ach McKenzie is no stranger to the spotlight. From the pews of his Pine Bluff church to opening for chart-topping acts like Josh Turner, the Arkansas-born artist has been steadily carving out his place in the world of country-soul. But with his latest single, “The Day That I Found You,” McKenzie isn’t just singing a love song—he’s staking a claim as one of the most heartfelt storytellers in modern music.

A Song That Hits Different

Every artist has that song—the one where their soul is poured into every note and lyric. For Zach, this is it. “It’s definitely one of the most personal songs I’ve ever come out with,” he says, the sincerity in his voice palpable. The track, inspired by the moment he met his wife Rossy, captures the unguarded euphoria of finding love when you’re not even looking.

The song’s music video, now racking up views on YouTube, is a cinematic ode to McKenzie’s story. Directed by Joe Lane, the video taps into the nostalgia of young love, with actor Josh Pryor playing a younger Zach and Samantha Valadez stepping into the role of Rossy. The final scene, featuring the real-life Rossy, seals the deal: this isn’t just a love song—it’s a love story.

And audiences are eating it up. The track hit #7 on the UK iTunes chart shortly after its release, proving that McKenzie’s heartfelt authenticity transcends borders.

From Church Pews to Center Stage

Zach McKenzie didn’t just stumble into his sound—it’s the product of years spent honing his craft in smoky Nashville bars and Southern church choirs. “Growing up, Southern Gospel was my first love,” he says. But it was hearing Rascal Flatts and Gavin DeGraw as a teenager that lit the spark for his signature style—a heady blend of Country, Soul, and Gospel that hits with the emotional weight of Motown and the storytelling chops of classic country.

His journey started catching mainstream attention with a victory on Arkansas Idol in 2012, leading to a stint on American Idol Season 12. While his run on the show ended in the group stage, McKenzie walked away with more than just TV exposure. “The biggest lesson I learned was knowing what kind of artist I wanted to be,” he explains. “Back then, I could sing, but I didn’t know what kind of record I wanted to make. Now, I do.”

Paying His Dues

Before the polished singles and professional music videos, McKenzie paid his dues on the live circuit, performing everywhere from intimate coffee shops to legendary Nashville haunts like Tootsies. It’s this grind that shaped him into the performer he is today.

“I’ll never forget opening for Josh Turner and Hanson,” he recalls. “Performing for crowds like that is a whole different beast compared to playing a bar or restaurant.” His three years at Tootsies taught him how to keep a crowd hooked, a skill that serves him well on stages both big and small.

Storyteller First, Musician Second

But McKenzie isn’t just a guy with a guitar and a good voice—he’s a storyteller. Whether it’s through songwriting or his burgeoning film career, his mission is to tell stories that matter. His directorial debut, Joanett Road, is a gritty short film that offers a glimpse of the filmmaker side of Zach McKenzie. “I’ve always loved movies,” he says. “Songwriting and screenwriting aren’t that different—they’re both about creating something real and relatable.”

While music remains his primary focus, McKenzie isn’t ruling out more film projects in the future. In fact, he dreams of expanding Joanett Road into a feature film someday.

Life in Little Rock

Zach’s music isn’t just shaped by the stages he’s played or the idols he’s emulated. It’s also deeply rooted in his personal life—specifically, his marriage and his home in Little Rock. “Life in Arkansas is simple, and there’s inspiration in that,” he says. His wife Rossy, his first (and most honest) critic, plays a key role in his creative process. “She hears everything first, and she doesn’t hold back,” he laughs.

The Road Ahead

With a new album in the works and regular trips to Nashville, McKenzie’s career is picking up serious steam. He’s eager to share more of the music that reflects his journey—honest, heartfelt, and always deeply personal.

“I just want to keep making music that matters,” he says. “And maybe one day, make a feature film too.”

For now, though, “The Day That I Found You” is more than enough to keep us hooked. With its soulful delivery and universal message, it’s the kind of track that doesn’t just get stuck in your head—it settles in your heart.

Check out the music video on YouTube and follow Zach McKenzie’s journey on his Linktree.

If “The Day That I Found You” is any indication, Zach McKenzie isn’t just making music—he’s making moments that last.