Zachary Ray Comes Home with New Music + Mindset

PSK - How does it feel to return to Boston after teaching music in India for a decade? Is the city different from when you were here last?

ZR - It feels so good. Like seeing an old friend again; I love that no matter how long it's been since being away from this city that we can always pick up right where we left off. The skyline has definitely expanded, different store fronts and cafes up and down Newbury and around town. (I’m definitely enjoying all the Tatte’s around) and my alma mater seems to be taking over more of Mass ave.

PSK - Tell us about that experience in India, and how it’s shaped your music?

ZR - I started working in India 2011 after college. Living life in a country I didn’t grow up in, learning a different language, customs, even just basic things of learning how to travel around India on public transport really expanded my world view. I feel like I have countless stories that have humbled me and experiences that have changed me deeply as a person and an artist. This has definitely translated to my work and music. The experiences of working with musicians in india and collaborating on songs with friends from Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune has been an absolute joy. I always find strength in numbers and working cross culturally makes that even stronger.

PSK - Was Berklee always your first choice for education? What was the most important lesson you learn while attending?

ZR - I applied to a few other schools , but my art teacher in high-school really encouraged me to apply and audition for Berklee. “Relationships above Career” probably the most important lesson I learned and that was from one of my vocal professors Jerome Kyles. Berklee is a community that keeps giving and I’ve seen that over the years since I finished studying there.

PSK - What would you consider your three greatest musical influences?

ZR - I have always loved pop music/electro pop songs so I’d have to say Duran Duran ; Pet Shop Boys and Sting.

PSK - How would you describe your new music, and what songs are you looking forward to playing live?

ZR - The new songs I’ve recently been working on all have an electro/pop feel although I do love stripping them down acoustically with just piano and vocals. When You Know, Let Go, Snapshot would be a few I’m really looking forward to playing live.