Local rocker and artist releases single for charity, and talks about influences

Zach Manzano is a busy guy. Singer, songwriter, guitarist, drummer, videographer, photographer, graphic artist and “Star Wars” nerd – it’s astonishing that he makes time for it all.

His “Star Wars” fandom was put to good use when he appeared in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s “Star Wars” shoot last month, wearing his perfectly detailed Kylo Ren costume. He has also been known to add “Star Wars” elements to his own photos, producing a pic, say, of Sandy’s with Imperial Walkers on the beach, or of friends shopping at Ala Moana Center while wielding lightsabers.

On the local rock music scene, Manzano is a member of bands Beware the Bear and rock staple Above Reproach. He also performs as a solo artist.

Most recently, the Waipahu native released a holiday-themed single called “Melt Away,” and all the proceeds from sales will go to KHON2’s Laulima Giving Program. The program “assists with struggling families, the elderly and people with special needs,” Manzano said.

Stylistically the song lands squarely in the pop-punk shelf and will fit nicely on your playlist next to Blink 182, Taking Back Sunday and Fall Out Boy.

Pick up the single at zachmanzano.com.

We checked in with Manzano to find out what motivates him, and where he gets his style.

Star-Advertiser: What made you get into music? What about graphics and videography?

Zach Manzano: The initial start was from hearing the ’80s rock/hair metal that my parents would play on an hourly basis, when I was as young as I could remember. I remember watching these old VHS tapes of these bands and their live concerts from across the globe. It wasn’t until I saw Eddie Van Halen and Richie Sambora that I realized I’d definitely be playing guitar. Years later, I started discovering music of my own. Being drawn to punk/pop-punk/alternative music only added fuel to the fire of me wanting to play music.

I got into digital media and freelancing gigs by accident. I mean, I learned some things in high school and some in college, but it was seeing all these graphic-intense ads in magazines that I read that made me tweak out on my computer, and I just kept at it. I added the video/photo part as a tool to my arsenal, and over time I have had the honor of taking shots from a variety of live concerts as well as making music videos for local talent here in Hawaii.

SA: Where did you learn to do graphics and video work?

ZM: I honestly will say it wasn’t until my post-college days, where I just messed around on my computer learning different design techniques. And I am still learning to this day.

SA: What is your favorite “Star Wars” movie and why?

ZM: “Return of the Jedi,” for me — it just solidifies what the entire trilogy was about. Bringing all the visual pieces together of the force, Jedi, Sith, rebels, lightsaber fights between father and son, starship fights — everything is jammed into this last chapter. … Well, so we thought. Not to mention the Ewoks and slave Leia.

SA: Tell us about some of your favorite projects.

ZM: Every single music video I’ve done with local talent here in Hawaii. There’s always a gap that separates an artist from a fan, and for me it’s getting to know the artists on a personal level. I get to do just that, along with making a music video with them. And what makes me feel even greater is the amount of belief and trust they had in me to deliver.

SA: What’s coming up for you?

ZM: Music-wise, other than gigging, finishing up the EP for Beware the Bear; establishing myself as the new drummer for Above Reproach; as well as finishing up my solo album “Revival.” Music video and photo shoots are coming up real fast that I need to prepare for mentally.

SA: I liked the synched-up headbanging that Beware the Bear was doing at 82 Fifty’s album launch. Who choreographs your mean moves?

ZM: It honestly came naturally, we love putting on a visually exciting show and we aren’t afraid to show it. We get to go nuts and have fun and for that half-hour, we get to live.

SA: What came first, drums or guitars?

ZM: The inspiration came first — the hard work, support, and love that my family has given me throughout the years is the main reason why I want to strive to be the best that I can be and in whatever I get involved in. But to answer your question, I was a pots-and-pans drummer when I was a toddler, and then a guitarist in the years to come. But it seems now I’m involved in both and everything in between, and love it. I am very fortunate to get to do what I do.

SA: What visual artists, videos, movies and bands are inspiring you right now?

ZM: I listen to a weird batch of music. Other than the pop-punk, I have had Tom Petty, James Brown, Coltrane, and Hugh Laurie in the recent mix. Oh, and various jazz stuff from the ’30s. I love mafia movies.