Original Rock shows
Original Music from Zach Black
Long before developing his tribute performances and acoustic cover shows, Zach Black was writing and performing original music with bands beginning in middle and high school. By the time he arrived in Austin to attend the University of Texas, songwriting and live performance were already a central part of his life.
While in Austin, Black began performing locally with the psychedelic rap-rock band Bad Rituals, helping establish his foundation as a live performer and songwriter within the city’s independent music scene. During that same time, Black also performed under his own name as Zach Black and Zach Black & Friends, a rotating lineup of musicians built around his original songs. That project eventually evolved into the full band lineup that became Souls Extolled.
Over the years, Black has collaborated with a wide range of artists and musicians throughout Austin, performing and recording with projects such as Manekis, Los Alcos, The Black Sheep Optimists, Our Last Days, and the hardcore ska-punk band Archaic 3, among others. In addition to fronting bands, he has contributed on multiple instruments including guitar, bass, drums, and ukulele across a variety of projects.
Souls Extolled
The most significant chapter of Black’s original music career came with the indie rock band Souls Extolled, a project that blended punk energy, reggae rhythm, and alternative rock songwriting.
With Souls Extolled, Black released multiple records and toured extensively across the United States, performing at clubs, festivals, and regional venues while building a reputation for dynamic and unpredictable live performances.
The band’s most recent self-titled record, SOULSEX, represents the culmination of that era of songwriting and remains one of Black’s proudest musical achievements.
Current Appearances
While Souls Extolled is currently on hiatus, Zach has recently begun returning to the stage through occasional acoustic showcase appearances, introducing new songs from an upcoming solo record.
These performances offer audiences an early look at the next chapter of Zach Black’s songwriting while new material and future band collaborations continue to develop behind the scenes.
Opportunities for Original Performances
Zach Black occasionally accepts invitations to perform original sets in Austin and beyond, including:
• showcase performances
• opening slots for touring artists
• songwriter nights
• festival lineups
For the right opportunity, a full band lineup can also be assembled to perform songs from the Souls Extolled catalog alongside new original material.
In addition to performing, Black is also known in the Austin scene as an event organizer and promoter, having produced and hosted a number of memorable local events including The Restless Kind Boat Party, the Super Epic House Party, and other independent shows and gatherings. When Zach joins a lineup, he brings not only a strong live performance but also the enthusiasm and promotion of someone deeply connected to the local music community.
Looking Ahead
A new collection of original songs is currently in development, with plans to return to the stage with a full band performing both new material and selections from SOULSEX, bringing together the past and future of Zach Black’s original music.
Booking
Original performances are available on a limited and case-by-case basis depending on the event.
For booking inquiries, please reach out through the contact form.