become a fan.

[@pineandfire]

GemsOnVHS omg so glad to see this comment...i was just recently thinking about leaving you a comment saying you should meet up with this dude(zach to be clear)🙌🏽

[@Vibbus]

Good to see you here

[@drewsims262]

Please please please have him on gems, that would be amazing

[@antonijestanisa8565]

Put this man on gems. NOW

[@GemsOnVHS]

He got gobbled up quick by middlemen and managers. Would love to meet him though. Maybe one day!

[@chcowboy5410]

I like the low productivity because it feels like he’s there around a fire with a guitar singing with the boys like it’s a recorded memory I think a lot of us have had moments like the scenario above also I think it complements the rawness of his voice completely. I’m not a country music fan at all I have a handful of songs I like but this guy right here is awesome and I can now say I’m genuinely a fan of a country artist.

[@robertmoore203]

Watching this and seeing how Zach has grown is insane. Same for Grady

[@yikes3154]

I definitely prefer crappy iPhone porch vids rather than studio stuff

[@ennieminee4470]

Watch his next single be about the long tan legs in blue jeans!

[@gpgborni]

Yeah, because it feels more authentic if he used his phone on a porch

[@tessdolata691]

@@ennieminee4470 never. have u listened to his new album?

[@MrMrsVegan]

I’d prefer to be there in person around the fire pit!

[@jordanucantneverknow2884]

Zach Bryan’s Song “me and mine” check it out. He says “Poorly written songs next to horses sh*** is what an oaky boy prefers”

[@curtismcquiston3192]

Heading south is one of my favorites and god speed

[@madoxgaudet3406]

hell or high water is prolly my fav

[@kevinsmith205]

Teared up hearing about deann. Embrace your talent your mother was right Zach.

[@yodacoolest]

tearing up at the part where he talks about his mom right now!!

[@connordemers5698]

It made the hook of Godspeed hit that much harder after I learned that his mom had passed.

[@Veteran_Aviator]

Just found Zach yesterday. This guy is incredible. Definitely our generations Johnny Cash. Don’t change man. Your sound is what makes you great.

[@JoeCoggin147]

Check out Colter Wall. I’d recommend “The devil wears a suit and tie” or “Sleeping on the blacktop”

[@potatopoison1130]

@@JoeCoggin147 Kate mckanon is my favorite song

[@mattsealey4314]

Yeah that title belongs to Colter but Zach is amazing

[@jamesbell9577]

Ya that's a huge statement... Johnny Cash was an original and all these new fellas are his disciples!

[@IonIsFalling7217]

I *love* when service members become country artists. Just such a soul behind the music.

[@GradySmith]

Wanted to try something new on the channel, and so many of you have been telling me about your passion for this guy, Zach Bryan. Well, I loved his record, and he was kind enough to sit down to talk about it with me. It was fun to get a true independent artist perspective, something I haven't gotten to really show here on my channel. I give some thoughts about 'DeAnn' first, and then the interview starts around 8:00. We talk about his sudden rise, the low-fi nature of his output, his admiration for Jason Isbell and Evan Felker, and whole bunch more. Enjoy it y'all!

[@dragonkfg]

This really delivers!

[@thetowerfantasymusic]

Please do something on Colter Wall, just the single greatest young country singer/songwriter right now

[@Mattfri1]

If you're looking for rising stars, check out carlton Anderson and mitch rossell

[@austinhall8543]

It was awesome! Try to get Cody Jinks on the channel.

[@adyyoung19]

Great interview! Really hope this guy blows up soon. He's one of my favorite artists!

[@julieking9364]

Video idea: Top ten sad country songs

[@jrice6874]

Love it

[@jeremyevans9629]

Using again

[@peramoure]

Don't even need to vote. The answer is "if we were vampires" by Jason Isbell. I... Sob.. Every.. Time.

[@nickconrad94]

Picture by kid rock!

[@highwayghost900]

@@jeremyevans9629 using again is probably the most honest piece of music I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

[@JoeCoggin147]

Colter wall!! You need to get Colter Wall on here ASAP! His voice is remarkable

[@ajsmalaisemopargarage2073]

I really agree. As a proud Canadian I can say we are proud of colter. Hell yeah he needs to be on Grady's channel!

[@aParanormalEvent]

Last November I lost my mother to alcoholism and a few days ago this album pops up in my related. I don't write songs but I do write as therapy and to come across this man's music at this point in time of the year can't be coincidence. There's too much going on in his music that I relate to. It makes me remember everything. The pain, the joys. And most of all, the little things. If I could sit and talk to Zach, I'd not only thank him for the music but for the fuel that has sparked a hundred different forgotten memories of her. I've cried more than I want to admit the past few days just listening to Sweet DeAnn but there's something so connecting about losing a mother. I didn't have a strong relationship with mine. She battles demons right up until the end. But now I remember the small hellos and the little things like the way her hair tickled my nose when we hugged. And of course, her laugh. Which I can proudly say I got from her. I've got a ton of things to say to my mom, but until I find the words, I'll let Zach so the speaking. That never ending ache.

