Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Phillips.
Hi Zachary, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a veteran of the KC music scene as I was born and raised here. My 2 brothers and I formed The Gadjits in 1994 when we were in grade school. Our unique Ska/Punk sound was quickly noticed by our literal music heroes Rancid. The Gadjits went on to tour all of North America and release records on Hellcat/Epitaph records till 2000. My brothers and I then renamed the band The Architects and continued to tour and record music throughout the 2000’s=2017ish? We collected over a dozen best of KC awards and proudly carried the KC flag all over the United States and Canada. Supporting bands from Flogging Molly, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Bouncing Souls, Frank Turner and My Chemical Romance, and working with several Independent labels and one Major (that is a story for another time). The Gadjits /The Architects also known as The 3 Phillips brothers Brandon, Adam, Zachary (plus Mike Alexander and Ehren Starks) ,carved away a legacy built on Great showmanship and world class musicianship.
Today I produce and record my own music as LONE STRANGER here in Kansas City, MO. My music is highly influenced by Reggae, Ska , Punk Rock, and 90’s Hip Hop. For fans of Gorrillaz, The Specials, Massive Attack and Lynton Kwessi Johnson.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For Real? Well, after the collapse of the “industry” it’s been even more exploitative and corrupt than the good ole days back when you could sign a record deal, or build an organic base of fans by touring and working certain cities. Today it’s all Tik Tok and how many views you have on Youtube. When I was a young man it was not cool to start a band, and Guitar Center had not yet taken over the world and ruined the idea that creating music was a very special thing, more so than being a physical artist (painting, sculpting, photography, etc…). Today playing a guitar is as generic as joining the football team at school. I hate to sound like a crotchety old man but we can all thank Guitar Center for homogenizing, and marketing away all the iconic brands , and making sure that ever 15 year old owned a Strat or a Drum Kit. I am even starting to hear whispers of Artificial Intelligence creating hit songs in milliseconds and flooding the inter web with awful mass produced “music” that to some is indistinguishable between the real thing! To answer the question, YES, being an artist or musician and generating the excitement and money it takes to keep the lights on and pay bills has always been a difficult road paved with unreceived credit, overlooked talent, and plenty of Blood ,Sweat and Tears. It’s never been the path to easy street but all music makers and artists keep creating because it must be done. For all of my experience, mis steps, and mistakes creating music is still the one skill that I am absolutely sure that I am here to do. Its lite a pair of jeans molded perfectly for me. Moving past the desire to care deeply weather all the other kids will love my music too , and becoming satisfied only to myself has been my biggest accomplishment outside of producing music as LONE STRANGER
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Right before and around the opening stages of the pandemic I was gifted a mostly new MacBook Pro and a fresh version of Logic Pro X. I forced myself to learn how to record and use the computer to create music as I wanted to, alone, when I wanted to, and with zero outside help or input. It was the single most exciting important stage of my Creative life that I can claim.
Before I was completely at the whim, time frame, and mercy of a recording budget, a label, a studio, or some other unclimbable, insurmountable wall. My creating revolved and existed inside a complicated fabric of other band mates, practice schedules, and calendar years. Today if I write a hook in the shower by the time my hair is dried I can have a demo recorded to play back while I write the next part. I am the master of my artistic universe. I never have to wait again to express myself. I have everything I will ever need to make music that I want to make. Actual Freedom
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Always tip on take out orders, always smile for the camera (unless you have a “blue steel” like I do), and never turn away fans that only want a pic and a quick autograph! If you want to be Big Time, then you better act like a Big Time Proffesional. Without the fans, you got nothing
Pricing:
- https://lonestranger1.bandcamp.com/album/introducing-the-lone-stranger
- https://youtu.be/kPnXDVXzUKQ?si=ML3oYfViUwpNXzZ7
- https://youtu.be/8NmgqYWbiqc?si=TQenuVTWP3dBXeBT
- Please buy my music at Bandcamp
- and visit my Youtube page to like and subscribe
Contact Info:
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@LoneStranger1981com
- Soundcloud: LONE STRANGER Official https://soundcloud.com/discover/sets/artist-stations:1174722865
- Other: https://lonestranger1.bandcamp.com/album/introducing-the-lone-stranger
