Zach Bryan Celebrates One Year of Sobriety and Growth

Zach Bryan’s Journey to Sobriety

Zach Bryan is sharing a heartfelt account of how his decision to embrace sobriety has positively impacted his life and music career over the past year.

Conversation with Matthew McConaughey

The country artist recently joined Matthew McConaughey on a porch in the Appalachian hills to commemorate the launch of his new EP, Young Manhood & Other Donatable Organs. This marks Bryan’s first public interview in several years, where they delved into topics such as music, faith, and life experiences.

A Life-Altering Decision

For Bryan, sobriety has been a significant turning point. In November 2025, he took to social media to announce that he had gone two months without alcohol, expressing how much better he felt. “I feel great. I feel content. I feel whole,” he shared, highlighting that he no longer felt the need for substances to cope.

Realization and Change

Reflecting on his past, Bryan admitted that he never recognized his drinking as a problem until he quit. He noted that he was consuming around 15 beers daily, often before and after performances, to manage his stage fright.

One pivotal night in a New York City bar, he impulsively decided to embark on a month-long motorcycle journey across the country, seeking inspiration akin to that of his literary idol, Jack Kerouac. However, during this trip, he confronted the reality of his situation, feeling emptier and more lost than before.

A Moment of Clarity

While stopping at a truck stop near Seattle, he found himself sitting on a curb, contemplating his choices as he drank a 40-ounce beer. This moment led him to question his motives: “Why am I drinking right now? What am I celebrating?” This introspection prompted him to recognize his issues with alcohol.

Finding Love and Support

In a challenging phase of his life, Bryan met Samantha Leonard on a beach in Spain. Their connection was immediate, and he realized he needed to make significant changes. When he expressed the need to stop drinking, she supported him wholeheartedly. Bryan credits her with saving his life, as she brought positivity and lightness into his world.

Performing Sober and Creating Music

One of Bryan’s initial fears about sobriety was performing without alcohol. Surprisingly, he found that performing sober was a much more fulfilling experience. He also successfully wrote and recorded his new EP while sober, which he considers to be a major personal achievement.

“This EP is the first project where I didn’t drink at all. I wrote and sang every word sober, proving to myself that I could do it,” he stated proudly.

New Music and Upcoming Tour

His EP, Young Manhood & Other Donatable Organs, was released on October 16, 2026, featuring collaborations with artists like Lana Del Rey and Turnpike Troubadours. Bryan is set to bring this new project to life on his YM&ODO tour, which will span the U.S., Canada, and Australia in 2027.

Source: countrynow.com