Zach Williams & The Reformation

"Labels are dying, people are doing things differently now, and it's benefiting the artist more. We hope to be a part of that movement." - Robby

Interview with Zach, Red, Robby, Creed & Josh

By Randy Mallett

February 2010

BP: Intros all around! Who do we have here?

The entire band - Zach, Red, Robby, Creed, and Josh.

BP: Alright, for those who aren't familiar with the band, tell us

briefly how you guys got together. Weren't a few of you from

the band Further Down?

Red: The core; (myself, Robby & Josh) of the band are past

members of Further Down.

Robby: We all felt like we were walking in circles in FD.

We were playing the same circuits and not getting anywhere.

Zach: Red and I were living together because I was going through a nasty divorce, and

we just started writing together. Eventually I saw an outlet with these guys. They were falling

apart and I needed a band, so they started backing me up. We decided to go with a singer and band name because they were still in FD when we started playing together, and they didn’t want to upset anyone.

Josh: We were all pushing for this sound in FD and never really achieved it, but in this band we feel like we finally have our desired sound!

BP: You guys don't waste any time. The band is still young, yet you've managed to piece together some gigs in... Europe? That's incredible. How did you guys get that accomplished, and what dates are you most looking forward to?

Robby: We were up in Chicago last summer and ran into some friends from the band Steepwater and they suggested we contact their company (Teenage Head Music), for a Euro Tour.

Red: Yeah we were trying to book shows by ourselves and these guys do everything for us, so it worked out!

Zach: I’m looking forward to the shows where I don’t have a hangover! Really looking forward to all of them!

Josh: I’m real excited about Barcelona, and going to France.

Creed: Barcelona should be fun.

BP: You've also got some US dates booked after you come home right?

Robby: We are booking shows as we speak. When they are finalized we will announce more shows.

Josh and Zach: We plan on having a few weeks off when we get back, but it will pick up after a small break!

BP: I know the band's influences well.... they're all influences of mine too. And I hear a lot of all of them in your music. But what would you say to those who claim you're just a Southern Rock tribute band?

Zach: I would tell them to listen again! Because we are more then that!

Red: Yeah! Come to a show, check us out and then try to say that.

BP: Do you feel your band model is sustainable in the music industry of today, and the future?

Robby: There is a market for Rock 'n Roll, it's just not mainstream. Which is fine by us!

Josh: Rock 'n Roll is not supposed to be mainstream. It's kind of cool not be expected to sound a certain way!

Zach: There are a lot of groups like us that are very successful (The Crowes and Govt Mule for example). They have been around for a long time, but people love them!

BP: You guys certainly look the part. Long hair, beards, mustaches, plain clothes.... is that part of the "look" or is this just you being comfortable?

Zach: We dress like this because this is how we dress and we feel very comfortable in it.

Red: Yep, no shaving. It's awesome!

Robby: I have a double chin... I have to have a beard!

Creed: I'm still trying to grow a beard!

BP: Your cd "Electric Revival" is incredible. Tell us about recording it.

Zach: It was recorded over a period of six months in Memphis, TN at Young Ave Sound.

Josh: It was the most fun we ever had in the studio. There was no stress at all and we managed to

produce it ourselves with a little help from Jenn!

Robby: I liked it because they let us use the loft upstairs to hang out when we weren’t working. We

did a lot of lounging and foosballin!

Red: Yeah and met a lot of cool musicians!

BP: You had a few awesome session players come in and contribue to the album as well right?

Red: Yeah we had a lot of great Memphis session players come in; Susan Marshall, Jackie Wilson, Rick Stef, Al Gamble, and Luther Dickinson of the Crowes.

Zach: These guys were all real cool cats, and very professional. Jenn is great friends with Luther and he came in on a day off and nailed it in a few takes… He is great!

Robby: We pretty much asked them to do what you think needs to be done, and they ran with it.

Josh: Like Rob said, they ran with it, and really felt what we were trying to achieve.

BP: How stoked were you to get the album reviewed by Billboard?

Red: We were all really excited, mainly because it’s such a huge publication, but also because it felt like we were finally getting some notoriety!

Zach: Yeah, and it had Dave Matthews on the cover!

BP: What's next for ZWR? Will you guys be shopping for a record deal this year?

Zach: Nope, I don’t think we will be shopping to labels. However, we are going to try to get some serious business people involved and take it to another level.

Red: We want to sell records and we can do it without a label, it's just a lot of hard work!

Robby: Labels are dying, people are doing things differently now, and it's benefiting the artist more. We hope to be a part of that movement.

Josh: It's all about the all mighty buck…. Someone give us some money.

BP: Here's a good one for you: what are some of your favorite new bands?

Robby: I’m the only guy that likes new music… I like My Morning Jacket, Dawes, Monsters Of Folk, Arcade Fire, JJ Grey, and Them Crooked Vultures. Good bands trying to keeps good music flowing.

Creed: Since I'm new in the band I like ZWR…. I have to listen to our CD all the time along with the Crowes, The Band, Bad Company and more classic stuff.

BP: That's it guys. Anything else you want to throw out there?

Zach: Nope. Thanks for taking the time to interview us and we appreciate all the support!

BP: You're welcome! It's most definitely my pleasure. It was a pleasure chatting with you, and I hope to see you soon. Best of luck in Europe - knock 'em dead over there!

All: You too! Thanks again for everything!