Submitted photo. Midwestern country artist Zach Thomas is no stranger to small-town life, having grown up in Wendell, Minnesota (population 165).
KENMARE – Midwestern country music artist and former American Idol contestant Zach Thomas will perform at Pioneer Village in Kenmare on Sunday, July 14, for the Kenmare Pioneer Day celebration.
Thomas, 30, began playing guitar and writing songs while he was at North Dakota State University and struggling with mental health issues. Thomas said he spent more time in his dorm room learning to play guitar than in class.
“When I was at NDSU, I struggled with depression and it was one of the main reasons I was stuck in my dorm room all the time.” Thomas said.
When his depression was severe, music was a constant for Thomas.
“Music was there for me and helped me escape. It helped me get out of a bad situation.” he said.
The song, “The devil does not want to back down” came to Thomas in a flash of inspiration during his years at NDSU and the lyrics represent his depression.
“It’s all about voices and demons that we all face. They all hit you and you look for help,” Thomas said. “The mind is a beautiful thing, but it can also be very hard sometimes.”
Thomas said that most of the songs he has currently released are breakup songs.
“I always joke that sad songs make me happy.” Thomas said some of the breakup songs are based on past relationships and some are just like breakup songs but are more about mental health.
After his year at NDSU, Thomas discovered American Idol and competed on season 14 of the hit singing competition. He also competed on the show a second time during season 16. Thomas broke into the American Idol top 100 both times he competed on the show.
“It was a very positive experience. It was really my first introduction to the music industry, so it was like a crash course for me. I learned a lot and made some really good contacts,” Thomas said.
Since American Idol, Thomas has performed throughout the Midwest, and in 2022, he began releasing original music. Thomas has previously performed solo acoustic cover shows, but he now also performs full-band shows and incorporates his own music into the covers.
About his Pioneer Day show, Thomas said: “The first (set) will be me acoustic, which will be fun because I’ll get to play original music that doesn’t exist yet.” Thomas will then play a second set with his band.
Thomas said he enjoys playing covers of bands that embody the Texas country music sound.
“I’ll put some Koe Wetzel in there. I’ll put some Corey Kent in there too. So it’s about mixing the current popular country that you hear on the radio with a little bit more rock.” he said.
Thomas said Pioneer Day visitors can also expect a few surprises in his show.
In 2023, Thomas was nominated by the Midwest Country Music Organization for Male Vocalist of the Year.
Thomas said being recognized was both validating and surprising. Thomas was able to attend and perform at the awards ceremony at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Okoboji, Iowa, which he said was “quite special.”
Thomas is an independent music artist and hopes to remain so.
“I want to be able to keep as much of what I have and what I have built as possible before having to call on a label” Thomas also enjoys the freedom of being independent because he can decide what direction he wants to go in creatively.
Thomas is preparing a multi-state tour and plans to return to Nashville to record a five-song EP in the studio.
“I have a bunch of sad songs that I need to get out there.” he said. Thomas hopes to have the EP recorded by the end of the year.
Pioneer Day will be Thomas’ first time playing in Kenmare, but it’s not his first time in North Dakota, having previously played in Killdeer, Mandan, Devils Lake and Grand Forks. Thomas lives in Fargo.
“There’s a strong music scene here. Everyone supports each other and it’s nice to see everyone trying to help each other and grow,” he said.
