In his short life, Zachary Lucky has been through a lot.
In particular, the past three years have been a real whirlwind for the country singer—he’s spent grueling months on the road playing shows across North America, he’s had his heart broken and he’s become a father.
Rather than get overwhelmed by all the ups and downs that life has recently thrown at him, Lucky escaped into the comforting realm of music, venting his fears, frustrations and hopes with the help of his acoustic guitar.
“Starting in 2013 things started getting tough, but it was also an interesting point in my life,” Lucky said. “I was spending a lot of time on the road and I think things were starting to catch up with me.
“I had days where I couldn’t ever imagine giving up my guitar and then I’d have weeks where I didn’t think I’d ever pick it up again.”
Without really knowing what was happening, Lucky had compiled enough songs for an album. After years of recording and tweaking his songs, Lucky decided he was ready to release his fourth studio album. Everywhere a Man Can Be dropped Oct. 7.
“I hate to admit it, but it’s sort of the typical break-up record. Some songs are autobiographical and some aren’t,” Lucky said. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the road and I’ve heard so many stories and met so many people, but now I’m becoming quite the domestic homebody so this album was written from a really reflective and nostalgic place.”
In support of his latest album, Lucky is embarking on a western tour, stopping at Jasper’s Whistle Stop Pub on Oct. 18.
“I’ve never been there, but I think my music will really vibe well at the Whistle Stop—I love playing little bar rooms,” Lucky said. “You’re so close to the people and you really end up building this connection with the audience.”
Despite keeping true to his country-folk roots, Lucky said this fourth album is filled with a bunch of firsts, collaborating with producers and a full band while also experimenting with all sorts of new musical sounds.
“I’ve never worked with a producer and I’ve never toured with a full band so that was a huge learning experience for me,” Lucky said. “You put a bunch of musicians in a room and everyone has different ideas and is coming from different places—it can be a challenge, but we’ve pulled it off and now have a bigger show and a bigger sound than ever before.”
While each track has some sort of sentimental value for the musician, he said “Sell All You Have” hits particularly close to home, telling the story of a young farmer who is forced to leave behind his family farm in the Canadian Prairies and move off to the big city in search of work.
“The song might be about a farmer having to work in the city, but it’s also about all of us and how we’re trying to get by—that whole idea just manifested itself to me,” said Lucky, adding that he recently moved from Saskatoon to Toronto. “I think anyone who’s ever moved from a small place to a bigger city will relate to it.
“We’re all just trying to figure out what the heck is going on.”
Lucky and his full country band will be playing tracks off of Everywhere a Man Can Be on Oct. 18 at the Whistle Stop Pub. The show starts at 9 p.m. and admission is free.
“I’ve been told I put on a very relatable show so I hope people come out and experience that for themselves,” Lucky said.
Kayla Byrne [email protected]
