Blurring the line between Country troubadours and Rock n’ Roll renegades, Zac Cross Band, leap heartfirst into tales of good times and endless nights. When frontman Zac Cross was visiting home in 2018, he overheard a flawless rendition of the Eagles epic, ‘Hotel California’. The guitarist who effortlessly fretted the classic? Lachlan Plant – his younger brother’s best mate. Instantly recognising his potential, he thought “we have to do something about this”. The charismatic singer and then 16-year-old guitarist swiftly became regulars on the Central QLD circuit. With a chuckle, Cross recalls, “I had to be his ‘legal guardian’ - absolutely no beers for young Lachlan.” It wasn’t long before fate interceded again, bringing drummer, Bailey Connor, into orbit. “Bailey left the band that he was playing for in 2020 and after hearing this, we reached out to see if he wanted to come around and have a jam.” From that moment on they never looked back. The bass guitar spot remained a swinging door in the years that followed, until Joe O'Shaughnessy walked through and galvanised the group’s dynamics. “I think we have the dream team and I wouldn’t want to play with anyone else,” confesses Cross. “We’ve had our fair share of hurdles but now we get to travel around the country, not just as a band but as best mates.” Launching their musical voyage amidst the global COVID pandemic didn't deter their spirit. Recruiting the ears of Jared Adlam (Adam Brand, Matt Cornell) as producer, the band recorded their first EP and honed their creative Country/Rock fusion. It earned them the opening slot on Josh Setterfield’s headline tour, as well as appearances at Big Beer Festival, Country Fest Queensland, Baralaba Bash and Gympie Music Muster slated for 2024. Self-described as “Country in essence, Rock in sound”, Zac Cross Band weave together a vast tapestry of influences – from Keith Urban and Morgan Wallen to Greenday and Linkin Park. Amidst the clamour of powerful guitar riffs and stadium-worthy drums lie introspective lyrics that celebrate life. Yet, for the 4-piece from Rockhampton, music serves a higher purpose. “I believe that everyone has something they are going through,” explains the frontman. “If we can use our music to help someone deal with that or get through something, then we have a genuine purpose in what we are doing.” This believe extends to their involvement with ‘Our Rainbow House’; a charity supporting orphaned children in Zambia. The band has performed alongside Country music legend, Kasey Chambers, in support of the charity. Currently, Zac Cross Band are sculpting their debut album at Jared Adlam’s sun kissed studio on the Gold Coast, Machine Lab Recording. The 11-track opus’ lead single, ‘Too Far Gone’, notched multiple Spotify and Apple Music playlist additions, totalling 165 000+ streams. The track continues to score radio airtime on Kix Country and Triple M Country as well as featuring on ABCs Saturday Night Country. Soon the boys will unveil the next single, ‘Dear God’; a highly emotive ballad about a heartfelt plea for help. “Dear God is by far the most vulnerable, real and emotional song that we’ve ever done. Hopefully, by putting this song out into the world, it can help change someone else's life or help put someone on the right track away from a dark place. As ironic as it is, I think I can safely say that I am a man of faith." From heart-warming ballads to full pelt Rock, Zac Cross Band are redefining Country music's horizons; sharing stories of love, longing, and every twist of fate that lies between.