Zach Johnson On Fighting With Austin Carlile, Why He Left I See Stars, Outer Glow & Metalcore Tours

A big interview with Zach Johnson, formally of I See Stars! Zach appeared on their first four albums 3D, End Of The World Party, Digital Renegade and New Demons as their vocalist / screamer and keyboard / synth player. He explains
Why Did Zach Leave I See Stars?
What happened to Outer Glow?
Touring with Memphis May Fire , Falling In Reverse, OF Mice & Men and his relationships with Matty Mullins, Austin Carlile & Ronnie Radke
How he got kicked out of the band
What it is like touring with a metalcore band and going on Warped Tour etc
And how he feels about Devin Oliver / Andrew Oliver now
#ISeeStars #Metalcore #EDM

[@davesmusicchannel3590]

Hey fam! Little reminder if you want to listen to this whilst you walk around/travel etc you can get a free trial of KZbin premium and download it/listen whilst the app is closed

[@chrisgood9466]

You should send this interview to devin and Andrew and see if they can all come to good terms with each other Another album like new demons would be incredible Zach is one of my favourite musicians and is extremely talented as is ISS Would be so epic for them to get back together and create another masterpiece ❤️ It is great seeing Zach doing so well aswell big love 🤘💙

[@wavyspooky8279]

[@aydencampione81]

This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever watched. Zach is a really genuine guy. You can tell he really means what he says and he’s not bullshitting his demeanor and how he really feels. Really seems like someone you would wanna have a deep conversation with.

[@davesmusicchannel3590]

Yeah bro it was awesome thanks so much for the comment! He was so open. Incredible him speaking about Devin in that way

[@mikeylawson223]

💯 agree this was definitely worth a watch. Came across is trying to figure out what’s up with the supposed album ISS has finished but no one knows except that information and Luke Holland did drums. So glad I found this! Been wondering how Zach is doing for real.

[@Corvy952]

Haven’t heard from Zach since he was kicked from ISS. This was a great interview but also tough to hear at times, getting kicked from iss really affected him but he sounds like a positive person making the most of life and that’s awesome. I hope the best for him. Whether or not he makes it in music whatever he’s doing I hope he’s happy. This was a great interview

[@razdj13]

Glad to see Zach doing well… I went to go see I See Stars back in 2011 for my 21st bday, saw Zach outside hanging out and went to go say hi. He was so welcoming and excited that it was my 21st. Invited us in the bus and gave me a shot of vodka and some OJ to wash it down. Haha genuinely a great guy.

[@randallperkins7944]

Love Zach and I miss him a lot. I won't lie, Treehouse is one of my favorite albums to this day, and That was after Zachs departure.. New demons though, was an album that got me through some hard times, good times etc. I miss Zach's presence and I think treehouse would have been just that much better with Zach in the band. I wouldn't change the sound or tracks at all, just add Zach's Keys and screams in. I hope one day they can get back together, especially seeing how healthy mentally and physically Zachyyyy is rn, he looks fantastic yo. Digital Renegade was the first album I got into with ISS. that was 2012ish? loved every song off of it. I see stars is still very unique these days. No one else can do what they do. #ISSReunion

[@jaydenatreides]

Zach Johnson was someone i kinda looked up to as a kid from middle of nowhere NC and has had such a rough go of it but he sounds extremely optimistic about things and cant help but admire his determination!

[@josephmcelhany2271]

Zach we need you on screams again!

[@Corvy952]

I really feel for Zach. Would love to get an update on him just to see how he’s doing. Hopefully he and his family are doing good

[@TheKenshinEmo]

New Demons is one of my fav album of all time. Def changed everything to me. 2013 was a crazy year for this scene.

[@lidshhjojsh1733]

Oh wow, Zach looked so different on stage than he does in the interview. Thanks for uploading ❤

[@popskustom7382]

Glad he is doing better in his life. I do miss him in I see stars, loved the vocal contrast with him and devin. In my opinion it was very unique in the scene. The song writing on treehouse was so different than the previous albums. It is clear why.

[@davesmusicchannel3590]

Yes absolutely I really enjoyed watching them live with him in. The dynamic of synths with screams made the performance fun to watch

[@kameronwright9925]

Agreed. I saw i see stars 3 times. Two with Zach one with out. Enjoyed all of the shows but my favorite albums have zach on them. New demons ws fire

[@whatnani7372]

This was such a great interview

[@jmatisse9704]

So raw! And so much wisdom from you, Zach. I wish you the best in your continued journey of music & perpetual fight for sobriety. It’s a constant adversary! - Excellent interview.