[@MrZane777]

Lost my mom on an accidental overdose when I was 9. I'm 21 now it really doesn't stop hurting but I know shes doing better. Much love stay strong.

[@Nojukex]

Bub Finney I too lost my mother to alcoholism. God speed touched my heart like no other. You’re on the right track of things. Everyone has their demons, but you can’t hold anything against anyone. Best of luck, god speed.

[@TTVSmileyz420]

His approach to singing and song writing reminds me of Johnny cash

[@TTVSmileyz420]

He's special

[@niallmccrink14]

He has an extreme Johnny Cash vibe about him. Love it, can't wait until he blows up.

[@AnonymousNP]

@@niallmccrink14 Colter wall is damn good too, so far Cody Johnson, Zach Bryan, and Colter wall are my new favorites

[@niallmccrink14]

@@AnonymousNP Must check them out man.. If they're half as good as Zach they'll be serious artists. 👌

[@AnonymousNP]

@@niallmccrink14alright!!

[@monicajernigan1581]

This guy is so awesome. Not because I've heard his music (I will be now) but because of how humble and genuine he is!

[@Douglas_I]

Hell yes!

[@albertacosta657]

He's not that humble or genuine.

[@bigwillandthechocolatestom4523]

Fuckin lier.

[@bigwillandthechocolatestom4523]

You want the male chicken. Just say it.

[@albertacosta657]

@@bigwillandthechocolatestom4523 I'm sure he does.

[@reneepuvvada]

What's wrong with sounding like Childers? Childers is the poster child in that raw, gutsy, messed-up blue collar boy genre because there aren't too many blowing up that scene right now. Please let's have more!

[@Douglas_I]

That's one of the coolest ways I've ever heard of an album being recorded! Buying a bunch of equipment and going and using mattresses as walls! Awesome. That adds so much more to the music. Knowing it's just raw talent and personal lyrics makes it....I don't even know what to say. I'm really not sure why I'm here, I don't listen to country much and not indie country at all. But everything about this adds so much heart and soul that so so much music is completely lacking these days. I love it. I hope to hell he keeps pursuing music. Thank you for the music and thank you for your service sir!

[@IamBobRoss23]

Spoiler alert, the dude made it.

[@chewwa1700]

This guy is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists right now. I really think God Speed could be a massive hit.

[@padenkindall922]

Thank you so much for introducing me to this guy!

[@christopherhorton1995]

Love this album and I’m glad you’re keyboard didn’t stop this from recording!

[@joshuamuniz7747]

2yrs later and Zach is a star

[@sirnimbus3498]

I stumbled upon his music yesterday and I've had him on repeat. I've shared so many of his songs to my friends.

[@meganchipley2305]

wow this was so awesome. he is so awesome. the part where he was talking about his mom made me cry so hard.

[@scottrosanio2451]

Came across Heading south on a random acoustic run from you tube music while at work and been pushing every button since to hear all his songs. I hope big things happen for him, cause he doesn't just knock on your home door but kicks it in with how I and I'm sure so many people relate to his raw style. Great interview and AMAZING song writing.

[@prohero22]

This is the music we need right now. This dude is raw and real. Love it!

[@jacobsmith831]

Thank you for doing this! you're so lucky you caught Zach at this point in his career... He will be known forever in the country music scene.

[@Yellow_Hammer]

You keep sending these killer artists my way and I’ll keep watching. Great stuff Grady.

[@wadsywaddell9808]

Sweet DeAnn is one of my favourite songs on this album and i cant wait for the next one.

[@wheatking8971]

Amazing interview man glad you did a special on him. The album is special and people need to hear it.

[@miasebastian2317]

Zach Bryan is absolutely amazing and I truly can’t wait to see how far he goes in his career💖 i wish him the best of luck

[@natedavis64]

He Popped up on my KZbin suggestions definitely glad he did!

[@RyanRosco]

I found YOUR channel because you interviewed Zach Bryan. I love his music. Now it seems I need to dive through your videos, as they seem right up my alley

[@jeffguybersen]

I love this dude. Everything he writes; I FEEL! He will be a youtube sensation!

[@dawnt3746]

I ❤️ his voice!! Can't get enough.

[@onewxrldmusic7303]

I really liked this interview which was your first. It also is a nice intro to Zach's music.

[@jrice6874]

Awesome content Grady. Thanks for sharing info about Zach. Gonna to check out his album after the video!

