An Inspired Chat with Zakk DeBono

Zakk DeBono shared his story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Zakk, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Music has always been at the center of my life. I truly live and breathe it. Every day I am either writing, playing guitar, or working on a new idea that could turn into a memorable song or a great hook. I draw a lot of inspiration from the psychedelic sounds of the 60s, especially bands like The Beatles, The Moody Blues, Status Quo, Strawberry Alarm Clock, and The Doors. Music is not just what I do, it is who I am. It is what makes me happiest and it is my purpose. You will rarely see me without a guitar in my hands.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Denver, Colorado. I play in a band called The Broken Circle. The name represents the idea that no circle is perfect, and I bring in different musicians from around the world to play with me. This keeps the music fresh and gives it unique character rather than repeating the same sound. I have been performing professionally since I was five years old and have been touring for about fifteen years. I work hard to keep psychedelic rock guitar alive in today’s industry. My focus is always on writing music that people can remember and connect with. I want to create my own sound and my own image, and anyone who comes to a show can clearly see and hear that.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most defining moments in my life was when I had heart surgery years ago. I was given only a two percent chance of survival, and that experience completely changed the way I see the world. It gave me a deep appreciation for life that I never had before. During that time all I could do was pray, hold on to my guitar, and hope I would make it through. I owe everything to my mom, to my wife Amanda, to my faith, and to the incredible doctor who saved my life, Dr. Al Yurvati from Dallas Fort Worth.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I turn every emotion I feel into music. When I go through pain, it becomes fuel for me to play my guitar with even more intensity and emotion. I want the instrument to speak and even cry with me. The best way to understand that is to see me live, because everything I feel comes through the fretboard and into the performance. My favorite quote is “Grow through what you go through.”

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
What you see is what you get with me. A lot of musicians rely on smoke and mirrors or create an image, but I have always been the same person since the day I was born. The only things that have really changed over the years are a few more tattoos and a taste for good high end tequila.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am with my wife and when I am playing music. She helps me handle the challenges of life and keeps me grounded. Music takes me to another place that I need to visit every day, especially when I am stressed or not feeling well. My hope in life is to continue finding peace through music and to inspire others, whether that is by helping them directly, sharing my songs, or simply showing kindness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zakkdebonoandthebrokencircle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zakkdebonoofficial?igsh=c2ZuY2loZTJwbThy&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EyS9N3MYX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/zakkdebonoandthebrokencircle

Image Credits
Photo by David Rossa