Australian Country rockers Zac Cross Band take us to church on their vulnerable new single, ‘Dear God’.
It follows from the laid-back singalong, ‘Too Far Gone’ – which garnered additions to Spotify’s ‘Fresh Country’ and ‘New Music Friday AU & NZ’ playlists and Apple Music’s ‘Country Risers’, ‘Country Lovin’ and ‘Aussie Country’ playlists. Now the boys have dug deep into the spiritual well to deliver a deeply personal ballad.
“Dear God is by far the most vulnerable, real and emotional song that we’ve ever done,” admits the band’s frontman, Zac. After breaking off a long-term relationship the singer embarked on a bout of soul searching, which landed him back at his family home for the first time in 6 years. “It was at this stage that I truly experienced rock bottom and for the first time, my family was there to see it.”
Everything started to change when his father suggested he seek solace at church. “For me, this was huge as we are not really a religious family at all and my relationship with God was very much love-hate, bordering on atheism. Well, this comment really struck a chord with me, and an hour later, ‘Dear God’ was written.”
Zac considers ‘Dear God’ to be the musical anchor to this era of the band, even referencing the song in later compositions. “It truly was the start of this entire collection. Hopefully, by putting this song out into the world, it can help change someone else’s life or help put someone on the right track away from a dark place”.
Brought to life through the discerning ears of producer Jared Adlam (Adam Brand, Matt Cornell), the single breaks new sonic ground for the 4-piece. “We always knew that ‘Dear God’ would be a slower, softer approach but after the magic of the studio, it now has a touch of ballad to it. Jared has a way of capturing exactly what the song is intended to make people feel and I think he has nailed it on this one.”
Perhaps the song’s most moving sentiment arrives within its final minute, a flooring tribute to the frontman’s grandfather. “I ask God to say hello to my Pop and tell him that everything is okay,” he explains. Working meticulously with Adlam they were able to add a beautifully personal sentiment to the tribute. “My pop was known for his piano accordion, and I therefore wanted that sound to be his ‘theme’. We were able to subtly add this nice touch to the bridge which I think worked out great. I know little things like this will be missed by almost everyone, but it’s this subtle magic that I think make all of the difference in songs like this.”
It appears Zac’s prayers in the rousing new single were answered – recently popping the big question to his partner on a recent trip to Europe. “2025 will see our first Zac Cross Band wedding and I’m sure, a few songs to match.”
The future is indeed bright for the North QLD locals, who will be performing at this year’s Baralaba Bash, Boon Lane Country Festival and returning to the renowned Gympie Music Muster. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for these blue-collar boys, hell bent on sharing their stories across the country. “We are all normal, working-class blokes, that are working our hardest to be able to play music for a living. We’re excited to play at so many new places to so many new faces throughout Australia.”
Zac Cross Band are quickly carving out a unique place in the Australian country music landscape as their star continues to rise; with songs that span the entire emotional gamut over a sonically diverse palette. ‘Dear God’ is testament to their versatility and certain to catapult the band to further stardom.
TOUR DATES:
Friday 12th April – Maraboon Tavern – Emerald, QLD
Saturday 13th April – Birdcage Hotel – Longreach, QLD
Friday 10th May – PBR Monster Energy Tour – Rockhampton, QLD
Saturday 18th May – Paradise Lagoons Campdraft – Paradise Lagoons, Qld
Friday 24th & Saturday 25th May – Maraboon Tavern – Emerald, QLD
Saturday 22nd June – Arcadia Bar – Mackay, QLD
Friday 28th & Saturday 29th June – Johnny Ringo’s – Brisbane, QLD
Friday 5th July – Maraboon Tavern – Emerald QLD
Saturday 27th July – Boon Lane CMF – Emerald QLD
Wednesday 21st August – Gympie Music Muster – Gympie, QLD
Friday 30th August – Baralaba Bash – Baralaba, QLD