[@jerrybonsera4771]

I'm an addict in recovery and I've been listening too I see stars for a long time now but never knew u struggled with the same things I do. This was amazing to watch. I fucking love you Zach and sending you love from Philly. Stay strong bud!!

[@insertunoriginalnamehere3471]

man, i already liked zach johnson before but, this just increased my love and respect for him, such a great guy

[@davesmusicchannel3590]

Yep really nice genuine guy

[@freshmaker5]

Zach’s screaming in ISS was top notch. I think he is one of the best to do it. I haven’t listened to the band since.

[@philipyeo7535]

I was 11 or 12 years old when I discovered I see starts when new demons came out. It was the coolest shit I ever heard. This interview has answered so many questions I've had about the band and outer glow. Thanks very much to both of you

[@JohnnyWizgetcrunk]

This interview made me Zach's biggest fan ever

[@BulletProofBacon]

Thanks for a great interview! Always wondered what happened with him leaving ISS

[@tpworldacc9163]

this was such a good video. lots of comments. i like the interviewers romans tattoo. this really meant alot to me

[@everythingsucks10]

great interview!

[@kylew1385]

ISS stopped being ISS when Zach left IMO. I pretty much only listen to that era of ISS. Alcoholism really destroys lives, I'm glad to see he is doing better.

[@Shithead553]

Does he have a new band?

[@audiodopebitch2292]

Nice to hear that you're in a better place Zach. Not sure if you'll end up reading this, but I'm a fellow Michigander and I've been a huge fan of ISS since 2009, the Chris Moore days, I actually started a petition and Facebook page demanding your return to the band because of how disappointing it was the one time I saw the band with him lmao. Seen ISS more than any other band, 6 times, last time was in Grand Rapids in 2014 with Razihel and SycAmour which was one of the best shows I've ever been to. Those beastly synth breakdowns of yours were what got me into the whole electronic hardcore scene and were always my favorite part of the music. The day they announced your departure was the day I lost a lot my love for the band that had been my favorite since my teenage years because as far as I was concerned, you were the element that made them so great. I'm currently struggling very hard in life and fighting addiction and I relate so much with a lot of the things you said in this interview, it almost felt like you were in my head. It's so great to hear some inspiring and hopeful messages from someone who I've looked up to for a lot of my life who's also been through similar struggles. Keep on doing you man and keep your head up, I'll always be a fan and support you no matter where your endeavors take you. PS: Props for the BMTH love! Oliver Sykes is also a personal hero of mine

[@KlutchAndJerel]

Very interesting to hear that current iss had been sitting on an album that was basically shelved. Because to be working on just a single album for the past FIVE years just doesn’t make sense, even with them ‘taking their time’ and Devin doin his shybeast stuff. Wonder if it’ll ever see the light of day. Also, Best to only interject when it seems like the guest is done talking. Felt like there were a lot of great points that were cut off just so you could make a one-liner, and it’s only exasperated by zoom’s delay/lag. Still great content in here, thanks for posting 👍

[@wesleymonroe879]

great interview man

[@kingslayer951]

Just saw iss tonight that brought me right to this interview brought back memories

[@fvckingvillains]

Just found this. Got to hang out with iss on their bus back in 2014, Talked to Zach before the show out in the crowd and got an invite to chill on the bus. After the show I never saw him, but I saw jeff and andrew and mentioned I talked to zach, so they checked the bus and called me and my two friends in to chill for a bit, after a good while my friends wanted to leave, and zach showed up drunk, but saw me remembered talking to me and came straight up to me almost in tears, gave me a tight hug saying he was sorry we didn't get to talk or hang out, and that he was dealing with some relationship issues. It was such a real moment as a human being to see someone you idolized be so transparent with me, regardless of their status or current issues going on in their life. I don't think I will ever forget that night. Zach's a good dude in my book, and always an inspiration for me even outside music with what he showed me that night.

