Zachary Ochsner is an up and coming artist with a talent for music and a passion for Christ. He is from Bluffton, Indiana, a small town that has been his home for over 20 years. There, he is the worship leader at his parent’s place of worship, Forgiven Church.
He began playing guitar six years ago (This is when he learned that writing music comes naturally to him). Zachary hopes to use his God-ordained gift of music to write meaningful songs for people. His first full-length album, Big Plans, was released in December 2019. He released his follow-up EP, Expectations, in October 2020. In Zachary’s words, “Music is really personal to me. And, I believe it's a universal language to help reach people for Christ.”
I got to talk to him about the message behind his songs and his belief in authentic music. The two of us also discussed how he hopes to speak to this generation.
You mention that you’re willing to say things in your music that people might not like. What are you wanting to communicate with your music?
In my music, I touch on topics you don’t typically hear. I have a song called, “Dear Mama.” It's a song about abortion from the baby’s point of view. A lot of people don’t like to talk about abortion, let alone write songs about it. So, it may be shocking and upsetting to some people, but I do believe it needs to be heard. That’s just one example of me being an artist who isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects.
What I want to communicate with my music the most is authenticity. I’m not going to lie and say I’m a perfect man, because God knows that I’m not. I want my songs to show my struggles. I want my songs to show how I need to rely on Jesus to get me through life’s trials.
I play simple chords on the guitar and keyboard. But, the songs I write are authentic and real to me. I believe they have the power to change the lives of anyone that hears them.
You’re a huge proponent of making sure people know they are never too young to serve God. Why is this important to you?
God has a destiny for each and every single one of us no matter what age we are. We live in an age where we compare ourselves to other people now more than ever thanks to social media.
Young kids and teenagers see these adult pastors, or these adult singers preaching the gospel or singing to thousands of people, and think they are too young or insignificant to do that themselves.
I myself have said before, "I'm only 21 years old and from a small town. How could God use me to change the world like he uses people like Billy Graham or Chris Tomlin?" Then what comes to mind is that God has only made one Zachary Ochsner. So, he expects to do things with me that nobody else would be able to do.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'” I love this verse because I know that God has unique plans for me even though I am young and new in the music industry. I have a tattoo of it on my left forearm to remind me of his promises.
I see people like Cade Thompson and Coby James who are younger than me, but are making a huge impact in the world of Christian music, so why can’t I? Nobody can leave the same impact on the world that I can because nobody has the same fingerprint that I do. We're all unique and should embrace that.
What has God been teaching you recently?
One thing God has really been teaching me is to make sure my music is for Him and not myself. It’s super easy to fall under the pressure of getting likes, follows, and streams of my music. But, what’s the point if it is just for my own glory?
I wrote a song specifically about this called “Two Faced” that shows me having a conversation with Jesus on whether I love him more than the thought of fame and glory. I know I do, but it is my responsibility to keep my heart right and set on making God famous and keeping my own desires in the background. “Two Faced” is a very challenging song for me, and it definitely helps me to recenter myself should I start to think about what I can gain with music.
How can we be praying for you?
I guess the one thing I would ask for prayer for is that the right person sees my music and takes a chance on me. I have worked extremely hard creating content that hopefully will inspire and change people. And, I know with the right partner, they can help me reach many more with the message of hope, love, and encouragement that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, please pray that whoever hears my music would be changed for the better and learn to know Jesus intimately in their life.
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991.
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