Zach Schmidt looks like he sounds; jaw set tight even at rest and eyes that seem to have seen too much. He resembles a young Depression era prairie pastor.
Landing in Nashville two years ago, Schmidt came to town from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his EP Horse, Truck or Train as a calling card. With the EP’s sparse production and lyrics which paint a picture that better days are coming, but sure as hell aren’t here, the Townes Van Zandt influences are noticeable. Train and Schmidt’s live performances have won over players in Nashville’s Americana scene as evidenced by the help provided to his upcoming full length: The Day We Lost The War (set to be released at the beginning of next year). Engineered, mixed and mastered by Justin Francis, with bass and steel provided by Santa’s Pub defacto house band rhythm section, Adam Kurtz and Carter Brallier. Aaron Lee Tasjan provided guitar for the album.
Schmidt will be playing songs from both records when he opens for Tasjan’s record release show on October 25 at The Basement. You can also catch him tonight at the 5 Spot for "Cover Your Friends Night," also featuring Cale Tyson, Caroline Spence and others. -Alex Vucelich