[@angiewilson8936]

I'm in my fifties. And my kids listen to I see stars when they were young and I have loved this group for years. I always wondered what happened with zach.. and why they left wow there really is two sides to every story I'm sorry they done you this way. This is probably one of the best interviews I have ever heard keep up the good work. And don't ever give up on your dreams. And remember bmth song true friends stab u in the front..

[@yorkina9760]

im one of big fans ISS from indonesia, i miss you scream,i miss you sync, i miss you zach

[@OBVRECORDS]

Incase anyone is interested, Zach is doing well, he has moved away from Michigan to be close to his daughter. He/Z^K has a single dropping on the 5th of AUG, named 'MUSE', which is the last single to be released before the full album 'THE DEBUT ALBUM' drops on AUG 27TH. -Frances

[@davesmusicchannel3590]

Thank you Frances !

[@OBVRECORDS]

@@davesmusicchannel3590 yeh I couldn't add the links unfortunately as it resulted in the full comment disappearing, but you can find his Spotify easily Z^K. And yeh hes just been super busy, new job, moved into his new place etc and album coming out soon.

[@derbylied9553]

I can’t find his new project band anywhere also Outerglow have disbanded.

[@dantelan-i-er5466]

I miss Zach in ISS. New Demons was definitely my favorite and their best imo. He really added a lot to the band and without him, it's different. I enjoyed Tree House but you could clearly hear Devin trying to sound like Zach with the screams. It's just not the same

[@allie2839]

I liked Outer Glow, but really I was/am Zach's fan first. I follow his projects because I'm a fan of him as a musician and a person and I honestly think he's incredible. I miss him in ISS, but his solo work is great and I'm looking forward to things he does in the future. This is a great interview.

[@VaeyaKaebrielle]

He is all over the place... The interviewer only said like 4 things. The rest was zak going off on all sorts of tangents. He should do a podcast, but he'd half to reign it in a bit, to allow others to talk too 😉

[@nuoxy]

miss that old i see stars sound with breakdowns

[@derbylied9553]

You can have my optimism and buoyancy for you enjoy the life that you do truly deserve.

[@rainstormao3162]

Wow so glad he's stayed real

[@RyansResolve]

I saw ISS in 2014 during the All Stars Tour. That was my first time seeing them live. I remember being in the merch area before their set, and I saw Zach (while drunk as fuck) trip over a trash can. I think that sums this whole interview up pretty well.

[@Corvy952]

It was really interesting hearing Zach talk about the inter-personal relationships with other bands and guys like Matty Mullins (whom I never like) & Ronnie Radke. The monster sponsorship that was so interesting I never thought these metalcore bands were rich, growing up a metalcore fan at the time it was clear to see these bands were not that big, outside like he said Asking Alexandria. Warped tour was always a big deal but in the grand scene of music it really just was things small spec..

[@wjveryzer7985]

Doesnt listen to that type of music anymore...I prevail. His favorite band is bring me the horizon. :) This was a great interview!

[@f4est399]

New demons was my favorite album I listened to it for 2 years straight everyday. After zack left it wasn't the same

[@adamrose6969]

either that or digital renegade is their magnum opus

[@blackninja9400]

yes right :(

[@derbylied9553]

Still enjoy the interview.

[@shampoo119]

he is so real..

[@titanialisbeth6967]

Well i miss u zach.. Once you leave the ISS it is very different

[@BulletProofBacon]

Love that Zach tells it like it is, even if I don’t agree with some of what he said. But I will say it’s too bad he interrupted you so much- I can only imagine the clashing that must’ve happened between him and Devin 😭

[@Plem_xo]

Nahhh. He doesn't talk over people a lot. The connection here was just shitty, bit of a delay

[@andysolis7810]

Basically he said in the mid of this vid that if all stuff get straight between them there could be a chance to come back to ISS

[@andysolis7810]

but its pretty sad that they are not getting in touch again

[@derbylied9553]

Nah the rest of this video he made it clear that he has lost his interest for this type of music and prefers to spend rest of his life with family.

[@dantelan-i-er5466]

@@derbylied9553 He didn't recant his statement though. He legitimately said he'd make music with them again if they apologized.

[@derbylied9553]

@@dantelan-i-er5466 Plausibly could happen however I think they won’t because it could seem trivia to them and if it is trivia they should apologise to him in regards and recruit him let bye gones be bye gones he didn’t deserve it on how they treated him.

