After years of Naval service, Zach Bryan began uploading music to YouTube without expecting recognition or success. He wrote and recorded songs in his spare time when possible; taking advantage of quiet times to work on them when available.
This result is a collection of images that is both striking and melancholic.
He’s a man of contradictions
Zach Bryan has gone from underground singer-songwriter to selling out stadiums with an extraordinary career journey. Hailing from Oologah, Oklahoma – son of Dewayne and Annette Bryan (both former Navy service members), who gave their life in service of music – Zach quickly rose through the ranks as an independent musician before breaking through as one of today’s biggest star musicians.
Lyrically, his songs offer a deep understanding of life’s most challenging emotions. He excels at conveying both its raw pain and beauty and joy simultaneously.
Bryan’s music has always been about finding peace with yourself and accepting what has passed you by, such as when love leaves us behind; “the way it feels when love leaves behind”, as expressed on ‘Sweet DeAnn.'”
He’s a lover and a fighter
Bryan explores both the upbeat anthems such as “Overtime” and “Summertime’s Close”, as well as the dark, bittersweet side of life on this record. Songs such as “Hey Driver,” written for husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty; or his duet with country singer Kacey Musgraves “I Remember Everything”, illustrate an artist willing to take risks with his music.
This album showcases an artist capable of selling out stadiums while maintaining an air of dignity and maturity in his lyrics. Bryan is a versatile artist who utilizes all aspects of his talent to produce meaningful music for his audience. Not only a great performer but an outstanding storyteller too – Bryan’s passion and talent has seen him build an enormously loyal fan base that has driven his rapid ascent to stardom within country music – embracing both pop elements that have recently come into prominence while remaining true to its traditional roots.
He’s a small-town boy
Bryan has found success attracting an ever-expanding fan base through his relatable and sincere approach to music. Fans appreciate his sincerity when taking risks – for instance he went out of his way to make one chronically ill fan’s dreams come true – something which may appear as mere showmanship to critics but which has helped Bryan form an inextricable bond with them all.
Navy veteran Bryan started out his musical journey by appearing on the Grand Ole Opry before signing to Warner Records in 2021 and releasing his debut album American Heartbreak shortly thereafter – it quickly became a breakout success! Bryan’s music mixes classic punk emotionality reminiscent of Tom Petty with classic country sounds made popular by Johnny Cash to produce an album that stands apart from current country pop trends and stands as an impressive testimony to life experiences which influence and inform his songs.
He’s a national sensation
Zach Bryan is one of the rare country artists to build an audience without the assistance of Music Row’s machine. Through posting amateur DIY videos of himself playing heartfelt melodies outdoors on social media platforms such as Instagram and Vine, he soon amassed a loyal following.
His success eventually earned him an invitation to perform at the Grand Ole Opry stage and an exclusive deal with Warner Records. American Heartbreak became a top country chart-topper while simultaneously solidifying him as an internationally acclaimed star.
Bryan’s latest release, 2023’s self-titled album, serves as an impressive demonstration of his abilities as a singer/songwriter. His beautiful, emotive vocals shine brightly through every track on this record – both soulful and gritty with plenty of twang!
His songs explore everyday realities of life; there are no pickup trucks, bikini-clad girls or football games here; rather it encapsulates an entire generation’s understanding of hard work and family ties – which makes him such a hit among his fans.