We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zachary Finnegan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Zachary thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Being an artist is all about taking risks. Each time I play I am taking a risk. Choosing this career path is risky in itself. I have countless stories where a risk paid off, regardless of if I was successful in that moment or not.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

(BIOGRAPHY) Zach is regarded as a rising-star trumpet artist based in Chicago, IL. He is currently on a world tour with 5-time Grammy Award winner, Michael Bublé, playing arenas and venues around the world. He has appeared on 11 albums and has played in the bands of renowned musicians such as the Buddy Rich Big Band, Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra, Jared Thompson’s Potluck, Camila Mennitte Quintet, Blueshift Big Band, Meghan Stagl Duo, Christy Bennett’s Fumee, Carrington Clinton Quartet, and has shared the bandstand with the likes of Matt Ulery, Lenard Simpson, Ethan Philion, Thaddeus Tukes, Rob Dixon, and Marlene Rosenberg.

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Zach previously founded two bands entitled, “Crossroads Quintet,” and, “Omnos Quartet,” which released debut albums respectively. Along with his freelance work in the midwest, he is a sideman in the popular hip-hop/jazz-fusion band, “Clint Breeze and the Groove.” Zach received his Bachelor’s degrees at UW-Stevens Point and received his Masters degree at Indiana University. He is currently creating his debut album under his name which will be released in 2024.

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Zach’s groups have played multiple festivals, most notably opening for Dave Liebman at the Riverfront Jazz Festival in 2017. He has headlined the Bull Falls Jazz Festival, and the Taste of Bloomington Festival. Other festivals he has performed at are the Indy Jazz Fest, Mole De Mayo Festival, CHREECE Festival, B’town Jazz Fest, Ear Taxi Festival and Feast of Lanterns Festival. In 2018, Zach traveled as a solo guest artist with the Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music Tour to various venues across seven European countries.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

You are your biggest and best resource. I don’t want this to be misleading or cheesy in any way. Investing in your community that you’ve been building your entire life is the best thing you can do for yourself. Lean into those who have helped you. That can be your teachers, mentors, colleagues, classmates, family and so on. Additionally, building and growing your community is absolutely necessary in this field. When I was at the beginning of my collegiate studies in music I decided to go to a summer jazz program. It was a scary experience at first because I didn’t know anyone at the camp, it was across the country, and I had never done anything like this before. I made friendships that I still to this day connect with, not only personally but also professionally. that two week program has completely changed the course of my life all because I chose to expand my network and grow as an artist. It was pivotal in my growth as an artist and human being, and I can’t stress enough how important relationships and your network that you cultivate will shape how your professional career unfolds down the road. Invest in those around you, it will ultimately come back in ways you may never expect.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are so many rewarding aspects of being an artist. I believe art, and music specifically, can speak to people when words fail. Nothing in this world moves people like music. Music can make you feel quite literally every emotion from sadness to anger to happiness to love. As a musician, it is special to be a part of that emotional journey with an audience. Being an artist brings me closer in my relationships without having to say words. Seeing the humanity on a nightly basis gives me hope for the future, and I can see the love and joy in each persons face.

The wonderful thing about being an artist is that it’s a group effort. It’s a team. It’s a band. I can’t succeed unless the bandmates next to me also succeed. It’s a beautiful collaboration where all of us want the other to succeed and in doing so, we all do. By being in a profession that requires collaboration, my community is always expanding. I get to meet different people from all walks of life, and all parts of this earth. Regardless of our background and musical journey, we can still make something beautiful together. It is a remarkable experience, and each time it is different and fresh and new.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zacharyfinnegan.com
• Instagram: @zacharyfinneganmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zachary.finnegan.9/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2uleo5PzQPXSfy9_HVN3yg

Image Credits
JSPAM Photography