Modern Light began in a flurry in December 2025, just days after dropping off a record of new material to be mixed and mastered (a record that will be coming out this winter). Over the course of 2 weeks, most of the songs on this project were written and recorded. “The first 2 songs came through on back to back days, and they had something special in them. Immediately I set about recording them where they blossomed into magic. It all seemed to be coming through me. I’m not sure I can take much credit for the music in this record.”

Unlike several of his last records, where Zach was the lone artist playing all the instruments, he invited in a few friends to help take these songs into a new direction. Matthew DeRubertis (Seer Music) added bass to many of the tracks; the fantastic vocalist Kate Skinner added harmony and backing vocals; Matthew Alec (Matthew Alec & the Soul Electric) brought saxophone; Keith Allison (Angry Cow Poetry) added some spoken word, including the finale “Light Your Lamps,” a poem written by Keith Allison and Theresa Gottl Brightman.

“70x7” asks how do we create repair in relationships where it seems rupture abounds. “Geodes” imagines how we can break and shine even more brilliantly, and in that how the whole world can be a dance. “Growing Elder” speaks to aging into purpose and wisdom. “La La Land” bears the record title, musing on how we can bring water to the fires around and within us, while acknowledging our own imperfections. “Some days I am living modern light. Some days, I am giving all that’s bright.”

In addition, Zach adds 2 covers, “At Last … a Heartbeat” a poem by Marcellus Williams, who was put to death for a crime he did not commit, with music by Ganavya, and “Mercy Street” by Peter Gabriel. “Both of these songs have a message that helped the energetic arc of this record. Williams’ words, at the tragic end of his life, ‘there is so much beauty and comfort in being in love and just being,’ is a message of hope and a call back to our humanity.

Modern Light is living in a way that is rooted in our humanity. Our times and our lives are needing a new sort of shine, one that reminds us we are all interconnected and interdependent, and that creativity and compassion is a medicine for many of our basic wounds. A shine that doesn’t cast shadows, but holds everything lightly.”