Some artists stumble into their calling by accident. For SKRTS (born Zach Stearns), music began as a way to skip school—a joke audition for American Idol in 2019 that, against all odds, revealed real talent. “I really didn’t want to go to school that day,” he admits with a laugh. But what started as a rebellious act soon became a mission. By 2020, he was releasing music under the name SKRTS, carving out a space that refuses to be boxed in.
His sound? A defiant blend of pop, rock, and hip-hop, with the raw energy of MGK and the moody introspection of Billie Eilish. “I don’t think I really fit into one single genre,” he says. “I’m my own thing.” That refusal to conform has become his signature—but it’s also his biggest challenge. Without a clear genre lane, building an audience hasn’t been easy. Still, he’s cultivated a tight-knit fanbase that connects with his authenticity, proving that real artistry doesn’t need a label.
One of his proudest moments came while crafting “RESTORED,” a song that fought him for weeks before finally clicking. “I spent weeks trying to make it work,” he recalls, “but one day it all just fell into place, and I finished it in two hours.” That breakthrough—a mix of frustration and euphoria—resulted in his favorite track to date, a testament to his growth as a songwriter.
Now, SKRTS is gearing up for his next single, dropping May 2nd, with a full album expected by year’s end. “This next album is going to really be something special,” he hints. Beyond music, he’s building deeper fan connections, launching a fan club in June with perks like free tickets and merch. His advice to aspiring artists? “Don’t pump out large amounts of music. Take your time to make something special.”
As for the future, SKRTS keeps it open-ended: “I guess we’ll find out next year.” But one thing’s certain—whether through genre-bending tracks or his growing community, he’s determined to do it his way. Follow @zachstearnsig to catch the ride.
