Zack King Turned His Breakup Into a Therapy Session With “Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You”

Zack King’s Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You isn’t a breakup album; it’s a confession booth with guitars. The Los Angeles-based artist takes all the feelings most of us try to hide and drags them straight into the light. Every lyric sounds like a thought you’ve had at 2 a.m. and were too scared to send.

The record plays like a post-breakup diary, flipping between moments of chaos, clarity, and quiet self-reflection. From the explosive opener “What’s on Your Mind?” to the hopeful closer “Better Than Yesterday,” Zack crafts a sonic narrative that feels less like a pity party and more like an act of emotional rebellion. He blends pop-rock’s punch with singer-songwriter vulnerability, creating something catchy enough to sing along to and heavy enough to hit where it hurts.

“Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You” walks the line between heartbreak and healing with impressive balance. Tracks like “We’re Alright” radiate optimism without pretending the pain’s gone, while “What’s on Your Mind?” wrestles with the communication breakdown that lingers long after a relationship ends. Zack’s voice carries both exhaustion and resilience, shifting effortlessly from raspy confessions to full-throttle release.

What makes the album stand out is its unfiltered honesty. You can tell these songs weren’t written for the radio; they were written to survive. The production matches that energy, bouncing between atmospheric ballads and guitar-heavy catharsis, mirroring the way grief comes in waves. Each song feels like a page ripped from a therapy journal, raw but intentional.

Zack doesn’t romanticize heartbreak; he dismantles it. He’s open about struggling with mental health and intrusive thoughts, using songwriting as a lifeline. That vulnerability transforms the project into something bigger than a breakup record; it’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible.

Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You is for anyone who’s ever stared at a text thread and realized closure doesn’t come from the other person; it comes from yourself.

What was the first song that made you realize this album was something you needed to make? "What's on your Mind?" was the song that helped me realize I wanted to make my debut pop punk album, Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You. Four years ago, I wrote this song, my first pop punk song, in hopes of unlocking a brand new sound for my music. Luckily, that is exactly what happened. This song took me back to my roots and the music I grew up listening to. It made me feel like myself again and allowed me to wear my heart on my sleeve and say exactly what I was thinking. "What's on your Mind?" paved the way for the rest of the album and set the tone for Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You.

Did writing instead of texting ever backfire emotionally, or did it always feel freeing? There were plenty of times I wanted to put the scratch sheet of paper down and pick up my phone instead. But I always came back to the sheet of paper I was writing my thoughts, feelings, and lyrics on because I knew that was the right choice. I really wanted to text the person who hurt me and tell them exactly what I was feeling, but who would that help? I decided it was better to keep these emotions to myself for my benefit, for the music’s benefit, and for the album’s benefit. And I am glad I did. Sometimes the best way to get back at them is silence... and maybe writing a full album. That is exactly what Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You became—a way for me to channel everything in a creative and emotional way.

How did your journey through therapy influence your approach to songwriting? Going to therapy was the first time I tried writing my thoughts down on paper. There is something cathartic about expressing how you are feeling and what you are going through. After therapy, I started rereading my notes at home and eventually thought about turning what I had written into lyrics. I have always played guitar, but never thought about writing my own songs or lyrics. Thanks to therapy, I was able to blend both parts of my life together and start songwriting. Without therapy and without allowing myself to feel, I do not know if I would have ever become a songwriter. This process helped shape Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You into a deeply personal album with honesty and emotion at its core.

Which song on the album represents your biggest personal breakthrough? The song that was my biggest personal breakthrough is my mental health anthem "Over & Over." This song is about anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, and leaning on those you love. It was by far the hardest song I have ever written emotionally. I definitely went back and forth on releasing it because it was so vulnerable, but I am glad I decided to put it out. I realized other people need to hear this song and remember they will be missed. If you know anyone who needs to hear this message, please share it. My goal with "Over & Over" and the entire album Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You is to reach as many people as possible and show them they are not alone and that there is always another choice.

What do you want someone struggling with heartbreak or mental health to feel after listening? I want them to feel seen and to know they are not alone in what they are going through. For a long time, I felt like I was the only one experiencing these feelings and that nobody understood me. After therapy, learning ways to cope, and surrounding myself with people who truly care, I began to feel secure in myself and my emotions. Whatever you are going through—whether it is anxiety, depression, heartbreak, loss, grief, or suicidal thoughts—please remember you are not alone. That is the whole point of this album. I made Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You to help others see they are not alone in their journey and to remind them that it is okay not to be okay. This album is about connection, honesty, and showing that your feelings are valid.