Zak William: The Gritty Voice of Modern Heartland Rock

Zak William is a singer-songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio, who has carved a distinct niche in the contemporary rock landscape by fusing heartland storytelling with raw, guitar-driven energy. His 2018 sophomore album, Rustbelt Heart, became a slow-burn success, eventually peaking at number 42 on the Billboard 200 and earning a gold certification for over 500,000 units sold in North America.

Early career

Born in 1989, Zak William began his musical journey playing in dive bars along the shores of Lake Erie while studying literature at Cleveland State University. His self-released debut EP, Midwest Ghosts, recorded in a friend's garage in 2012, caught the attention of independent label Rustic Records, which signed him and re-released the EP the following year.

Breakthrough

William's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of his critically acclaimed album Rustbelt Heart on Rustic Records. The album's lead single, "Steel and Rain," gained traction on alternative rock radio, spending 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and propelling the album to its chart success.

Key tracks

Steel and Rain — This anthemic lead single defined William's heartland rock sound and became his first charting radio hit.

Interstate Lights — A collaboration with veteran guitarist Mike Campbell, this track showcased William's growth as a lyricist and guitarist.

Forgotten Ohio — The poignant album closer became a fan favorite and a staple of his live performances, often extended into a ten-minute jam.

Hard Way Home — This track earned a sync placement in a major network television drama, significantly broadening his audience in 2019.

Following the success of Rustbelt Heart, William spent two years touring extensively before entering the studio with producer John Agnello. The resulting 2021 album, American Static, debuted at number 31 on the Billboard 200, supported by the rock radio single "Radio Caffeine." His most recent work includes a 2023 collaboration with country-rock artist Lissie on the duet "Parallel Lines," released as a standalone single.

Fans of Zak William's brand of earnest, guitar-based rock often also enjoy the work of The Gaslight Anthem for their shared thematic blue-collar narratives. The heartland rock influence of Tom Petty is a clear touchstone in William's melodic sensibilities. Listeners appreciate the similar raw vocal delivery and midwestern ethos found in the music of The Hold Steady. The modern rock approach of Kings of Leon, particularly in their earlier years, aligns with William's anthemic songcraft.

The music of Zak William maintains a consistent presence on a variety of radio formats featured on this website. His hits are staples on alternative rock radio stations, while deeper album cuts find a home on independent music radio stations and dedicated online rock radio streams that champion authentic singer-songwriters.

You can hear the powerful heartland rock of Zak William on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Explore our curated selection of stations to discover his music and other artists shaping the sound of modern rock.