Interview: Zack Miranowic

By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

Zack Miranowic (Disciples Of Verity, Sekond Skyn, Riversend) is soon releasing a personal full-length album titled Sinking Low, and ahead of the release, the Southampton, New Jersey solo artist has released a new single titled “Reflections,” alongside a music video.

The song and album—which is guitar-driven and blends prog, rock and metal—is completely produced, mixed, and mastered by Miranowic. Sinking Low follows his LP titled Fear, released in 2022, and an EP titled Cryin’ Out in 2023.

In this interview with OOTB, Miranowic took time to discuss the upcoming album, being a solo artist, early influences, future goals.

I really love “Reflections!” It’s very guitar driven, written with personal perspective, and the chorus is real catchy—all presented and adapted so well with your music video and artwork. What approaches, both lyrically and musically, can we expect with future singles from your upcoming album, Sinking Low?

Thanks! I'm really glad you liked my new single!

Musically, you can expect more of the melodic, guitar-driven aspects, but with different moods and textures spread throughout the album.

I tried to put a little more emphasis on tonal diversity on this record with the use of different vocal layerings and keyboards.

Lyrically, the album is a loose concept that delves deep into the darker elements of mental health and the passage of time.

Specifically, losing your way and climbing out of your own darkness.

Can you give any time frame of when you hope or plan to release the album?

I'm planning on releasing Sinking Low sometime in the Fall of 2026. Very likely in late September or early October.

When did you first realize that music is what you want to do, and what was that signifier—was it a song, an album, a band, a concert?

I realised my deep passion for music at an early age.

I want to say I was around ten years old when I started listening to artists like Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. That's when I knew I wanted to sing.

However, what made me want to pick up the guitar was watching Metallica on VH1 classics. I couldn't believe someone could play and sing with such power and intensity like James Hetfield. He's been one of my biggest influences ever since.

What made you choose to release music separately from band projects—writing, recording, producing, mixing, mastering—and, in your opinion, what are both positives and negatives of a solo musician career versus a full band?

I decided to start a solo project purely out of my passion to create. I have so many ideas all of the time and it can be hard to get to them all in a band setting.

As someone who produces their own music, I see it as an invaluable learning experience and I enjoy doing it.

There is nothing like working on your own stuff!

The pros of working on your own is that things tend to move WAY faster! You pretty much work at your own pace and everything is how YOU want it to sound.

And you don't have to worry about choosing your battles with anyone.

But of course, there are cons too.

Unfortunately, when you are the only one in your project, everything is on YOU! The writing, the recording, the mixing, the mastering, the art, etc.

It can be very easy to overlook something small that someone else may have picked up on.

Not to mention things like making a music video are more expensive on your own!

What are your goals and aspirations for both the short term, say this year… and long term, where do you see yourself with music a decade down the road?

Some of my goals for 2026 include releasing a line of solid singles, dropping Sinking Low in the Fall, and finding my niche audience, and expanding my fan base.

A decade from now I see myself doing more or less the same. Hopefully still writing and releasing new music, playing live shows, and picking up dedicated fans along the way.

Watch “Reflections”