Today we’d like to introduce you to Zack Winkel
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The band started years ago when drummer Matt Jaroneski, Rythm Guitarist Brendan Goyette and myself Zack Winkel, on lead guitar, decided to form a band. The three of us grew up together in the little small town of Elmira Michigan. We’re basically like brothers. We started as a trio under the name Black Diamond, until we realized that was the name of a popular broadcast station up here and changed the name. Let me tell you picking a band name is a daunting process. We even tried putting paint cards together from the samples at home depot. We finally agreed on the name Driving Dawn, and the meaning behind it is to just be present and live in the moment. At this time we were on a hunt for a bass player and a killer front man. That was when I met our bass player David Anderson working side by side at the East Jordan Iron works. Shortly after meeting David the 4 of us were at a Tantric show at 2 wheel Tavern in wolverine when I had spotted the guy I had told these guys so much about being an absolute killer singer. Mr. Danny Grim, we had worked together for a short time years ago and I knew he had chops. Danny came out for a listen one day and ironically he lived right down the road from us! It was magic, the 5 of us together in a room felt like the stars were alined, we had our band. From there we’ve played many shows together. Many thanks to everyone out there who gave us a chance, we wouldn’t be here with out you. Now we’ve been very blessed to open up for some big names and the train just keeps gaining speed. We’re just about finished up recording our first album with our good friend Dave Runyan. So if you love rock n roll like we do, then pile in because we’re going to take you for one hell of a ride!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely taken us through some ups and downs haha. We’ve had our share of frustrations and arguments but at the end of the day we’re like a faimly and like a faimly we always have eachothers back. With all of us working 9 – 5s outside of the band, it’s definitely tasking some days. We’ve had shows where we got in some serious weather from rain and thunder storms to even playing in the snow! There’s been ruff patches but like that saying, ” A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Each road bump or turn has made us who we are today, and we couldn’t be more greatful for that.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We’re a rock band on a mission to inspire and connect to as many people as we can. To stoke or reignite whatever fire is inside you, that drives you. We Specialize in authentically being ourselves and contagiously connecting with our audience, so they don’t have a choice but to feel completely THEMSELVES and excited about it!
What makes us the most proud is looking out Into that crowd and seeing everyone enjoying themselves.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As far as apps, definitely Spotify or any music platform at that. We depend heavily on having our tunes to get through the day. Eddie trunk podcast is a big one we enjoy listening too. He really does a great job keeping you in the know on what all of our favorite bands are up to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.DrivingDawn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/driving_dawn/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/DrivingDawn/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drivingdawn
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5WHOLaWYdirXDQwU9TgjZm
