Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to TheZachMichael. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
TheZachMichael, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping creativity alive is a dynamic and multi-faceted process, and my approach serves as a blueprint that I’m always happy to share with others. Creativity is an ongoing journey of exploration, discipline, and evolution, and I’ve found that the combination of experimentation, creating diverse avenues for expression, and maintaining discipline fuels lasting creativity in everything I do.
For me, creativity thrives on curiosity and a willingness to explore uncharted territory. I’m constantly connecting with new collaborators, which exposes me to fresh ideas, perspectives, and workflows that spark unique creative breakthroughs. Whether it’s diving into new genres, exploring innovative sounds, or trying out new techniques, pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone allows me to discover fresh ways to express my artistry.
I also love experimenting with new gear, software, or instruments. This not only adds excitement to my process but also enhances my creative toolkit, giving me more ways to translate my ideas into reality. For instance, my decision to explore LOFI music through my artist projects SleepingShark and Relax Vibes has been incredibly fulfilling. These projects give me the opportunity to create instrumental music weekly while also challenging myself in areas like marketing, business strategy, and designing cover art for my releases. Each piece of the process adds a new layer to my creativity.
Expanding my creative pursuits into diverse areas ensures my inspiration is never confined to a single medium. I wear many hats—musician, producer, songwriter, LOFI artist, sync composer, and entrepreneur—and each role informs and energizes the others.
My ventures, like Elizabeth Music Group and Anderson Apparel, reflect my comprehensive approach to creativity. With Elizabeth Music Group, I’ve built a global publishing admin company focused on supporting and empowering other artists while fostering collaboration and innovation. At Elizabeth Music Group, I focus on offering creative-first publishing agreements that help musicians with the complicated process of worldwide royalty collection. Through my company, I lead with education and transparency to help musicians make informed decisions on their career. Helping others through my company has become a new source of motivation and inspiration to be creative since I get to work alongside many talented creatives.
On the other hand, Anderson Apparel has allowed me to branch into visual design and branding, giving me an entirely different creative outlet. Creating premium clothing and accessories is a way to express my artistry in a physical, tangible form, and it’s deeply rewarding to see people resonate with what I create. I’ve created a vast collection of product lines and I have many more on the way.
Creativity, for me, isn’t just about waiting for inspiration—it’s about showing up and putting in the work, even when I don’t feel particularly inspired. I treat my craft with the same mindset an athlete uses to approach their training. The studio is my gym, and every day I’m there, putting in the hours to develop my skills and stay sharp. This consistency has led to some of my favorite work, often created during moments when I wasn’t feeling inspired but was disciplined enough to show up and create anyway.
This process has allowed me to continue evolving as an artist and entrepreneur while contributing to a wide range of creative ventures. I’m always looking for ways to keep my creativity alive.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Zachary Michael, known professionally as TheZachMichael—a music producer, executive, songwriter, and sync composer with a deep passion for crafting music that resonates and inspires. Over the years, I’ve built a reputation as an innovative creator and a multi-faceted business owner dedicated to creativity, music-making, music industry education, and collaboration.
Throughout my career, I’ve contributed to over 1,000 released records, spanning various roles in music production, songwriting, composition, and mixing. My ability to adapt across genres allows me to bring out the best in the artists I work with, helping them realize their creative visions. Collaborators often commend my dedication to delivering exceptional results, no matter the project.
I’ve also made a name for myself in the lofi music scene, founding two successful lofi artist projects, SleepingShark and Relax Vibes. Through these projects, I’ve been heard via millions of streams and major sync campaigns, and I’ve developed a unique style that blends ambient textures, jazz elements, and chill vibes, creating immersive and meditative musical experiences. As the CEO of Elizabeth LOFI Records, I’m committed to supporting instrumental composers worldwide, giving them a platform to share their work and reach a global audience.
As the founder of Elizabeth Music Group, I’m dedicated to reshaping the music publishing industry by emphasizing transparency, education, and artist empowerment. My company administers catalogs with billions of streams and provides invaluable resources to artists, ensuring they have the support and freedom to thrive creatively. Beyond just managing music rights, our mission is to provide artists with invaluable resources that cater to their creative and professional needs. From offering educational opportunities to equipping them with tools that help navigate the complexities of the industry, we ensure our musicians are equipped with the knowledge and freedom to make informed decisions about their careers. By placing musicians at the heart of everything we do, we create an environment where creativity can flourish and talents can thrive without compromise.
With a relentless work ethic, a commitment to collaboration, and an eye for innovation, I’m proud to be leaving my mark on the music industry. Whether it’s through my creative endeavors, my support for the artist community, or the businesses I’ve built, I remain deeply motivated to push boundaries and inspire others.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three key qualities and areas of knowledge have been instrumental in shaping my journey in the music industry. These are music business knowledge, effective communication, and discipline. Here’s why they mattered so much to me and advice for anyone starting their journey on how to develop these qualities:
1. Music Business Knowledge / The Desire to Learn
Understanding the music industry from every angle has been critical to my success. Early on, I recognized that having talent alone wouldn’t be enough—I needed to understand the business side of music to navigate opportunities effectively. I made it a point to learn everything I could through conversations with industry experts, listening to podcasts, watching interviews, and learning from hands-on experience.
