It is one thing to be able to put on a good performance as a live musician. It is an entirely different thing to touch the audience’s hearts with one’s musical talent. Zak not only has one of the most unique background stories as an artist, but also he turns his personal experiences to create a connection with each crowd he encounters.
Zakary Webb may not be a native to Mineral Wells, regardless of where he originates. He makes everyone feel at home. Zak grew up in the small town of Brownwood, TX. His heart was always in music. He tells us about his upbringing, “I’ve actually been singing since I was two years old. My sister used to do beauty pageants. So they’ve asked for me to come along and sing a little ditty. But that part’s hereditary. My family on a large scale, they all do music and my parents were vocalists as well.” He gained his personal passion from artists like Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, and Kirk Franklin.
But things were not easy in the Webb household. Zak actually lost his mother and father fairly young, so he learned quickly how to be an adult. Yet he never forgot his love of music. “I had four jobs. I was working at the Boys and Girls Club, Home Depot, at a hotel lobby, and I also did mobile DJing. Every job I’ve had I was good at. But I never felt like ‘this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life.”
Despite his struggles, he really found his voice in college when he met his good friend Marlon Hamilton. The two young men started a Pop Duo from 2012 to 2016 called Tyme. This is where Zak really got his start as an artist. During this season, Zak and Marlon got the recommendation from Jackie Bibby (The Texas Snake Man) for an audition for Shai Berry with Raising Star Entertainment
“I think the most memorable moment for me in my musical career is when I first auditioned for my manager Shai Berry. I didn’t have lights or running water at the time. The audition ended up at our house. She was only in town for the night. And I didn’t even have an extension cord. And so I was stringing Christmas lights from the neighbor’s house. It was a pop duo; so I hooked up lights, a fog machine, speakers, microphones, all from the next-door neighbor’s house.”
Zak’s manager Shaialso shared a memory, “You could hear Zac. At that moment my hair stood up on my arms. I thought, ‘he’s got the full package.’ I didn’t realize what a nice soul he was at the time; he was just extremely gifted.”
From that moment his music career took off. He got together with some friends and created the full band he has today which consists of Kevin Kelly, their bass player, Frank Lopez as lead guitar, and Daniel Graham on the drums. The group does all genres from covers to originally written songs.
Zak told us what’s really important to him is connecting with the audience on a personal level. “I like to make everybody feel like it’s their own personal show. So I try to look everybody in the eye at least once throughout the evening so they all understand that I am with them. There is all kinds of music coming towards you. I take you on this roller coaster that has a high point of energy where it’s like, I don’t even know what he’s singing, but we have fun. I have also always loved helping people get through a situation without even knowing a person.” On the other hand, Zak also has an innocent side that connects with all ages. “I’ve worn several different festive outfits. I’ve been a bunny rabbit, an elf, and a Ninja Turtle. I love kids too. One of my favorite things to do is sing the ABCs at shows. Because sometimes you’re doing a family show which is also important.”
Shai explains that because of his audience interaction, Zak has changed lives with single shows. “The next day we receive emails, not one but sometimes two or three people in the audience will say ‘your music gave me a reason to get up and have a different direction this morning’.”
However, Zak recognizes that he wouldn’t be here today without his wife. He proclaims, “Her dreams and her goals are not less important than mine. She’s got another year left and she’ll be eligible to be an RN. I wouldn’t be where I am without Jaclyn.” On that same note, Jaclyn couldn’t be more proud of her husband. “He wants them to connect with people. But we know that our relationship is the important thing and his career is a priority. His career is taking care of us.”
The Zak Webb Band has accomplished so much for just starting out. They have had two singles ‘Roll Baby’ and ‘2 step’ reach the top 100, TCMA chart top 25 on KB Canada #1, the top five in KB Country, and won best local musician of Brown County 2020. Zak gives us an insight on what they are currently working on, “I have one EP out called, Based on a True Story. And I have three singles, ‘Music Minimum Wage’, I Ain’t Your Buddy’ and ‘It Feels Like…’ I am actually going to be working with David Percival with Yellow Dog Studios, on an EP.” They also made a lyrical video just for us in Mineral Wells.
This amazing band will be coming to Mineral Wells on July 4th, 2021 at Coffee & Cocktails. This wonderful show will be a great way to celebrate our community and independence. For more information on the Zak Webb band:
Writer | I graduated from Weatherford College with an Associates in Art, focusing on history, creative writings, sociology, and humanities. Experience in child development, client care, and runs local Spoken Word Poetry group for young teens.
