Almost 20 years ago, the Contemporary Christian Music band plus ONE decided to disband and embark on individual career paths. Fans (myself included) wished them well and even cheered for the guys’ partial reunion in 2014 with the single “My All.” I’m still hoping they eventually jump on the current reboot/reunion bandwagon and start a +1 podcast or continue to release inspiring singles periodically. 

Marketing, music professional and creative genius Zack Dean is a dedicated fan who likes to reminisce about the good old days of plus ONE music. In recent years, he created a fan page for the classic boy band, and it has maintained a dedicated group of supporters. BTSCelebs recently interviewed the multi-talented Zack Dean to learn more about him, his own music career and the backstory behind the plusONE: Fan Page. 

BTSCelebs: Who is Zack Dean professionally?

Zack Dean: Professionally, I am a senior level marketing professional at a Fortune 500 financial institution in Pittsburgh, PA. I am also the Creative Director for a start up cigar company based in Tampa, FL, and a music producer when time allows!

Please tell us about your own music backstory and current music you are working on. 

     I’ve been interested in music as far back as I remember. However, I was always afraid to let people know of my passion for singing. As soon as I graduated from high school in 2011, is when I suddenly decided not to care anymore. I started to post covers on Facebook and YouTube and saw that I had lot of positive feedback. By 2012, I had reached over 1.3 Million collective views on YouTube, as well as tens of thousands of streams on other various social media platforms. In July 2013, I digitally released my debut EP, “Out Of This World.” The self-titled track from the EP was recognized by American retailer, Abercrombie & Fitch, who requested the song to be played on their international in-store playlist from November 2013 to February 2014. Through this occurrence, I signed a music licensing deal with Mood Media Corporation/DMX; an international provider of music to retail stores, restaurants, and cruise ships, as well as television and movie producers alike. 

     I took a break from releasing original music and began to produce music for other artists in late 2015. In July of 2017, I produced a song that featured Grammy winning and multi-platinum selling artist, Bizzy Bone from the renowned American hip hop group, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

     My hiatus ended in 2019 when I released a single titled, “The Way U Deserve It” that was actually mixed and mastered by Nathan Walters of plusONE. I then went on another hiatus and continued producing music for other artists until 2023 when I made the decision to resume music for myself once again, while also switching up my genre in the process. Since January 2023, I’ve been in the studio working on a pop-country EP (similar to a Dan + Shay style) that I hope to release by late summer this year. 

Describe your dream song collaboration and tour mates.

     Where I am with music right now, I think it would be cool to do a song with Morgan Wallen. He’s absolutely dominating the music charts right now. It would also be cool to join him, Hardy, Ernest, and Bailey Zimmerman on their tour as well. That’s all EXTRAORDINARY dream/wishful thinking though haha! 

What projects or upcoming events can we anticipate from you this year?

     As mentioned above, I’ve been in the studio, slowly but surely working on a pop-country EP (similar to a Dan + Shay style) that I hope to release by late summer this year. 

Who inspired you to create the plus ONE: Fan Page?

     I’d say it was more of a what than a who. Of course when the world stopped in 2020, we all had extra time on our hands. I realized I had plusONE songs and photos on my computer that I assumed not many people had seen. I questioned how many others might have the same, if not more, in their possession. That’s what led to the creation of the page. Since plusONE existed in a time with no smartphones and mainstream internet, I wanted to create a community that joined together to submit media in their archives, to keep the band’s memory and impact alive. It’s been a lot of work at times, and I’d be lying if I said I haven’t questioned why I made it and wanted to delete it, but at the end of the day I’m glad I did! I’ve made a lot of friends through the process, and I believe it’s even inspired the band to come together a couple of times since. 

What is your favorite song and album from the classic boy band?

      My favorite album from them is, and always will be “The Promise” and it’s very hard to choose a favorite song but if I HAD to pick one, I’d say “Run To You.”

Tell us one piece of plus ONE trivia that is unique to your experience as a fan.

  One cool piece of plus ONE trivia that I learned through the formation of the page, is that Jason Perry wasn’t totally an original member. In fact, there was an individual named Grady Long that was in his position, but he didn’t work out so Jason afforded the opportunity. 

What are your future plans for the Fan Page? 

     As far as future plans, I’m not too sure. It’s kind of at a stand still right now until I have or find more material to post. Maybe Nathan or Nate will do more interviews. Both said they were up for another so maybe I’ll have to work something out. Let’s cross our fingers and hope the band gets back together so we have more content to post! Haha

Click Here to visit his plusONE: Fan Page.  All the best to Zack Dean on his incredible music career and fun fan page!

A Special Thanks to Zack Dean for the exclusive interview.