When I was starting out, there weren’t enough transparent resources available to up-and-coming musicians, which is why I created my podcast, Creative Discipline with TheZachMichael. Through the podcast, I focus on sharing music business insights and key philosophies that have helped me thrive in this ever-changing industry. Additionally, I write blog articles on my website https://www.elizabethrecords.net/blog to help others learn from my journey and the lessons I’ve picked up along the way.
Advice: Be relentless in your pursuit of knowledge. Consume every resource available to you—books, podcasts, articles, and mentorship opportunities. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if it’s uncomfortable. Staying curious and adaptable will ensure you’re always prepared for changes in the industry.
2. Communication
Effective communication is a skill that has opened countless doors for me. The ability to clearly express ideas, actively listen, and make meaningful connections with others has been vital in building relationships and growing my career. Beyond just talking, being someone that others enjoy speaking with—someone approachable and reliable—has led to opportunities I couldn’t have planned for. In the music industry, trust and relationships often carry as much weight as talent.
Advice: Practice active listening and be intentional in your conversations. Approach people with authenticity and a genuine desire to understand their perspective. Remember, good communication isn’t just about speaking—it’s about building trust and connection.
3. Discipline
Discipline has been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. My work ethic is something I take great pride in—I show up every day, regardless of how I feel, and put in the hours. I’ve learned to handle rejection without letting it deter me. To me, every “no” is just a step closer to a “yes.” This mindset of relentless discipline has allowed me to stand out and earn respect in the industry.
Advice: Treat your craft like a job you’re deeply committed to. Set a schedule, stick to it, and work even on the days you don’t feel inspired. Success often comes from showing up consistently and being willing to outwork others while staying focused on your long-term goals.
By combining a hunger for knowledge, strong communication skills, and unwavering discipline, I’ve been able to create opportunities and thrive in a challenging industry. For those just starting out: stay curious, stay connected, and most importantly, stay committed. The results will come with time and persistence.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful things my parents have done for me revolve around the values they demonstrated and instilled in me through their actions and examples. They taught me lessons that continue to shape my mindset, work ethic, and approach to life and my career.
My dad, an entrepreneur, has been a powerful role model for me when it comes to building something from the ground up. Watching him run his business while providing for his family—including me and my three younger siblings—has been a masterclass in perseverance, time management, and grace under pressure.
What stands out most is how he balances the demands of entrepreneurship with his commitment to family. Despite the stress and challenges of managing a business, he always made time for us and prioritized the values that matter most. His ability to put in long hours while still being present as a father taught me how to manage my time effectively and how to prioritize what’s truly important.
As a musician and entrepreneur, I often draw from his example. Building my career in music isn’t just about creating—it’s about managing the business side, staying disciplined, and showing up consistently. My dad showed me that hard work and focus are key, but so are balance and staying connected to your values.
My mom has been equally impactful, especially in teaching me the value of hard work and the importance of learning new skills. She originally trained to be a teacher, but over time, she transitioned into other industries by teaching herself new skills. Her ability to learn independently and excel in different fields is something I deeply admire and strive to emulate.
For me as an independent musician, her example is incredibly relevant. I don’t have a big team—I am the team. Whether it’s producing music, handling marketing, managing sync licensing, designing cover art, or running a business, I’ve learned to wear many hats. Seeing my mom embrace skill stacking and self-reliance gave me the confidence to take ownership of my career and trust that I could figure out whatever I needed to succeed.
She also taught me that hard work isn’t just about effort—it’s about being resourceful and proactive in learning what you don’t know. That mindset has been crucial in my journey as a musician and entrepreneur.
Together, my parents gave me a foundation of resilience, discipline, and adaptability. My dad’s example of building and managing a business while staying grounded in his values showed me how to approach challenges with grace and focus. My mom’s ability to continually evolve and master new skills taught me that independence and versatility are powerful tools for success.
Beyond my parents, my grandma has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance. She reminds me to stay humble and hardworking, no matter how much success I achieve. Her wisdom and perspective have helped me understand the importance of gratitude and staying grounded in all aspects of life.
My grandma’s support goes beyond words. She’s always there for me whenever I need to talk about the difficult situations I face in the music industry. Whether it’s a tough decision, a moment of doubt, or navigating the challenges of working in such a competitive field, I know I can count on her to listen and offer thoughtful advice. Her presence in my life has been a reminder that success isn’t just about accomplishments—it’s about the people who help you grow and the values you carry with you.
These lessons have become a part of who I am. Whether I’m writing music, launching a new project, or navigating the business side of the industry, I carry their values with me. I’ve learned to work hard, stay adaptable, and balance ambition with purpose, and that’s been the key to building a career I’m proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizabethrecords.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezachmichael/
- Twitter: https://x.com/TheZachMichael
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thezachmichael
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