By age 21, Denver native Zach Heckendorf signed his first record deal, released his first album, played Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre and shared stages with Rodrigo y Gabriela, John Butler Trio, Brett Dennen, The Lumineers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Guster, and One Republic. That was then. Heckendorf has spent the past couple years patiently honing his craft, combining songwriting and rapid-fire guitar picking with his deep passion for infectious hip-hop beats.
The new album was funded entirely via Kickstarter by Heckendorf’s devoted fan base. The new songs take inspiration from his childhood influences, like Jack Johnson, Ray Charles and Aesop Rock, while incorporating ideas from deep album cuts by artists like Drake, Chance The Rapper and Frank Ocean, among others. Heckendorf’s ability to captivate a crowd, spit rhymes, lead a mountain-influenced groove, or raise a ruckus with his full band demonstrates his dynamic range and already well-seasoned stagecraft. Heckendorf is currently in preparation for a year of touring and the release of his new full-length album. This is now.