Multi instrumentalist Zack Borer’s laid back melodic style and superb voice are guaranteed to stir something within. Hailing from New York, Zack brings numerous influences into his subtle, incredibly musical form of acoustic pop folk.  His well structured songs are filled with emotion and delivered with real style and passion.  We recently tracked him down and asked him about life and music in the Big Apple.

How did you get started in music?

Music has brought me to places I never thought I'd be able to go.  Ever since I was a little kid I felt connected to melody and rhythm. It wasn't until high school though, that I began to play guitar, and many years later that I began to sing.  Along the way, I found many musical artists that have helped mold me into the person and musician I am today. Slowly I began playing in front of crowds, first at open mics playing covers, eventually getting to the place where I felt comfortable enough to sing my own songs.  As soon as I heard the applause for something that I created, there was no turning back.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Inspiration can come in many forms.  I have discovered that I cannot comprehend inspiration, it just seeps into my existence.  Life experience, relationships, friendships, traveling, human emotion, even my morning coffee can all inspire me.  How that fuses into a song is still a bit of a mystery to me.

What’s been the musical highlight so far?

The highlight so far is the present.  It is incredible to me to be in a position to continue doing what I love.  To surround myself with people who believe in me is definitely the highlight. Their support and confidence in me keeps me going...

What’s going on for Zack Borer in 2009?

Lots and Lots!! To begin with, I have put together a backing band that is phenomenal.  Their level of musicianship is amazing, and is taking my live show to the next level. I am also working on my online properties daily.  From zackborer.com to myspace to twitter and facebook, the internet is allowing me to stay connected to people from around the world.  I feel a huge desire to be as accessible as possible to anyone at anytime.  Then there is the writing. Without that there is nothing.  So, I am writing a ton of new songs all the time. Sometimes they come together quickly, sometimes they don't.  But as long as they are there, I am

happy. I also have plans to get back into the studio to lay some of these new songs down.  Everyday something new can happen....

You are from New York. What opportunities and challenges arise from being based in such a culturally vibrant place?

New York City is an amazing, yet polarizing place.  The opportunities are endless here if you really have the motivation to make them happen.  It is definitely a challenge to define yourself in such a bustling city, but it also makes me hungrier.  The ability to see some of the best talent in the world is a very cool thing, but also puts me in my place as a performer and writer. There is just so much damn talent in this city!!! There are times where that can be an obstacle, but it teaches me everyday to focus on MY craft, because NO ONE else writes my songs, I do, and I must remain confident and proud of them.

You’ve recently released a single ‘That’s the Way’. Who did you record it with and what was the experience like?

Recording "That's The Way" was a great experience.  I recorded it at Tremolo Lounge in West Boylston, Massachusetts, about an hour west of Boston.  The Studio is in a converted old barn in the middle of a rural setting.  The engineer/producer is a talented guy named Roger Lavalle.  His direction was tremendously instrumental in the sonic make up of the tune.  I wanted the chorus to have a full reggae feel, and with the help of Duncan Arsenault on the drums and John Barrows on the bass, I definitely think we accomplished it. 

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