Interview with Zachary Murdock of Channel the Sun

April 08, 2024

Interview with Zachary Murdock of Channel the Sun

Photo by Molly Mitchell-Hardt

By Mick Michaels

Cosmick View: Hello, Zach! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thanks for taking some time out of your day to speak with us. It's greatly appreciated.

CV: Do you see the music industry as a community of artists collectively actively working to raise the bar for all involved? Or do you see it more like an "every artist for themselves" type of existence? What's been your experience?
Zachary Murdock: I was signed young. Managed by major managers and dabbled in the industry for many years. It has been quite some time since I have engaged in these sectors. Therefore, I may not be qualified to answer this question but at the risk of sounding bitter and jaded, I will speak what comes through in this moment as I type this, pouring sweat on an elliptical. In my experience the music industry is not a creative community at all. It consists of groups glued together by money and therefore is quite alienating and not conducive to the evolution of the arts. As a whole, we are quite an adolescent culture and since the music industry is driven by business, the art follows suit... or follows the suits. Toddlers in fancy rags. On the other hand, there is of course an immense amount of innovation, creative pioneers, comradery and magic still present in the worlds of music. It just seems there is a kind of stalemate in the air. The Muse seems bored. Straight jacketed. We are crippled by our own maze of mirrors.

CV: The old saying is that conflict occurs when there are two or more in a room. Is it really possible for artists, across all genres, to "just get along?"
ZM: I believe if individuals show up authentically, there is always hope for connection and growth. Shields must be lowered, hearts must be open, and vulnerability is required.

CV: How would you define Channel the Sun, and what do you see as its musical mission?
ZM: No mission. The mission of no mission. Don Quixote in quicksand dancing with the ghosts. Mandala creativity. Sand Castle Soul. Pungent ink and imaginations that refuse to atrophy. An experiment in trusting the Muse, 24/8.

Photo by Erick Madrid

CV: How much of Channel the Sun’s music do you feel is influenced by mainstream music? How would you describe that influence and its effects?
ZM: Hmm. Tough one. I haven’t listened to mainstream music in at least a decade. Sly and the Family Stone, Jimmy Cliff, Carole King, Allen Toussaint, Swamp Dogg… these are my friends and inspirations. Novels inspire my music as much as songs. Of course, I am vaguely aware of current happenings, but as I ranted in question one, I am a self appointed deserter of the industry. I think I’ve been asked to leave a few times as well.

CV: Besides video, how do you see music becoming more of a visual art form in the decades to come?
ZM: In my view, everything is music. Singing and tones are said to have literally formed the universe. So, like a stroke victim might relay, it all bleeds into one mosaic when you stop attempting to define expressions as separate from the whole.

CV: Many believe that it's not what you say but how you say it that creates the impact. Do you feel music fans will tend to gravitate more towards music with a visual appeal and less towards what they hear and even less to the words that accompany it?
ZM: I think that everyone has their own slot in life. Kendrick is an example of someone whose social media near absence makes him more sought out. Others may benefit from being constantly on grid. Mystery for one... exposure for the next. Whatever is authentic to you is what will last. Trends come and go. Honest howling at the moon while always echo into the eternal night.

Logo by Lucas Topa

CV: No matter what we do, there are always going to be those who oppose it in some capacity. Modern day music listeners often come to the table full of opinions and criticism. Has there been too much criticism in general, in your opinion, that's preventing the music itself from achieving its potential greatness?
ZM Perhaps. As Emerson said, “TO BE GREAT IS TO BE MISUNDERSTOOD.” People will always judge those who put themselves out there and our ears will always hear the criticism at a louder volume than praise. Social media has made the peanut gallery into a deafening roar of high school cliquery. The pressure is extreme. Hopefully soul diamonds emerge from this pain. Many of us do not survive the herd. Our genius dies prematurely. We have become disconnected from the invisible world. Channel the Sun is an attempt to amplify the spirits and ghostly bridges from yourself to you.

CV: What more can fans expect to see coming from Channel the Sun in 2024 and beyond?
ZM: Albums... weekly podcast episodes... a book... short films... and some... who the heck knows. We are constantly experimenting and dancing with our passions. If our work speaks to you, you can follow us on Instagram @channelthesun for all current creations.

CV: Thanks again Zach for taking the time to share with our readers. We wish you all the best and continued success.
ZM: Same to ya’ll! Thanks for having us. Mad love,

Check out Channel the Sun at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelthesun?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Podcast: https://pinkhearsepodcast.buzzsprout.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/10h4PyXc2Nf4Bt1sUt4nCs?si=fb-M7HdcT1CLP_ceWl4ehw

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Channelthesun

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.