[@brentfreer7097]

Amazing album and amazing interview. My favourite concert was Merle Haggard, because before each song he explained the back story of the events going on in his life when the song was written. When I hear Zach’s songs, which this interview confirmed, they are his stories, his experience, and people resonate with them. Share your songs, and the stories, I love it.

[@TooOldForML]

Stumbled on this video already being a Zach Bryan fan, thank you for the video :)

[@zxt6788]

Ive become more then a fan, i feel as if he sings my life story... Truely a beautiful soul he has and i will forever support this amazing person

[@WyattRNilsson]

im in the army, the first time i watched one of his in person videos, i instantly knew his ass was military LMAO

[@wagnerrr23]

Your hand! Best song! Shivers down spines, heading south and godspeed. All good! 10/10

[@kenthomson8654]

Lovely guy. Thanks for the really great interview. Please do some more.

[@mccram6819]

Amazing voice!! His words touch you right down to your soul!! 💖 I just became a FAN!!

[@ethanwilson1641]

This guy is amazing and I can’t get over how good his music.

[@trevortheterrorist]

I really appreciate this interview man. What a great interview.

[@ezraroberts9016]

Look just letting Zach talk was the best thing for an interview. Thank you… super rare type of interview to be great. It’s rigid, broken, perfect

[@khatch7856]

There is no doubt in my mind Zach is going to blow up real soon!! Definitely a up and coming musician to keep an eye on!

[@MarkRiley12]

I just came across this cat a few days ago myself and I haven't stopped listening to him. He has almost pushed out another I came across recently, about 2 months ago, called Lost Dog. I just can't get enough of them! I found out about them and within a month I was already traveling 5hrs to catch a show. And let me tell ya, they were WELL worth it! If you haven't heard of them you should check them out. And if you haven't already done a video on them, you should.

[@johncrutchfield939]

I think his songs hit so hard because every single word is relatable as hell

[@brianbrown1454]

Raw emotion is always and will forever be , delivered in its purest form . People talk about how he’s kind of rough compared to others yet these jewels he has shared with the world are perfect as they are .

[@margaretstoner4701]

I am so hooked on him...like a Tyler Childers...Jeff Tweedy....i started believing they were all "oh boy" they sing life experience 's I would think most of us can relate to.Honestey and raw.I LOVE HIS MUSIC.THANK YOU FOR SHARING ❤

[@lisamorales3914]

He is so awesome! I have no words.

[@MrJEP1967]

The amount of soul that he puts in his music is the biggest thing that draws me to it. That's also the biggest similarity I see between him and Childers...keep it up Zach and thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@madelongorman8328]

Gosh, I just came from his concert in NYC. I swear, Zach is one of the most genuine and humble people you’ll ever encounter. He truly is something special, I’m excited to see where he goes in another 3 years.

[@kodybogner9152]

Glad to hear all the meaning and feeling from the man himself

[@hughiegibson1716]

The rawness of this album reminds me of Chris Knights The Trailer Tapes, which is a compliment!

[@austinthreshermusic2627]

I lovvvve this idea! 👌 Great review too!

[@JonForshort]

I always wondered if he was a servicemember. Can't miss that haircut and certain look. Great job!

[@TheTreadLife_]

After being a fan for many years. And I can imagine you might think differently 2 years later. This album is an 11/10

[@WelziFC7]

I first found Zach a little over a year ago maybe a year and a half right before I got out of the navy. The navy county music fan scene was all about this dude because he was one of us. Glad to see him getting national attention.

[@Darknessensues]

Zach is phenomenal, now The last knife fighter deserves a solid listen as well. Right here on YT!

[@eastonisbell764]

Now you got over a year and a half later and he’s debuted at the Opry and got 2 standing ovations. This kid is going somewhere!

[@matthewm4336]

Damn Grady, I remember watching this video2.5 years ago and immediately getting hooked on ZB. Appreciate all you do. Hope everythings well.

[@Ross_Hendo]

Good job on the album for an Ordie. Glad he didnt yell IYAOYAS. Grady great interview, and great content as always. Keep it all up.

[@annj6616]

This interview is wild to watch only 2 years later, bought tickets for zachs October Seattle show yesterday which sold out in like 20 minutes- just wild!!!

[@tacomalife5205]

Isbell is the BEST!! God bless this guy. Love his music. Good luck in the future young man. Thank you for your service!

[@pottterlover713]

"self-loathing loveliness"

[@nikibrowne]

I just came here to see what this guy Zach looks like so that I could put a face to the voice and found out that this was the interviewers very first inner view! Way to go you really have a wonderful personality and now that it's what? 3 years later I can only be led to believe you've made all your own wildest dreams come true. Very talented guys both a y'all. 🏆⭐️👑

[@ZachRainerrr]

How could people not like this guy. Extremely humble dude, not really wanting the fame just trying to find himself in all of it. I respect that. Amazing job, amazing music keep getting that music out it’s fantastic and I love it.

