Captive Portal to creativity: Zach Bridier reflects on music, memories, and Greenville University’s impact
Published: December 03, 2024
Author: Liz Dowell
Now a music producer and the creative force behind Captive Portal, Zach Bridier’s story intertwines passion, persistence, and innovation.
Zach a 2014 Greenville University graduate, recently returned for his 10-year reunion. He reflected on his formative years at GU and the creative journey that continues to shape his career in music.
Zach and his wife, Elizabeth, also a GU alum, have recently embarked on a new adventure—transforming part of their home into a recording studio.
“I was building acoustic panels for the walls this morning,” he shared enthusiastically. “It’s a lot of trial and error, but that’s where the magic happens.”
FROM DRUMS TO ENGINEERING – AND LOVE
Drawn initially to GU for drum performance, Zach’s focus shifted to audio engineering. This pivot sharpened his technical expertise and led him to meet Elizabeth.
“We met in a rock ensemble class,” he recalled. “I was the drummer, and she was the singer. It was fate.”
CAPTIVE PORTAL: A NOSTALGIC NOD TO GU
The name Captive Portal pays homage to a unique GU experience. Zach explained, “Back then, the campus Wi-Fi was slow, and the network would kick you off every five to ten minutes, forcing you to log in again through a ‘captive portal.’ I wanted to turn that frustrating memory into something positive.”
Under the Captive Portal banner, Zach blends experimental sounds, pop, and electronic music. Drawing on field recordings and unconventional sources, he creates music that’s both accessible and avant-garde. His first release, Throwing EP, originated in Greenville’s studios. “I spent more time in Whitlock than in my dorm room,” he said.
MEMORIES OF SPONTANEITY AND COLLABORATION
Greenville’s creative environment left an indelible mark. Zach fondly recounted late nights in Whitlock's basement, where impromptu collaborations flourished.
“You’d walk in, and someone would be down to jump on a project—clapping, yelling, or playing percussion. It was spontaneous and electric,” he said.
The sense of community extended to campus venues like the Blackroom Café. “I played so many shows there with different bands. It’s amazing to see how much it’s grown.”
CONTINUING THE MUSICAL JOURNEY
Today, Zach juggles music production with work at Medieval Times in Schaumburg, Illinois, while he and Elizabeth settle into their new home in northwest Indiana. Despite the challenges of balancing creative aspirations with practical demands, Zach remains optimistic.
“Lord willing, I hope to go full-time with music by the end of next year,” he said.
Reflecting on his GU experience, Zach credits the hands-on opportunities, supportive professors like Gary Erickson and Travis Briles, and the network of peers who fueled his passion.
“Zach always did a great job of not letting process stifle creativity,” recalls Briles. “He never let the expectations or ‘norms’ of recording get in the way of trying new things. He developed a comfort with using unconventional methods and techniques to pursue his ideas while striving for excellence in quality.”
“GU gave me a jump start. It’s where I made mistakes, experimented, and grew. Those roots shaped everything I’m becoming now,” said Zach.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Zach offers advice to aspiring musicians, engineers, and producers: "Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and experiment. Everyone’s journey is different, so don’t compare yourself to others. Keep trying, and don’t give up.”
Those who want to learn more about Zach’s business can check out his social media: linktree, Band Camp, Instagram, Youtube, and Tiktok.
