Zachary Freedom (classmates will remember him as Zach Svoboda) is now a full-time music performer.
A decade after graduating from Vinton-Shellsburg, Zach Svoboda has achieved one of his goals: A full time music career.
But you may find it hard to find him if you Google that name.
Now using the stage name Zachary Freedom, Zach explains why he made the name change.
“My name is from my Czech heritage,” says Zach, the son of Mike and Joyce Svoboda of Vinton. “When translated, my last name means ‘Freedom.’ It embodies who I am.”
Also, he adds people found it hard to pronounce, remember and spell “Svoboda.”
Zach and his wife, Amanda, recently moved back to Vinton with their three young sons, Malachi, Uriah and Zion. In addition to being a homemaker, Amanda is also an event stager, working with weddings and other special occiasions.
“We’ve moved 10 times in five years and met many challenges along the way,” he said. “By moving back I have enabled a full-time music career and enriched plans to reach goals we have set for five years down the road for my family.”
Zach is not revealing those goals publicly at this time but says they are “pretty sweet.”
A finalist in the 2012 International Song Writing Competition for “Don’t Dream Your Life Away,” Zach writes and sings all styles of music, from country to pop, rock to blues, folk to Gospel. He recorded his first album, “Say What I Mean,” in 2011, and is working on raising money for a second one. He is also working on making some videos.
Zach has also won several regional song-writing contests. His song, "By the Hand," was released as a single to Christian radio stations and "had some success," he says.
Faith is a very important part of Zach’s music, his life and his family.
“Jesus first, then being a family man, then everything else,” he says. “Life is beautiful and I enjoy picking out the details that make it so beautiful, putting them into songs and sharing them with the world.”
Zach will be busy this weekend. He will be playing two venues for Valentine’s weekend. On Friday the 13th, he will perform at Parlor City Pub & Eatery in Cedar Rapids from 8-midnight. Then on Valentine’s Day, he will sing from 8-11 p.m. at QDogs BBQ Company in Marion.
Joining Zach on the stage this weekend will be his father.
"It's pretty great to be able to have your Dad play with you," says Zach. "It's Something I will look back on and never forget."
Currently, he plays approximately 100 events throughout the year, in Midwestern states, and beyond. He says he will perform in any venue: Churches, restaurants, festivals, fairs, private parties, corporate events, malls, wineries and bars.
“I want to be positive, have fun and change the world through music, and to actually live by what I sing – going into communities and cities and being the hands and feet of Jesus, helping people and families that need it,” he says.
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