Introducing: Bay Ledges

Who are you?

My name's Zach and I have a music project called Bay Ledges.

What does authenticity mean to you?

To me, it means expressing part of yourself through your craft. Finding ways to get inspired and having a curiosity about what I can bring to a song that's unique... I think it's just being yourself - letting myself free while I'm creating.

Why music? 

I started playing guitar when I was 12. Music was a big part of life in my family. Both of my parents could sing and would perform at the school they worked at. I used to watch those shows every year as a kid. I really wanted to get up there too. I was too scared to sing in front of people as a kid (all the way into college) but those days definitely planted a seed.

What was the inspiration behind your new song "Dive"? 

I was working with the songwriters Jason Bell and Jordan Miller and we'd spent the day working on a song I'd brought into the studio. The song didn't feel quite right so we turned off the computer and I was about to leave but then Jordan picked up this cool little instrument they had laying around, an Omnichord. He started playing some simple chords and the three of us just started putting this song together. It felt kind of random because it didn't sound anything like the song we'd been working on earlier. But there was something really pretty about the melody. It felt really intimate and kind of vulnerable. When we started producing the track it felt different than my other Bay Ledges songs...it felt like it didn't need much in the arrangement so we left it pretty simple.

Favorite place on this earth? 

That's a tough one. One is Popham Beach in Phippsburg, Maine. Growing up, my family went there every summer deep into the fall. It's right next to where I grew up. When you're there it feels like you're far away from everything. Pine trees creeping up to the sand dunes. It's pretty magical.

Favorite smell? 

My grandparents' old house.

Favorite lyric of your own?

I'm not sure about lyric but one of my favorite songs is "Tween Love". I think it's because that was the song that started the whole Bay Ledges project for me. That was me just playing and not thinking too much. I was really proud of it when I'd finished it. It felt like stepping into a new musical world.

Is there a book or quote that changed your life? 

The Phantom Tollbooth. I had a really hard time learning to read when I was a kid. I hated it. My grandmother gave me that book and for the first time I realized I could really enjoy reading. 

What was a moment that defines who you are? 

Damn, that's a tough one. In summer camp when I was around 10, I remember sticking up for my friend to the camp bully. I remember being terrified but also realizing, in that moment, I was someone who would look out for the people I care about.

What’s next?

This past year was a slow one in terms of musical output. I'm looking forward to putting out a lot more this year and getting back out to play shows.

Talent: Bay Ledges @bayledges