Zack King releases new album

Zack King is a Minnesota-born guitarist and singer-songwriter who traded the harsh chill of the Midwest for the endless summer of Los Angeles where he seeks light through the noise. Chasing both warmth and freedom, music became his constant, a place where he could turn frustration into melody through his relatable artistic expressions. His musical adventure began as an escape but has since blossomed into something far bigger, a mission to connect, heal and rebel against silence through sound.

His music sits at the crossroads of pop punk nostalgia and modern emotional aesthetic, drawing inspiration from artists such as Blink-182, Jimmy Eat World and MGK. Wrapped in the infectious melodies lies a constant conversation with mental health, as Zack transforms personal struggle into shared understanding. First sharing his sound in 2020 with the debut single “The Man,” he followed up with a string of singles in the build up to his debut album, Mess, later that year.

But behind the music, the artist was still grappling with his own mental health which resulted in Zack seeking therapy and building a music-driven mental health community. It was, in many ways, his biggest rebellion yet, against stigma, isolation and the illusion of perfection. His songs now speak to those dealing with their own highs and lows, blending the punch of punk with the tenderness of pop rock in a way that feels profoundly human and performing across the Los Angeles scene, he’s turned his shows into safe spaces of magnetic and uncompromisingly real experiences.

Bringing us his latest release, he shares his sophomore full-length record titled Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You, a heartfelt indie pop album that frames a series of unsent messages as fragments of heartbreak, self-reflection and eventual healing. Each track offers a chapter in an emotional journey, tracing the line from pain to acceptance with engaging storytelling and cinematic production.

Following the atmospheric “Intro” piece, the album launches with the crunch of guitar and snap of drums on “What’s On Your Mind?” where Zack’s compelling vocal leads roll over the uptempo rock arrangement to spin instantly catchy hooks carrying poignant storytelling lyricism. Cut with lively guitar leads and punching drums, it’s an epic showcase of his meaningful songwriting and superb performance panache.

“Let’s Call It A Night” flows with smooth rhythms and bouncy vocal lines, forming a gripping pop rock soundscape that surges into a spectacular chorus that’s memorable and invigorating in equal measure. “Breaking News!” presents a brief vocal sample that speaks to the wider mental health crisis that so many suffer with before “Over & Over” slips into a delicate acoustic-focused setting, capturing Zack’s elegant songwriting in a tender and intimate framework of charming melodies and soft instrumentation.

With “ROM-COM,” Zack links up with New Dialogue to deliver a charging pop punk jam brimming with exhilarating energy and bright vocal performance to cast a wholly absorbing outing that shines with a stunning duet between the artists. Other highlights on the record include songs like “YOU GOT ME!” with its jumpy energy, commanding vocal work and slick ebb and flow, resulting in an engrossing experience that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression with listeners.

Closing the album with “We’re Alright,” an upbeat soundscape of marching drum strikes, gentle acoustic guitar and alluring vocals combine before building with lightly gritty electric guitars to craft a spectacular finale to his sensational new LP. Not just about heartbreak, Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You recounts what comes after, the idea of choosing expression over silence and connection over withdrawal, offering a stellar pop rock work that’s original, enjoyable and thoughtful all at once.

Listen to Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You below