Interview with Zach Selwyn

You may know Zach Selwyn from ESPN's 'Dream Job' or G4's 'Attack of the Show'. If you don't know him, or if you do, here are some things that you may not know.

What inspired you to become a musician?

Other musicians, 1960's and 70's influences, acoustic guitars by campfire, cannabis and the fact that a lot of musicians had hot girlfriends...

Your music is unique. How did you come up with that type of style?

I was freestyle-rapping for beers in college and playing guitar for the love of country-rock music in-between... One day i decided to combine rap and country and do some original songs - my band Zachariah was born around 2000 - and we recorded some tunes on home Protools equipment but it wasnt until 2002 that we moved to a big studio and recorded GHOST SIGNS - -

If you could play/sing any other type of music what would it be?

I wish I could play real bad-ass bluegrass and pedal steel guitar

How long have you been playing guitar?

Since about 1993 - when I was 18

How long have you been singing?

My first public appearance was in 5th grade at the talent show - I was a rapping surfer kid in a band named BERMUDA BUMS - I got that taste of performance in my mouth and never wanted to look back...

Which do you like best? Singing or playing the guitar?

Im a better singer than a guitar player, but I cant do either one real well without the other...

What motivates you to continue what you’re doing?

I just have a passion for performance and music and making people FEEL something - be it laughter, sadness or utter freedom, I'm addicted to the pulse of what comes from an audience - I guess its hard to explain, but anyone else who does what I do for a living will understand!

What’s your favorite song that you play?

It seems to change every day! Right now it's a new one called "Pass the Hours" but just last week it was "Telluride" (From 2007's ALCOHOLIDAY)

What’s your favorite song, period?

Eeeek. Another impossible question. I think, over the years, the number one song that has been on my top lists has to be "Fountain of Sorrow" by Jackson Browne. (1974 - Late for the Sky) "I Burn for You" (live - Bring on the Night) by Sting is another song that has been with me since I was about 10.

Who are some of your favorite bands/artists?

Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Eagles, Gram Parsons, Willie Nelson, Waylon, Kristofferson, Cash, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Ryan Adams, Beastie Boys, Ramblin Jack, Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, Jayhawks, Wilco, RUN DMC, Bonnie Raitt, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Little Feat, Byrds, and Neil motha fucking YOUNG.

If you could bring one thing/person with you on a desert island, what would it be?

My wife and son.

Is a new album in the works?

YES! We have a new cd were preparing to release featuring 11 tracks that were recorded for films and performed on ATTACK of the SHOW - so we are gonna get these tracks out before the next CD - It'll feature I Wanna be a Lawnmower," "Stargate, Atlantis" and a buncy little childrens ditty called "Chubby Cheeks."

Dead and Breakfast is one of my favorite movies. How did you feel playing a role in the movie? Have you played any other roles in any other movies?

Ha - yes, actually and thanks! I have been acting professionally since 1997 - you can check my credits at IMDB.com - Im most excited about a film I did called LOWER LEARNING coming out in 2008...

Your skits on G4 are hilarious. How do you come up with the skits? Do you write them yourself? What’s your favorite skit?

YES! I write them myself, and my brother Jesse has directed most of them - I have a back catalogue from years of sketch comedy in L.A. that I dip into for the show - Unless I need to write something specific like "Porno Fireplace" with Ron Jeremy. My favorite has to be Porno Fireplace, but I will always love Crosby Stills Nash and Usher and Awire Cologne!

What was your favorite part about being on ESPN's Dream Job?

The experience was incredible and it opened a lot of doors for me! I loved talking about sports all day, although in the back of my head, it was probably the great people I met during and after the show. Other contestants, fans and persons with similar interests as mine!