Put A Little Soul In… With Zachariah D Landry

Growing up in Vacherie, Louisiana, Zachariah D Landry had a gift and love of music he did not realize. He found himself sitting at a keyboard listening to music then duplicating it. He was told, “Maybe you should take this serious. Not too many people are able to play by ear.” Zack, as he is called by his family and friends, began to play the organ and piano at age 15. He was then placed in classes where he learn how to read music. It did not take long for his family to realize that he was given the gift of music by God.

The family’s faith was tried and tested. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina displaced Zack and his family. Times were hard but his faith grew stronger. At that time, he realized what the songwriter meant when he wrote, “Because He Lives.” Zack realized that it was God who had the final say because He held tomorrow. Through this adversity, Zack wrote several songs, “Lord, We Say Thank You” and “I Realize.” He realized his purpose is to win souls for Christ throughout the nation with music.

Zack has had the pleasure of singing these song with a group of his friends, Phaze. The group was created in 2008 when Zack was asked to lead praise and worship at his church. In October 2015, Zack and Phaze recorded an album, “Come On, Praise Him.” They have performed at the New Orleans Jazzfest on the Gospel Stage as well as the New Orleans Chapter of Gospel Music Workshop of America. He has also performed with various artists, one of whom more noted, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, who encouraged Zack to “Set a standard in music. Be a trendsetter, not a follower.” In 2015, Zack was the winner of the Rhythm of Gospel Best Contemporary Artist. In 2016, he won the NOLA Award for Best Contemporary Artist.

What first got you into music? Well, I was kind of born into this music. When I was a little boy, I knew that I loved music, the way it sounds, and feel. My great grandfather was a musician and a singer as well.

Who inspired you to make music? .
My wonderful mother inspired me, and pushed me hard to create music and to learn how to play and use my voice. I remember I took piano lessons for like two months and she took me out of It because we could no longer afford it. I remember her saying to me; “you are going to teach yourself” “listen to a lot of music and practice what you have been given y your music teacher and go from there.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?
my music is very contemporary. It comes with a great smooth tone hitting those wonderful estrange chord progressions, and harmonies. It has a neo-soul, jazz, rnb twist to it.

What is your creative process like?
the way I write songs is very abnormal. I could be anywhere from my house to my car, or my job, and something would come to me. It could be the beat, music, or the words first. Its very unorthodox.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would love to collab with Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, James Fortune, Todd Dulaney

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Kirk Franklin

What is one message you would give to your fans?
thanks for loving me and showing me consistent support. I can’t do this without you. Thanks for having my back even when I didn’t have my own back.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Mostly neo-soul rnb songs lol. Jill Scott, Faith Evans, SWV,

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I would most definitely be acting right now

Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I have performed at: The House of Blues, GMWA, Bobby Jones Gospel (for indie artists)

My favorite was The House of Blues

Least favorite would have to be GMWA

I have a LIVE SESSION coming up that will be posted on Facebook.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It has been a great and major impact on people’s lives because what do you do? When the lights are on and the cameras are rolling, you don’t think about anything else but giving your 100%

What is your favorite song to perform?
hOLD On

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Running late for a session

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
To create my own platform

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? ·
Being judgmental, the bitterness for other people

What’s next for you?
I will be releasing my new video on th 15th of March, along with my EP that will be following my single.

How important is the current COVID crisis to you and how do you think you could help?