Although usual practice in this music blog would be for me to share a new song that has inspired me in some way, this short documentary and heart warming story simply left me emotionally drained. 

Zach Sobiech was given only a matter of months to live after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the tender age of 14. Last June, at the age of 17, Zach became a rock star and an inspiration to millions of people. Zach's affinity with music seemed to help him with his battle against the disease and music very much seemed to be his outlet and best way of him expressing himself. The video (right) shows Zach's journey through the latter stages of his battle and we, as an audience get to see just how close he is to his whole family, how they, along with his girlfriend become the objects of his passion for his songwriting. 

In December 2012, Zach's song 'Clouds' went viral and attracted the interest and support of plenty of famous people including; Riann Wilson, The Lumineers, Jason Mraz, Ed Helms and Colbie Caillat to name but a few. Indeed the video attached to this article was produced through Riann Wilson's SoulPancake youtube channel and has attracted over seven million views to date. In one particuarly poignant scene Zach explains "My closure is being able to get my feelings into these songs. So [friends and family] could have something to remember me by, or lean on when I was gone,".

Zach sadly lost his battle with osteosarcoma in May 2013, yet there's no doubt at all that his legacy will last a very long time through his music and his story. In an age in time where there seems to be endless new pop bands that are idolised for seemingly trivial reasons, Zach Sobiech stands out amongst them all as a true rock star whose music and story is now deservingly being appreciated throughout the world.

JR
 

If you want to see some passion in a singer/songwriter then look no further than Matt Corby. Since making his name in 2007 by finishing as a runner up in Australian Idol, Matt has gone from strength to strength and after a move to London in 2009 managed to get signed to the indie label Communion.

Matt has been compared to the likes of Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley - and if he keeps belting out tracks such as 'Brother' (see right) then he may well get the recognition he deserves.

Rarely have I ever seen a musician get so 'lost' in his songs as Corby. Seeing him transfixed within his own music captivates the audience to the point that by the end of his songs, one can often feel exhausted through sheer satisfaction.

JR