MUSIC PROFILE
How did you get started in music ? I started playing when I was 5 and haven ’ t put it down .
Who are your musical inspirations or influences ?
John Mayer got me interested in playing lead , but I ’ m beginning to get a more Allman Brothers style of playing / noodling . I ’ ve also always loved Classic Rock , so I ’ d say CCR and The Eagles . I love the late The Beatles style of writing where they expanded lyrically ( specifically Sgt . Peppers ), as well as Bob Dylan and his take on the times . I also like to add some kind of punk or pop rock influences if I can do it tastefully .
What are your goals ? To continue doing what I love and to help people going through troubling times that might need my music .
What inspires you most ? Music and a beautiful view .
What is your songwriting process ? It depends on what comes first , whether it be lyrics , a melody , or a riff . Mostly , it ’ s write a song in about an hour and then lose all inspiration for another couple months .
Zack Maruniak
Layla Brisbois
Combine powerful vocals with a knack for perfectly stringing lyrics together and you ’ ll find yourself thinking of Zack Maruniak . Twenty-five year old Zack was born and raised in Leesburg to parents who later divorced and found new spouses . Growing up , Zack dealt with depression and loneliness which threw him into songwriting to help him cope . He focuses his music on positivity to help those also struggling to overcome and know they aren ’ t alone . Zack plans to release new music either this month or in April , going down the Blues path . He ' ll be shooting a music video in the studio to promote the release .
I got the chance to sit and speak with Zack about his music , inspiration , and other things that fuel him in this often unforgiving industry .
What is your favorite song you ’ ve written and why ?
" Someone I Would Live For ." It was the biggest emotional release that I didn ’ t know I needed . I guess there was a lot of pent up emotions I hadn ’ t been able to put into words .
What message are you trying to send through your music ? As of right now , I ’ m either trying to get out what I ’ ve experienced in life so far , or write words of encouragement . One of the biggest messages I want to send out is to do what makes you happy instead of what gives you the most money . Life is brighter when you love what you do .
What ’ s next for your career ? Hit the studio and go to Nashville .
Is there anyone who started you on this musical journey or “ put the music bug ” in you ? My mom said when I was about 3 , she found me standing on a chair with a toy guitar playing worship songs I learned from my pastor . I ’ m sure it wasn ’ t that great sounding . I like to think I ’ ve gotten a little better .
What is your biggest accomplishment so far ?: Making a comfortable living off of playing music .
What did you want you be when you were a kid ?: A popular musician . Working on the popular part .
20 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE | MARCH 2018