Cynthia Zachrich is a vibrant and beautiful soul. From the first moment I saw her perform I knew she was a force to be reckoned with, but I was a little intimidated by her so I didn’t even introduce myself to her right away as I sometimes do. It wasn’t until months later when I realized we shared a mutual close friend that I thought to myself, well if they’re close, and we’re close, then I bet she and I would get along great! So I reached out her through Facebook to introduce myself and I asked her to coffee, almost like asking a stranger on a date, only this was a musician friend date! She said yes, we met up, and we clicked immediately! 

Over the past couple of years, Cynthia and I have shared laughter and tears and new experiences and lessons we’ve learned through life’s struggles. Getting to zoom in on her music journey and how she got to where she is was a lot of fun.

Ashley: Do you remember the first time you thought, “I want to be on stage singing”?

Cynthia: I remember wanting to be in the high school musicals so bad, but I was so nervous for tryouts that I lost my voice. I finally made it into one my junior year. That was it!

Ashley: And the rest is history! So I initially met you through your band Venyx. Can you tell me about how that band started and what kind of music you play? 

Cynthia: My best friend since we were 15 years old, Jessica, got me into this amazing Pink Floyd Tribute Band with her. When that ended, she said we should start our own band. So, we did! That was 19 years ago. We play top 40 with a little classic rock, from Prince to Heart. 

Ashley: I love that! Doing music with your closest friends is so meaningful. Who are the artists that shaped your voice and music style the most?

Cynthia: I was really lucky that both of my parents listened to so many different styles of music. I really vibed with R&B and Motown. But I really found the styles I loved with Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Sade. And of course Latin music.

Ashley: Ooh I also grew up on Motown! Ok, let’s talk personal influences. Has there been anyone in your life who has played a significant role in your music career? 

Cynthia. My mom, for sure. She and her sisters had a band called Willow with four part harmonies. For all of us cousins, that was the highlight of any family get together.

Ashley: Music bringing a family together, that’s so beautiful. I think music can also bring a community together, like the local music scene we have here. What do you think makes our local music scene so special?

Cynthia. The respect and support for each other. A long time ago, before I was ever around the scene, I heard it wasn’t very nice. That has not been my experience, at all. I have made so many friends because of being in a band that plays in this area. Everyone supports everyone and even invites friends in other bands to play gigs or come and perform a song or two. I love it.

Ashley: It really is a great community. I know you sing in a few other projects as well. Tell me about those.

Cynthia: Currently, I’m focusing on Venyx mostly. Venyx has the five piece, four piece, and two and three piece acoustic variations. That keeps us pretty busy. But, I do sing for a Toto Tribute Band occasionally, and sing for a band called the Hypnotics when they open for bands like Warrant or Night Ranger. 

Ashley: What has been the most difficult part of being active in multiple groups, and how do you balance it?

Cynthia: I think just being overly busy. I work full-time and I have double booked myself before! Now I have a schedule book that I’m diligent about keeping up to date. Color coded and all!

Ashley: What would you consider the highlight of your career thus far?

Cynthia: Definitely, the relationship I have with the rest of the band and their families. I’m so comfortable being on stage with these guys and it truly makes me happy. I love when people who come out to see us tell me that they had a great time and will be back. Some of my closest friends I would not have met if it weren’t for Venyx. I get to do what I absolutely love to do and people enjoy it. That is the best!

Ashley: Can you share a performance memory that really stuck with you—whether funny, emotional, or unforgettable?

Cynthia: There are several, for sure. But one that sticks out was at Put-In-Bay. When we were done, a lady came up to me and asked me what the name of a song that we did was. After figuring out which one it was, she said she had never heard it before. It was “Creep” by Radiohead, so I was like, “Really?” But, she said she loved it so much that she had tears and was going to go listen to the original. She came back the next night and said it is now one of her favorite songs and she loved the way the band performs it. 

Ashley: That’s so cool, you got to introduce her to a song she may have never heard of it weren’t for you, and it made a huge impact! Okay, if you could dream up the next step for yourself musically—whether that’s an album, a festival, or a dream collaboration—what would it be?

Cynthia: I would love to collaborate with so many artists in our area. We have some serious talent and I always think, man, it would be so cool to do a gig with these people. I would also love to someday have the time and resources to create some original music for an album.

Ashley: Where can people find more information about your upcoming shows and music?

Cynthia: Our Venyx Facebook page or website, Venyxrocks.com.