[@matthewmiller9569]

I knew I related to this guy on some deep levels. And I am really happy to hear that wax helps him cut the edge. I have never been an addict when it comes to hard drugs, but, I had my crazy days. Hell, maybe, I was lol. I just did a lot of different drugs a lot of the time.... k, well, anyway, self-realizations.... anyway, I have tried to explain to my family and friends why I dab so much and smoke dmt at least once a week. It is a lot like his reasoning for hitting his wax pen. The wax basically chills me out but I can still go about my day. The dmt... yeah, there are a few reasons for that. But, it also definitely helps me recollect myself

[@heg1098]

What an interesting man

[@tpworldacc9163]

i would honestly like to see i see stars do an album like more musical, different time, structures, but poppy metal electro.

[@whatnani7372]

Where are the links to his stuff?

[@justinyo1796]

You have to get in touch with Tyler Dennen next if you can!

[@GuillotineKing]

Don't take this the wrong way... Cus I'm currently dealing with stopping drinking completely...... But It's amazing how as he talked about his drinking problem, you set your drink down then spent a minute playing with it, wanting to drink it but what he was saying was perspective.... I'm so proud of Zach, and I wish he could have made things work with ISS and/or Outer Glow or that other side project he had before hand..... That said, hes still doing what he loves, even if its a different genre, and I've been too terrified to try anything new.

[@GuillotineKing]

Also New Demons is my fav album

[@Serpentsfate808]

Shame, I never got to see them in there prime. But end of the world party means alot to me . and that thumbnail pic is sick!!

[@mendagiojoenyls.433]

Did zach released a solo music?

[@sethledger6309]

Doubt you’ll see this but I hope you’re doing well Zach, we worked together at Tyler’s detail shop in Almont. I hope you get to see your daughter more often. Best of luck, Seth.

[@davesmusicchannel3590]

I emailed him recently to see how he is and sent him a link to see all the nice supportive friendly comments but didn’t hear back. Hope he’s well

[@OBVRECORDS]

@@davesmusicchannel3590 he is doing well, has moved away from Michigan to be close to his daughter. This is my 3rd attempt at commenting as they keep disappearing but that may be because I added links to his new music that's about to drop. -Frances

[@ZiggyValentine]

I just watched this and man does it bum me out that he’s as talented as he is and he’s just sitting at home doing normal shit. The band wasn’t the same after he left, Treehouse was decent, but there’s only 4 songs I go back to whereas New Demons and Digital Renegade are great all the way through. Hope he ends up making a big comeback.

[@bransaint]

Came here to say exactly what he says at 36:20. Yes, you absolutely are.

[@derbylied9553]

Nice your face looks in shape.

[@chrishayden1677]

Dropearth - This Is How You C Lose A Door - April 30th Everywhere STREAM IT ON YOUR FAV SERVICE!

[@ThaddeusQueef]

I wonder if he still does any Outerglow stuff

[@davesmusicchannel3590]

Nope he mentioned he wasn’t really into that kinda music anymore.

[@badbetchh7185]

dude right johnny frank from attack attack, Bilmuri is so fucking gooooooood

[@BulletProofBacon]

Anyone know his IG name?

[@derbylied9553]

He needs to collaborate with I Set My Friends On Fire and Phil Bozeman.

[@derbylied9553]

ISMOF have collaborated with Berried Alive recently.

[@brett5569]

What’s his solo music called

[@whatnani7372]

z^k on youtube

[@mickeygravesproductions]

Z^K

[@FENRIR212]

" i felt when I needed my friends the most they turned their back on me and it fucked me up" felt that men :( ☹ 💔

[@noroyalbloodline3983]

Crazy how they were getting so much attention with new demons and then he leaves. They could have gotten so much bigger🥲

[@Rippingthewall]

i have listened to him talk and talk, while vaping in a bed room at his moms, now he’s talking about quitting his kitchen job because he has to stay after too long, i have to go.

[@KlutchAndJerel]

I thought it was Devin screaming on Your Love

[@Southernbredbread]

32:40 begins the why he left I see stars question Update: be warned the guy gets sidetracked easier than a squirrel that sees a nut. It takes a while…

[@mattodude237]

Great interview. My band paid chris moore to make us shirts. He took half the money and ghosted us 🤣

[@davesmusicchannel3590]

No way!!

[@adamrose6969]

1:07 did he just say moms?

