When he’s not teaching students or grading papers, beloved BBHHS math teacher, Zach Angeloni, channels his deepest emotions into his passionate and heart-felt folk songs. His music journey started eighteen years ago, and since then, Angeloni has been in several bands, put out one full album, two extended plays (EPs), and a handful of singles. He has collaborated with many artists, and has established himself as a talented musician of the Cleveland area. Throughout it all, he has learned valuable lessons about pursuing one’s passions and working hard to create the remarkable discography that he has today.
Inspired by the musical talent of others, Angeloni began his music career during his senior year of high school when he picked up a guitar. Initially, he tried to replicate what he saw and heard in videos, but it wasn’t until a friend invited him to play guitar as a part of their band that his playing really took off. “It was pretty much a friend saying, ‘Oh, you play guitar? You’re going to be in my band now,’” Angeloni recalls.
It wasn’t until around 2020 that he decided to explore a different pathway of producing music as a solo artist. The transition from guitarist in the background to performing alone was not an easy feat. Angeloni was forced to overcome feelings of doubt that his music would be perceived negatively by listeners. His raw lyrics and emotional voice paid off, as he was able to build a dedicated fan base that appreciated the openness and relatability of his lyrics.
Sara Link, a BBHHS English teacher and longtime friend of Angeloni, has watched several of his live performances at the Jenks Building in Cuyahoga Falls, places in North Olmsted, and Lakewood. “I just think it’s so cool to see his talent. He really gets into it. He’s a good singer, and then he’s playing his guitar as well,” she says. Link adds to this by explaining how surprising it is to witness Angeloni be such a confident and open performer.
Behind the scenes, Angeloni works on writing everyday by picking up an instrument and recording his ideas on the Voice Memos App. “I just try to be really consistent with writing, so everyday I’m picking up an instrument of some sort and just staying at it. You write a bunch of stuff that’s just terrible and being consistent with it is part of my [writing]process,” he explains.
Angeloni pulls inspiration from his feelings, thoughts, and memories that he has shared with his family and friends. His popular song, “Audrey’s Got a New Tattoo”, is actually about his sister, Audrey, and the memories that they share with each other. He states, “Every line in it is probably something that my sister gets on a deeper level, but I really enjoy that song.” The piece is very freeform, with no set chorus and explores themes of reminiscence on the past.
Link’s favorite of his songs is titled “Detroit Shoreway Living”, which she memorized all the lyrics to. Link explains that she enjoys most the catchiness of the song and the depth of the lyrics.
“A couple places that I lived in the past all happened to be on Detroit Avenue and that’s where the name of the song came from. That song was really fun because I got to work with twelve people on the song who helped bring it to life,” Angeloni reveals. The lyrics of the song draw from multiple different events and feelings he has experienced, creating an emotionally explorative song that details memories of a not-so-distant past.
Although their messages and lyrics may differ, all of Angeloni’s songs share a common goal. “I think with all my lyrics, I just try to draw emotion from the listener. I just want the listener to feel something. I don’t know what that feeling is or don’t wanna define it for whoever is listening,” he says.
With his extensive experience in the music industry, Angeloni knows what it takes to achieve success through the art of sound. He emphasizes the importance of consistency when it comes to practicing, perfecting, and producing songs as it is not a simple task. He also notes the role that attitude plays in a job like his. “Your story is meaningful, so don’t think that what you have to say isn’t important. Whatever you’re trying to do has importance and just create for yourself. Don’t worry about how things are perceived,” Angeloni reflects.
Over the summer, Angeloni worked closely with Tuck Mindrum and several others to record and produce an album that comes out in 2026. Angeloni states, “I didn’t set out to necessarily write an album, but as I was collecting songs and there started to be enough of them that went well together that I was excited about, so I decided to record those!” The album will shy away from his usual folk style music by including heavier rock tracks filled with drums and bass. The album will be an amazing reflection of eighteen years of drive and dedication that have made him into the respected and admired musician that he is today.
Check out his discography on spotify, bandcamp, and YouTube. Also, be on the lookout for his next album!
