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American Idol Contestant Zach McKenzie Returns with Transformative Single “The Day That I Found You”

Zach McKenzie’s latest single, “The Day That I Found You,” is a heartwarming and soulful ballad that blends country, soul, and gospel into a beautifully crafted love song. Released in March 2024, the track has quickly gained attention, even reaching the #7 spot on the UK iTunes chart—a testament to McKenzie’s ability to connect with a broad audience. The song’s central theme of love and personal transformation is deeply relatable, and McKenzie’s powerful vocals imbue it with authenticity and warmth.

Lyrically, “The Day That I Found You” tells the story of a pivotal moment when love enters the singer’s life, filling a previously unnoticed void. The repeated lines, “The day that I found you was the day my life got started,” form the song’s emotional core, emphasizing the idea of love as a new beginning. McKenzie’s lyrics are simple yet poignant, and they resonate with anyone who’s ever experienced the transformative power of a meaningful relationship.

Musically, the track leans on a rich blend of acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, and subtle gospel-inspired backing vocals. These elements create a soulful, almost spiritual atmosphere, which complements the song’s message of gratitude and devotion. McKenzie’s voice, with its deep country timbre and subtle gospel inflections, carries the emotion of the track effortlessly. His vocal delivery feels raw and unfiltered, as though he’s inviting listeners into his most intimate moments of reflection and joy.

The accompanying music video adds another layer to the song’s narrative, offering a touching visual representation of McKenzie’s love story with his real-life wife, Rossy. Directed by Joe Lane, the video juxtaposes flashbacks of a younger McKenzie with his present self, charting the course of his relationship. The video’s most poignant moment comes when the real Rossy makes an appearance alongside McKenzie in the finale, grounding the story in a tangible reality that fans can appreciate. It’s not just a love story being told; it’s McKenzie’s personal love story, giving the song even greater emotional weight.

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From a production standpoint, the track shines. Producer Lee Turner from Nashville’s 2twenty2 Studios has crafted a clean, polished sound that showcases McKenzie’s vocals while maintaining a warm, organic instrumental backdrop. There’s a sense of restraint in the arrangement—no over-the-top production tricks or flashy instrumentation—allowing McKenzie’s voice and lyrics to take center stage.

“The Day That I Found You” is an example of how Zach McKenzie is evolving as an artist. Known for his versatility, McKenzie effortlessly blends multiple genres into a cohesive sound, and this track highlights his growth as both a songwriter and a performer. There’s a confidence in his delivery that shows just how comfortable he is in his artistry, as if he’s truly found his voice, much like the love he sings about in this track.

For fans of country, soul, and gospel-infused music, *”The Day That I Found You”* is a must-listen. It’s a feel-good track that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the joy of finding their soulmate or the peace that comes from realizing they’ve found someone to share their life with.

If you’re a fan of McKenzie’s soulful country style, I recommend checking out Buddy Miller’s 1999 album “Cruel Moon.” Miller is a master of blending country, rock, and gospel, much like McKenzie, but with a grittier edge. “Cruel Moon” flies under the radar of mainstream country but is a gem for those who appreciate heartfelt songwriting and raw emotion.

–Ralph Morris

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Artist Spotlight

CircleKSK ignites an anime-metal collision on “UnBreakable Turn” ft. Anya J

UnBreakable Turn

On their exhilarating high-octane track “UnBreakable Turn,” CircleKSK and guest vocalist Anya J aim to combine the technical prowess of Nordic metal with the urgent melodies and dramatic flair of an anime opening sequence. Creating a cinematic and adrenaline-fueled tune with a melodic edge, CircleKSK has risen to prominence as an innovative act.

The deliberate fusion contributes to the single’s captivating nature. J-Pop and anime-song sensibilities contribute emotional hooks and sweeping, catchy lines; precision, dense riffs, and a sense of weight are brought by Nordic metal. Echoing the song’s vivid melodic contours, Anya J’s heroic and personal vocals and demeanor heighten the dramatic impact of the performance. The structure is based on the standard narrative progression: lively, evocative parts leading the way to more somber ones that ground the emotion.

The production relies on contrast so that lighter parts sparkle and heavier parts thud with satisfying force. As if CircleKSK were creating music for the eyes as well as the ears, this piece could serve as the score for a dramatic scene or the music for a violent montage. Not everything is surface-level, though; the emotional core remains. Anthemic and deeply personal, “UnBreakable Turn” combines the vigor of youth with the gravity of experience.

An assuredly inventive single that fearlessly asserts new territory, “UnBreakable Turn” by CircleKSK is sure to please fans of big, dramatic music that isn’t hesitant to mix sweetness and steel, as well as those who enjoy cross-cultural mashups. The single, which has been lauded by curators and tastemakers worldwide, is a strong statement about artists who fearlessly combine cultural genres, showing that passionate J-Pop melodies and intense Scandinavian metal can coexist in one unforgettable track.

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Artist Spotlight

Garth Adam keeps the flame of Journeysong burning with the new single “Three Fires”

Garth Adam

Garth Adam‘s latest single, “Three Fires,” evokes a warm dialogue in a subdued studio that is intimate, contemplative, and subtly victorious. Adam candidly discusses the exhilaration of uncovering self-assurance in both himself and his songwriting, and this revelation serves as the driving force of the track. At its essence, “Three Fires” is a straightforward commemoration: the delight in transforming a modest idea into something extraordinary through patience.

Adam’s vocal style resides comfortably within a folk-influenced pop genre, which he characterizes as a blend of Neil Finn and The Lumineers, interspersed with elements reminiscent of Coldplay and James Blunt. The reference point is beneficial yet not confining; “Three Fires” represents Adam’s unique creation, an accessible, melodic composition that prioritizes artistry over novelty. The single, recorded in joyful sessions in Perth with long-time collaborator and producer Melvin Tree, exudes the warmth of musicians collaborating in a circle, with the vintage Studer analog desk imparting an analog glow to the final recording. Melvin, Dave Kelly, and a select group of skilled music students contribute backing vocals that enhance the track with harmony and impart a subtly communal, authentic quality.

The lyrics of the song emphasize Adam’s preferred motifs: travel, journeys, and the subtle transformations that occur during the voyage. However, it is not overly forceful; the songwriting is elegant, transitioning from observation to insight with effortless fluidity. Adam’s delivery conveys satisfaction; he is a songwriter who has witnessed minor concepts evolve into completed songs and has learned to trust that process.

“Three Fires” serves as a testament to the notion that skill and perseverance can transform a mere spark into something luminous. For aficionados of melodic songwriting with an analog essence, Garth Adam’s latest work is a comforting, exquisitely crafted ember to accompany one on their journey. It is a song that encourages repeated, soothing auditory experiences.

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