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Zak Sobel
Zak Sobel (born April 11, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter and folk/folk rock musician. Zak has released an EP and a full-length album and is currently recording his third major release. He is signed with Marmalade Records.

Early Life
Raised in Huntington, NY, Zak attended Cold Spring Harbor High School and the Pennsylvania State University. He currently resides in State College, PA.

Influences
Although Zak's influences root back to classic folk rock artists, such as James Taylor, Ray Lamontagne, and Bob Dylan, he stated in a 2010 "The Indiestry" interview that his dad is his "biggest musical influence".

For Jane
In August 2009, Zak released a four-track EP entitled For Jane, which was the first published recording of his career. For Jane features four songs, including "Sweet Anna", "Blue Street", "Kissing Rock", and "Aurora". The CD was recorded at Tumbleweed Studios in New Hyde Park, New York. It was mixed, mastered, a produced by Tony Montalbo.

Songs Joanna Likes
After much recognition from his first EP, Zak released his second musical project, titled Songs Joanna Likes. This full band and full length CD was released on May 11, 2010 and was also recorded at Tumbleweed Studios in New Hyde Park, New York under the production of Tony Montalbo.

Reaction to Songs Joanna Likes
Zak received much recognition for his full length CD, Songs Joanna Likes. A review by Dan McIntosh, a writer at Indie-music.com, states: "Zak Sobel has a very comforting vocal style. His music comes off a little like James Taylor's songs did, back in that pop icon's heyday. Sobel's style ranges from the light jazz of "Make Me Change My Mind And Stay", to the folk of "Sweetheart, Do Not Fear", which is folk-ish with its acoustic guitar and harmonica. "Clay Sun" is the closest thing to rock on these three tracks because of its prominent drum part. These are all warm songs, sung in a warm voice."

The Indiestry also produced a positive review of Zak's work. "After practicing music for only four years now, singer, songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player, Zak Sobel, just released his first LP, "Songs Joanna Likes," in the summer of 2010. The folk-rock album, named after his sister, was recorded with three other artists from Long Island, NY; Tony Montalbo, Janet Leto and Linda Mackley. Sobel, a 21-year-old senior at Penn State University, says his whole life revolves around music. “My dad is an incredible musician and my biggest musical influence,” Sobel said. In the past, Sobel has performed throughout New York, including two appearances at the Long Island Fall Festival (2009, 2010), and throughout local cafes, restaurants and bars in State College, Pa. In addition to this, the Zak Sobel Band was able to share the stage with The Apples in Stereo and Man Man in the spring of 2010, opening up for them at Penn State University. His music has been receiving a solid amount of airplay since the release of "Songs Joanna Likes." Keep and eye out for Zak and his band. Zak Sobel is a name you don't want to forget." (Annamarie DiRaddo)

Public Reaction
In November, 2010, Zak's song, "Make Me Change My Mind And Stay" his #1 on the Singer-Songwriter charts on Indie-music.com. Another one of his songs, "Sweetheart, Do Not Fear," hit #19 on the Singer-Songwriter charts as well. In addition to this, on September 24, 2010, "Make Me Change My Mind And Stay" was certified as an International Top 10 song by the International Assocation of Independent Recordings Artists (IAIRA).

Movies
Zak recently signed on as a lyricist/vocalist on the movie, "The Dead Sea" and as a composer on "Cunning Little Vixen." Both are set to debut within the next year.

Current Touring Band Lineup
Zak and his band, "The Zak Sobel Band", is a prominent local staple in the State College, PA area. The current lineup consists of Josh Angert (Lead Guitar), Clayton Blunk (Bass), Eric Weiss (Percussion), Maura Westerlund (Keyboards)

Current Studio Band Lineup
The backing musicians on Zak's first LP, "Songs Joanna Likes," are Tony Montalbo (Bass, Keys, Fiddle, Mandolin), Janet Leto (Background Vocals), Linda Mackley (Percussion), and Alex Murphy (Lead Guitar)

The musicians that will be featured on his second LP will be Tony Montalbo (Bass, Fiddle, Mandolin), Janet Leto (Background Vocals), Linda Mackley (Drums), Mark Newman (Bottleneck Guitar), and Josh Angert (Lead Guitar)