Zach and The
Bright Lights’ latest album inspires, provides The Antidote
AKRON—No
matter what ails you, The Antidote is coming on December 6.
After
15 years of recording, Akron-based singer-songwriter, Zach, will release his
15th record, The Antidote, which is also his fifth record with his backing
band, The Bright Lights.
The
title of this latest album derives from Zach’s personal journey through
depression to emerge with even greater optimism. He speaks of music as his own personal
cure. “Music is so powerful. It can touch a soul at such a level as nothing
else can,” Zach said.
But
The Antidote is also a band album, and this latest offering from The Bright
Lights is a new step in the evolution of the band. Michael Marotta (keys), Charlie Trenta (lead
guitar), Neil Keating (bass), and Chris Maneri (drums) combine with Zach’s
impassioned songwriting and vocals to sculpt a sound akin to the
singer/songwriters of the ‘70s, mixed with touches of Bon Iver and ‘80s pop, a
healthy helping of soul, and a layer of crisp Americana.
The
Antidote also ventures thematically into new territory for The Bright
Lights: modern-day social ills, and
curing them. Zach said he wants this
album to “inspire people to their highest goodness, to encourage us all to
manifest this goodness in some way in our lives.” This idea echoes in “Ignite the Soul,” when
he sings, “Give, give, the gifts you give.
Ignite the soul."
In
the past few years, Zach’s become as equally known for the kinetic energy of
his live performances as he has for his community activism, being named
“Humanitarian of the Year” by Akron Life Magazine. This album reflects that vocation and passion. Songs like “Ohio Breaking,” the anti-fracking
anthem “I Want a Future Too,” and the environmentally-conscious “Pledge” raise
awareness, while songs like “Hymn” remind us that, "when the world comes
to drag you down, light your smile, it keeps the darkness out."
“I
Want a Future Too” has already gained recognition from some other
songwriter-activists as a winning entry in an Artists Against Fracking contest
judged by Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon.
And
anyone who’s seen Zach perform live will recognize “Manifest,” the song he
professes as his life’s philosophy, with the chorus, “We should manifest
ourselves in exquisiteness every chance we get."
Zach
and The Bright Lights release The Antidote on Friday, December 6 at the new
Jilly's Music Room ( at 10pm. A number of all-star guests will also join The
Bright Lights on stage. The evening will
also incorporate performance painting and other multi-media elements for an
energizing and enlightening performance. No cover. However, donations will be accepted for Zach's
new Love Initiative Fund, a fund to help Akron-area nonprofits create programs
to educate and inspire nonviolence in the community.
CONTACT ZACH:
440.668.1687
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