[@sixty4emerald]

You never linked his Chanel wtf

[@jamescanfield7779]

Love Zach but God damn let.the guy talk and ask some damn questions. He keeps cutting him off and I can see it in the guys face he's getting flustered. Legit can't get a senty in

[@ahlund88]

like meter above 9000

[@derbylied9553]

Odd seeing Deathcore bands making millions while both ole and new Metalcore, Post-Hardcore and Electronicore bands are struggling since Deathcore use to be so obscene, scary or odd to most of mainstream now is becoming mainstream more mainstream than Death Metal.

[@brett5569]

Honestly I see stars could have been way bigger but their 2nd album I think really slowed them down.

[@DudeLoopNoob]

Haven't hurd from Zack in a long time

[@davesmusicchannel3590]

Yeah I was stoked when we got this interview done

[@bradpalag7654]

So you guys were straight Joe Rogan it out there…

[@amandaedwards255]

Zach come back to devin y’all Fucking kill it together and y’all are grown now y’all can do this and blow the fuck up I know it! No more petty drama anymore

[@derbylied9553]

No they have moved on, ISS have already released two single songs as a very short demo album only consisting two songs which is their softer tracks yet and had no screaming vocals or ISS heavy parts.

[@derbylied9553]

Unless they have changed their minds for a Union.

[@derbylied9553]

It’s cleaner and softer than Treehouse.

[@kameronwright9925]

​@@derbylied9553whixh i dont like .

[@dvoelkerjr]

Fucking hell Zach...let the interviewer speak...🙄

[@starfox878]

that's the point of an interview, to let the interviewee speak without limitations

[@lifeordeath13]

I could really relate regarding the influence of alcohol, which lets you forget all the morals and just let it all out, once the alcohol has subsided it is really shameful to think about what you have done because that was your opposite or the monster you have been keeping at bay..

[@theunexpectedua]

I'm glad that Zach is happy, even if he's high off his ass on weed :D( he's very high in this video)

[@SkeptixPrdxn]

Poor guy. You can tell he is lonely and needs someone to talk to.

[@derbylied9553]

Shame really...i see,Zach Johnson,collaborating with,Brandon Butler,former vocalist of Veil Of Maya and Lost Origins forming together...perhaps even guest feature,Phil Bozeman,in the near future...Phillie Boy still accepts guest feature spotlights.

[@derbylied9553]

His recent feature was with Children Of The Dead Seed.

[@-TheWordWasGod-]

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)

[@ThePlopem]

Poor guy got fucked over and forced to live with his mom and wash dishes by the band he helped build. I hate this whole scenario.

[@internetphenomenon734]

This guy is so dysfunctional.

[@TheBrandonn]

I wanted to fight Austin on that tour too. Stupid band not announcing a mid tour departure. Just let people get to the show SURPRISE, NO VOCALIST! never liked om&m again after that tour

[@future_elevator_music]

Seems manic

[@ebenezerspludge8369]

Oh he writes rap music now, I'm out. I'll go look for more on I See Stars elsewhere.

[@symystyk]

I cringed every time he wouldn’t let u speak

[@tyronewilson3079]

No shit Ronnie got pissed at you for doing substances

[@somersfamily]

Who's ronnie

[@joshguy5221]

@@somersfamily ronnie radke. They were on tour together once and Ronnie kicked them off the tour for getting arrested for weed. Old beef.

[@philincelmo9637]

So Zach is one of those woke types too, damn. Kinda wish I never heard him talk, kills the illusion.

[@davesmusicchannel3590]

I didn’t think he seemed woke. Which part are you referring to?

[@starfox878]

kinda sucks how this dude said he was treated, but treehouse was definitely their best album.

[@StarCatRaver]

I disagree. Treehouse was a great album however I think new demons and digital renegades was their prime

[@starfox878]

@@StarCatRaver those were great but i feel like treehouse was where they found their sound and was what they have always wanted to do.

[@joshguy5221]

@@starfox878 I feel like Treehouse is a new chapter for ISS, it is a fucking awesome album tho I love how it's very melodic and heavy.

[@tightywhitey9779]

This was painful as fuck to sit through. I feel bad for you not even being able to finish your question without him rambling about something unrelated for 10 minutes at a time. I don’t blame ISS for kicking him out, he is all over the place and definitely not all there even sober.