Zac Poor is an American pop singer-songwriter who grew up in the small town of Fairfield, Montana. In 2004, Zac made the move to Los Angeles, California to further pursue his dreams of being a professional singer-songwriter. After years of hard work and commitment he caught the attention of Swedish hit-maker and producer Adam Anders, the highly acclaimed musical producer for the hit TV show “Glee,” and music industry veteran Alan Melina. He is currently working closely with Anders and producer Peer Astrom on his debut album due out this summer. Zac crafts rich songs by reaching into the past without fear and also stimulates musical contact with his fans by seeking out the universal truths of past experience, those elements of life common to all people regardless of the difference in experiential details. “My songs are both inspired by my own life experiences and those of others around me … For a songwriter, everything must inspire you so your life is not the only thing on display. If it was, not everyone could relate.” Recently, I had the chance to ask Zac about his music, his inspirations, and the direction he’s hoping to go in. You can read about it below.

When did you first realize you had an interest in music and what sparked that interest?
Loved music ever since I was a kid. I received a Play School microphone/recorder when I was 3 and I have a pic of me singing my heart out even at that young of an age. I think I’ve just always had a love for music!

How did you break into the music industry?
I performed a lot when I was younger and caught the attention of many talent scouts booking State Fairs. After I exhausted my go at Mid West Fair’s, Carnival’s and Festivals I moved to LA. I broke into the industry by doing free demos for established songwriters. I would come in, sing the song, always tell them their bridge sucked and re-write it for no credit and eventually people started to recognize me as a writer and would ask me to co-write on projects! Publishing deal came a couple years later.

How would you describe the sound of your music, and what makes you feel like your album is different from the other artists in your genre?
Pop music for sure. Loved pop ever since I was a kid but growing up in Montana I had an a appreciation for country music as well. So I feel that what I focus on a lot as a singer/songwriter is real life stories/situations. Raw emotions. So even though, I may write and sing guilty pleasure Pop hooks, they are always accompanied by solid country love long lyrics. I feel like it’s what a lot of my 80s and 90s influences did. Richard Marx, Bryan Adams, Phil Collins etc…

What are some of your plans for promoting your music – do you plan on doing some touring?
Can’t wait to be performing locally in Southern California with my ZACPOOR bandmates, and out on tour in the near future. I am also directing 5 viral music video’s, one for each song on my soon to be released EP entitled “Let’s Just Call It Heartbreak”. My Lead off single and video is called “She’ll Be Breaking Hearts”. A modern day “Maneater”! Sooooo stoked. Im also very focused on all viral aspects of promotion as my ZACPOOR team works closely with marketing and promotions team EMG.

Musically speaking, what are some of your short term and long term goals you have lined out for yourself? What are your hopes for the upcoming year?

Long term goals have always stayed the same for me. I want to make great music that people can listen and relate to. I do music because it makes others feel good; not because it makes me happy. I want to be a longevity artist that makes a stamp on the music industry as opposed to being just another passing fad. Short term goals would be to book a tour as the “opening act” with a popular artist, and finish my full length album.

Lyrically speaking, where do your song inspirations come from? Is it easy for you to sit down and write lyrics, or is it a bit of a challenge sometimes?
The lyrics of a song are what comes easiest to me actually. I find inspiration is all sorts of things; friendship, family, love, loss, heartbreak, fear, happiness, challenges etc… I also have so many incredible memories of the place I grew up. I truly believe I could write and endless catalog of songs simply inspired by my love for Montana. And the memories I made there!

Who are some of your musical interests and influences?
I loved the 80s! Though I only lived during the 80s for a brief moment I am so inspired by the music that came out of that era! The music of the 90s is also a big influence on me. The attention to detail, and carful crafting of lyrics! Loved it back then! I feel like music is really missing quality lyrics/stories as of lately. I love the work of Phil Collins, Richard Marx, Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, George Michael, Cindy Lauper, and a lil’ Ace Of Base action…. that’s right I said it, freaking love me some Ace Of Base.

Who are some artists you’d like to work with?
Would be so stoked to work with Richard Marx, Ryan Tedder, Kelly Clarkson, Rascal Flatts, Garth Brooks, Adele, Taylor Swift, Eminem etc… A diverse amount of peeps I know, but I think I could write a hit with each one. Such talented peeps out there!

What is the experience like to be out somewhere and be recognized by a fan?
Happens rarely…. but it is always flattering.

Besides music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
I really enjoy photography. I always like to have a creative outlet. Even when I need a breather from music, which usually lasts only a few hours, I like to take pictures. I also really enjoy writing. Not a big reader tho? Never read an entire book in my life. Tried…but never can seem to do it?

To find out more information on Zac and to hear some of his music, check out his official Myspace page here.

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