In fifth grade, Zach Calderon was a dedicated shower singer, like most kids.

However, Calderon’s family was heavily involved in musical theater, and his mother and sister were in a musical, so they made him audition and take his talents out of the bathroom.

That was the first time Calderon truly broke through and sang to an audience, not just himself.

Calderon’s family continued to inspire him as he matured physically and musically. A few years after the musical, Calderon wrote his first song, “Peace of Mind,” and dedicated it to his grandmother. 

“She’s been my biggest inspiration since [her passing a few years ago],” Calderon said. “Everything I do with music revolves around her inspiration for me.”

Calderon continued to grow musically until he decided it was time for a larger audience to hear his voice. Calderon released his first song on TikTok on August 31, a rendition of “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s.

@zachcalderonmusic

“Hey There Delilah” – #plainwhitets #pennstate #easthalls #heytheredelilah

♬ original sound – zach

“That video blew up for [49 thousand] views, which was a lot for me,” Calderon said.

Because TikTok’s algorithm often targets like-minded people, Calderon’s hit video spread quickly among Penn State students. He said despite only posting once, he quickly became known as the “‘Hey There Delilah’ guy” or “the guitar guy.” 

Calderon said it was funny to be thought of as a guitar guy because he started out playing the piano and didn’t pick up the string instrument until more recently.

It was actually Calderon’s aforementioned grandmother who bought the guitar for him.

Regardless of the instrument, it only took one video for Calderon to gain traction on social media. His TikTok page currently has 1,200 followers, and his Instagram has 1,300 followers. 

When Calderon came to Penn State, he decided to major in advertising and public relations, staying away from the music industry “in case it didn’t work out.”

Although only a freshman, Calderon has made his presence known on campus. He was featured on Nittany Talk, where he released a song he wrote, “White Song.”

Calderon has written a few songs so far and plans to release more in the future.

He says his inspiration comes from “usually negative sad, hard things” and said he’s never written a positive song because it’s much harder to do.

His three main areas of focus are “breakups, losing someone, and hard times.”

Calderon’s music doesn’t necessarily represent who he is as a person, however.

“I like being just a friendly guy, more than the music person,” he said. “I appreciate the little things [such as] trying to get someone to smile or holding the door for someone [in hopes of] making someone happy.” 

Calderon also hopes to inspire young musicians to “go for it, because if you don’t, you will look back and you will probably regret it.”

He said it’s always worth at least trying; the worst that can happen is it doesn’t work out. But he said it’s also important not to give up.

Calderon is slated to perform at a pre-THON performance for 100 Days ’Til THON in the HUB from 1:30 to 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11.

To follow along with Calderon’s journey as an up-and-coming musician, folks can follow him on TikTok or Instagram.