Zach Filkins
The steady, melodic guitarist whose intricate riffs and co-writing helped shape the expansive pop-rock sound of OneRepublic.
Born 1978 (age 48)·American musician and songwriter·Birthday: September 15·Generation X
Biography
Zach Filkins's path to pop stardom was an unconventional blend of athletic discipline and artistic passion. Before music filled his days, he was a dedicated high school wrestler in Illinois, even competing at the collegiate level. His musical partnership with frontman Ryan Tedder, however, proved to be his true calling. As a founding member and lead guitarist for OneRepublic, Filkins provided more than just accompaniment; his textured guitar work and collaborative songwriting were foundational to the band's identity. From the driving rhythms of 'Counting Stars' to the atmospheric layers of 'Apologize,' his contributions helped translate Tedder's songcraft into anthems. Operating without the typical rockstar bravado, Filkins became the band's musical anchor, proving that in the world of chart-topping pop, a thoughtful guitarist with a keen ear for melody is an indispensable force.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Zach was born in 1978, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Zach Was Born
The biggest hits of 1978
#1 Movie
Grease
Best Picture
The Deer Hunter
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Zach's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1978Born
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1983Started school
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1991Became a teenager
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1994Could drive
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1996Could vote
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Turned 21
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2008Turned 30
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2018Turned 40
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 48 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-founded the Grammy-nominated pop rock band OneRepublic, which achieved global success.
- Co-wrote multiple hit songs, including the band's breakthrough single 'Apologize.'
- Performed on and contributed to multiple platinum-selling albums, including 'Dreaming Out Loud' and 'Native.'
- Toured extensively worldwide as a key member of a band that has sold over 80 million records.
Did You Know?
He was a state-champion wrestler in high school and wrestled briefly at the University of Kansas.
He is of Polish descent on his mother's side.
Before music, he considered a career in law or politics.
He and Ryan Tedder initially connected through mutual friends in Colorado Springs before forming OneRepublic.
“The discipline from wrestling translated directly to the guitar.”