[@sethcourtney468]

IYAOYAS! I’m a tron and worked hand in hand with some of the greatest sailors/ordnance men on the planet. Keep killing it dude

[@ricmichaels8712]

Very genuine guy, very talented. He's gonna be very big

[@Liv9660]

Listened to Zach’s music for the first time because of this video. His lyrics resonate with me in a way that I haven’t heard in a LONG time. Love Condemned, Moon in Oklahoma, and God Speed. I’m truly moved by his music.

[@albertacosta657]

Don't let the bandwagon lead you.

[@margaretstoner4701]

Exceptional interview !

[@justinw874]

Good interview 👍 actually watched the whole video! Nice job

[@clemsonguy7282]

I seen this dude’s youtube videos about 2 weeks ago and got hooked and i’m so glad he’s getting recognition because he deserves it

[@potatopoison1130]

Forreal

[@Always_On_Media]

This is the kinda guy you want as a good buddy! Hes real. big fan of the music and emotion he puts into all of it. Really resonates, music is therapeutic, hes definitely got a great gift from the Lord.

[@andrewjohnson581]

This is a breakthrough artist. I discovered Tyler Childers 5 years ago and now he’s big. The Weeks, I discovered 12 years ago. Watch him. He’ll go far.

[@travkruse6078]

The beauty of Zach Bryan in my mind is how natural it is, it’s just a man and a guitar singing his heart out

[@marcelbrouillette2814]

Pretty cool watching this a year later and seeing how far ya"ll have come

[@richardredseal3993]

Best of Luck to you both. I like this Kid~Zach Bryan. I'm fixin' to learn "Heading South". He nailed it.

[@leemj192]

Great interview🙌🏼

[@kylewells1191]

I’m getting a Caamp vibe from his music style, along with Childers of course. Really dig the rawness and purity of the album!

[@Ginzy]

19:06 that line in Snow is LIFE. It cements Zachs greatness for me. Snow is one of my favorite songs.

[@Ginzy]

Crazy he never heard A Case of You...

[@BLee-pv9fh]

I literally just dore him, his music is magic and his soul even moreso.

[@alough698]

I feel like everything Zach said, especially in the beginning of this video, is spot on. The way he explained writing music is exactly what I've been trying to explain for years to people about my own music. I'm not Zach or claiming to be as amazing as him.. so please don't take this comment out of context. I'm just saying that he explained it the way I've always wanted to. Honestly, now that I think of it, even if I did explain it perfect unless that person understood what it takes to be capable of writing music like Zach's they wouldn't get it anyway. Loved watching this! Made me feel normal. Can't wait till' he make is to STL one day on tour!! I'll be attending for sure!

[@kevinsmith205]

Thank you so much Grady for reviewing his album. Been listening to Zach for months and hoping he’d get the recognition he deserves and you’re a huge start. He’s on his way to being up there with Childers and this is what country should be.

[@jakematier7058]

Fantastic video Grady! Been following you on twitter for quite sometime this is the first video I've been able to catch! Been listening to Zach for awhile and never experienced an interview! Glad to check two boxes here! You should definitely keep doing things like this! with a review with the artist Loved it

[@johnkringstad6551]

Great interview!

[@brycefernau1512]

The low production is what makes him special. Simplicity is awesome

[@user-ls9nm9uy5s]

Zach Bryan is a incredibly special Musician perhaps the best and most intense lyrical geniuses of our time. He just gets better right now. Wonderful to listen to Zach's progress Musically !

[@alliemay616]

The first person that came to mind was Jason Isbell, I’m glad you mentioned it too

[@MrChristoffer5700]

Zach Bryan is amazing because he is raw he is a guy with a guitar that sing what he feels he doesnt have the greatest skill with the guitar or the greatest voice but together it's really pure and thats whats beautiful imo People want a genuine personality and he is that he isnt some wannabe

[@TheShadowArabesquer]

He is my favorite by a million miles. I’m on a very serious kick. Everything he does is gold. Especially his KZbin videos with his friends.

[@howwerunit8070]

I’ve been on a kick since I saw headed south with 30k views I can’t and won’t stop and I try to show him to anyone I think will listen

[@jax3032]

HAD TO PAUSE and listen to him. If my life were a book his music is the soundtrack

[@tozen25]

Audio book?

[@zayliamoranstylesons]

discovered him about a month ago! LOVE ZACH BRYAN

[@Barkzzz]

Cant wait for him to release more tracks

[@andrewstofila7586]

Grady, I must thankyou from the bottom of my heart, without you I would have never found such amazing artist like Cody jinks, Charles Wesley Godwin and now Zach Bryan. Seriously thankyou

[@wheatking8971]

If you like zack bryan. Check out Kolton Moore and the Clever Few. Similar rough voice and good songs