120: Warren Zeiders: Collegiate Athlete to Country Music Star
May 12, 2025
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Warren Zeiders, a rising country music star from Hershey, PA, talks about his transformative journey from lacrosse player to chart-topping musician. He shares how a viral video launched his career and the importance of staying true to himself amidst industry pressures. Warren dives into the challenges of maintaining fitness on tour and balancing personal life with growing success. He reflects on his musical roots, the emotional connections during live performances, and how family has kept him grounded throughout his journey.
Warren Zeiders' transition from lacrosse player to country music star showcases how resilience and passion can pave the way for unexpected career paths.
The significance of audience connection and engaging performances is highlighted as crucial for Ziders, who thrives on the energy from live shows.
Maintaining a balance between personal life and a demanding touring schedule, Ziders emphasizes the importance of health, fitness, and support systems in sustaining his career.
Deep dives
Warren Ziders' Musical Journey
Warren Ziders' journey into music began in his childhood, where he was influenced by church music and a family background rich in entrepreneurship rather than the arts. He expressed a love for music early on, singing at family gatherings and enjoying concerts, yet he focused primarily on sports, especially lacrosse, through high school and college. An unexpected wave of bullying during his adolescence, triggered by a video of him singing, temporarily stifled his confidence, but also instilled a resilience that would shape his future. Ultimately, a series of events led him back to music, where he embraced songwriting and performance, catalyzed by encouragement from fans and peers, allowing him to carve out a successful path in country music.
Impact of Live Performances
Performances play a crucial role in Ziders' artistic expression; he thrives on large crowds and the energy they bring, stating that the acoustics in an arena amplify his connection with the audience. He recalls some of his most exhilarating moments, such as performing at the Houston Rodeo in front of 65,000 people, where he felt a unique energy that fueled his performance. Ziders also embraces the challenge of adapting to various venues, learning to engage audiences regardless of their initial level of enthusiasm. This adaptability, combined with his athletic background, bolsters his confidence on stage, ensuring that he delivers captivating performances even amid unexpected obstacles.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Ziders shares insights into the inherent challenges of balancing the demanding schedule of a touring artist with his personal life and maintaining health. He once faced significant weight gain due to a busy touring lifestyle, which prompted him to reassess his routines and prioritizing fitness. Engaging in disciplined training and nutrition, he emphasizes the importance of rest days and calorie management, which have become foundational in maintaining his physical health on the road. Ziders attributes part of his success in weight loss and wellness to a supportive management team who help cater to his dietary needs, ensuring he remains fit while fulfilling touring obligations.
Navigating Industry Pressures
Warren speaks candidly about the pressures that come with newfound success in the music industry and the potential pitfalls of complacency. He emphasizes the mantra 'happy, never satisfied,' advocating for a continual push toward greater goals and achievements. By embracing constructive criticism from trusted mentors and family, he remains grounded and focused on his growth as an artist. Ziders acknowledges the importance of surrounding himself with individuals who challenge him positively and keep him in check, ensuring he never loses sight of his artistic values or personal integrity.
Musical Development and Future Aspirations
As a relatively new artist, Ziders recognizes the significance of continuous development, both in songwriting and performance skills, highlighting that the first songs he wrote were a stepping stone toward honing his craft. He reflects on writing his hit song 'Ride the Lightning,' a pivotal moment that transformed his career trajectory after recognizing the support from fans. Ziders remains intent on pushing boundaries in his music, suggesting there may be a future gospel album in the works inspired by his faith and connections to his upbringing. This adaptability and willingness to explore different musical avenues signify a comprehensive growth strategy as he endeavors to connect personally with a broader audience.
The Power of Belief and Vision
Ziders credits his success to the power of belief and the importance of visualizing his goals. He recalls distinctly stating his intention to headline major venues before achieving these milestones and attributes his confidence to a robust work ethic. This mindset aligns with insights he has gained from sports legends like Kobe Bryant, stressing that success is not just about talent but also the relentless pursuit of improvement. By setting high standards and refusing to settle, Ziders continues to fuel his ambitions while inspiring others in the industry to adopt a similar growth-oriented mentality.
In this episode, I sit down with Warren Zeiders — American country music singer/songwriter and a Hershey, PA native — to talk about the real work behind his rise from lacrosse player to chart-topping country artist.
Warren shares how a viral video sparked his career, the battles he fought to stay true to himself, and the role family played in keeping him grounded. This is a conversation that focuses in on holding the line when the pressure to change is at its highest.
CHAPTERS: 05:20 The Highs and Lows of Performing 12:07 Balancing Success and Personal Life 22:29 Fitness and Health Journey 29:58 Diet and Nutrition on Tour 36:42 Hometown Roots and Musical Beginnings 47:12 Discovering and Developing Musical Talent 53:55 Navigating Early Success and Record Deals 01:06:24 First Headlining Show and Early Performances 01:12:10 Viral Success and Original Music 01:30:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
