Q&A: Zachary Knowles Channels Rough Vulnerability in New EP ‘GOALIE’

Q&AMusic

Nov 3

☆ By Steph Dunlop ☆

TAKING A DETOUR INTO MORE INTIMATE MUSIC — Zachary Knowles explores his own vulnerability in his latest EP, GOALIE. Inspired by a recent rough period in his life, the EP showcases the process through which he reconnected with himself, as well as explores his dive into more creative endeavours.

Gritty yet upbeat, Knowles’ seven-part project perfectly encapsulates both the relief of healing and the pain that stays with you. The EP’s focus track, “WRONG SIDE,” explores themes of insecurity and detachment alongside a powerful visualiser.

His experimental approach to the EP, which encouraged him to focus on authenticity in his music and reconnect with the emotional side of his creativity, resulted in a fresh sound for Knowles, who previously favored cleaner pop sounds.

Read on to learn more about the creative process behind GOALIE and what the EP means to Zachary Knowles.

LUNA: Congrats on GOALIE! What was the driving force behind this dive into more intimate music?

KNOWLES: I always want my music to be a reflection of me and where I’m at in life. When I wrote most of these songs I was fresh out of a pretty emotional period in my life, so I feel like I just had a lot to say and get off my chest and naturally it became a pretty vulnerable project.

LUNA: How would you compare the sound of GOALIE to your previous work?

KNOWLES: GOALIE is definitely a little more raw or rough around the edges compared to a lot of the cleaner-sounding production people have heard from me. I wanted to lean into more of a gritty type feel sonically because I felt that would be reflective of the overall theme better than if it were really polished, clean pop records. It’s more live-oriented as well because I wanted the songs to be able to carry over to a performance smoothly. I used a lot more real instrumental elements.

LUNA: Given its deeply personal nature, have you discovered anything about yourself during the creative process of this EP?

KNOWLES: I’ve discovered writing about the hard stuff in life helps me process things. I also learned how much I really care about my art. I think it’s gotten easier over time to forget to slow down. I really pushed myself to dive into the art with this one and to dig deeper than just trying to make cool songs. I became very connected creatively and realized I can do things I didn’t think I could do. I shot and edited videos, made art, made merch designs. I had the most fun creatively I’ve ever had with this project.

LUNA: Where did you draw inspiration from while producing GOALIE?

KNOWLES: Mainly from a time period in my life several months prior to writing it. I’d gone through some emotional stuff and spent a lot of time self-reflecting on who I am and how I deal with my emotions. I came to a place of clarity and felt like I needed to write about it to get things off my chest. There’s also a couple songs that draw back to moments from my high school life experiences as well in there. Music’s a way for me to talk about things and process, so the project became really therapeutic.

LUNA: What have you enjoyed most about the creation of the EP?

KNOWLES: Making the music with friends is always number one. Second to that, I’d say my involvement in it. I realized I love all the little things it takes to create a project. I focused a lot on playing a part in as much as I could, which definitely led to a deeper connection with the project.

LUNA: Can you talk us through the process behind the cover art?

KNOWLES: Yeah, for sure. The theme of GOALIE focuses on this idea of this sort of struggle with self. It’s about dealing with your emotions and battling with yourself. The cover art of me in the worn boxing helmet symbolizes I’m getting hit and going through this form of battle with myself. I made some merch that says “don’t beat yourself up” on it. That saying explains the cover art best I think.

LUNA: Out of all of the songs on the EP, which do you feel you have the closest connection with?

KNOWLES: That’s so tough (laughs). I think I’d say “JUST STAY FOR ONCE” or “NEVER ENOUGH” at the moment. Those are personal to me in a different kind of way than the others right now. From the writing process to their meaning to how they fit in my life right now, I’d say those two are tied.

LUNA: How would you describe your relationship to music?

KNOWLES: My music is a reflection of me. When I write I don’t just write to make a song. It’s usually out of a place of inspiration where I need to get something off my chest. It’s not always this planned out approach. It’s usually off the cuff when inspiration hits. I think that leads to very real and open writing. Music’s a way for me to process. Whether I’m going through something tough or something really exciting, it helps me understand it. I can express myself differently through it than a letter or speaking with someone. Music is really powerful for me in that way.

LUNA: Do you have any goals you’re hoping to achieve before the year ends?

KNOWLES: I’d love to get some live shows under my belt and I’d love to see people connect with this project. The response so far has been so kind so that’s been really cool to see. I also am always sort of writing ideas in my spare time, so I’d like to get an idea of what’s next musically for me before the end of the year, for sure.

CONNECT WITH ZACHARY KNOWLES

INSTAGRAM

SPOTIFY

Listen

INSTAGRAM

We couldn’t be more stoked to have Suriel Hess as our new headliner for our upcoming LA show 🤩 🫶 Not gonna lie, us & Notorious Noise kinda went OFF with this line up & you’re not gonna wanna miss it - ticket link in bio 🎫