ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews

Landing huge gigs is easier than you think. Elena Hirsch reveals her "Power of the Ask" inside our latest Independent Music & Artist Interviews. 🎤💃🏻 Watch this episode to learn how Elena went from cold-emailing news stations in Detroit to opening at The Troubadour in LA. 🔗 GUEST LINKS: - LinkTree: Elena Hirsch - Spotify: Listen to Irresistible - Instagram: @elena.hirsch - TikTok: @elenahir...

CROCHET butterflies and DARK pop vibes with Briauna—our fastest Rapid Fire yet from Independent Music & Artist Interviews . 🎙️ Briauna pulled up for a Rapid Fire round that goes from wholesome to unhinged in the best way—crochet butterflies, dark pop energy, and the creative mindset behind the world she’s building as an indie artist. If you love quick questions, real answers, and finding new a...

Discover how Briauna built a unique artist identity through butterflies, storytelling, and Independent Music & Artist Interviews. Singer-songwriter, pianist, and independent artist Briauna joins Zak and Matt on the ZHZ Podcast to share her journey from writing songs at 11 years old to building a unique " musical biosphere " rooted in storytelling, vulnerability, and artistic world-building. In...

We smash the starving artist stereotype and explain why self-confidence in music isn't narcissistic. Is believing in your art a sign of a massive ego, or is it just survival? In this Rapid Fire 7 episode of The ZHZ Podcast , Zak Davis and Matt Allen (Z Frequency) sit down with Ariel Vizzini to dismantle the "narcissistic" starving artist stereotype.  Ariel breaks down the thin line between being a...

Most artists are just happy to build a following. Alice? They built an army—no, a full-blown underground universe. If you think music is just about sounds, think again. This band has navigated the chaos of 2020, doubling down on community, creativity, and authenticity, proving that true fans want more than just a playlist—they crave belonging. Imagine a sound that feels like a cyberpunk movie coll...

Discover how an indie artist transformed her first song into a polished masterpiece, blending raw emotion with professional quality. Most indie artists get lost in the noise—unless you're Ariel Vizzini, who’s straight-up rewriting the rulebook. She’s a Mississippi native turned Utah sound wizard, dressing her pain in glitter and seamlessly blending vulnerability with polished, radio-ready pop. Spo...

Ever felt like music is just noise and not a journey? Buckle up, because today’s Z Frequency Spotlight takes us into the moody, cinematic world of Briauna, a self-taught indie dark pop artist who’s not just creating tunes; she’s crafting atmospheres. Imagine Lana Del Rey meets Danny Elfman. In this mini episode, I explore: - How Briauna’s raw, instinct-driven songwriting creates vulnerability that...

The Gilder Era is here! Indie pop artist Charlie Gilder breaks down his mindset, the "Play the Game" philosophy, and finding your sound on the ZHZ Podcast. In this episode of the ZHZ Podcast, Zak and Matt sit down with musician and producer Charlie Gilder to dive deep into his artistic journey. We talk about the transition into "The Gilder Era," the grit required to make it as an indie pop artist...

Charlie Gilder is stepping into what he calls “The Gilder Era” —and if you’ve been stuck overthinking every move, this episode is your wake-up call. In this ZHZ Podcast interview, we talk about the mindset shift that helps artists stop staring at the problem up close and finally zoom out . Because in Independent Music , it’s way too easy to feel behind, feel overwhelmed, and feel like the whole ga...

A rapid fire interview moment turns emotional when an artist describes a scent that instantly reminds everyone of grandma’s house. What started as a fun rapid fire round took a surprisingly deep turn… and honestly, nobody saw this answer coming. When asked what a signature scent would smell like, Michael Isaak didn’t go with anything typical—he said it reminded him of his grandparents’ house. And...

Discover how an artist's diaspora dreams led to the creation of a genre-defining sound, blending cultural authenticity with innovative music. Meet Michael Isaak, a Brooklyn-based Egyptian American artist blending folk with Arabic traditions in a fresh genre he calls Arabesque Folk. From living vicariously through imagined desert carpets to crafting a unique sound that bridges worlds, Michael's jou...

In this Chris Murray spotlight, the ZHZ Podcast explores the ska legend’s King Apparatus legacy, his lasting influence on independent music, and why this mini episode matters for fans of ska and artist discovery. Chris Murray is a true ska legend, and in this ZHZ Podcast mini episode, we spotlight his impact as a songwriter, performer, and one of the most respected voices connected to the history...

Join Rapid Fire 7 with X Minus 1 as they explore the mind-blowing upgrade for a robot drummer that will redefine your expectations. When Robots and Space Cocktails Collide: The Out-of-This-World Band Talk Ever wondered what happens when a band gets philosophical, drinks space beer, and imagines robot drummers with bonus arms? Well, strap in, because this episode is a cosmic ride through sci-fi fan...

Ever heard of Salt Lake City’s rising reggae fusion band? Well, strap in because Native Leaves is bringing sunshine, groove, and good vibes from Utah to your playlist and probably making other coastal bands a little jealous. Think reggae with a splash of hip hop — and somehow it all feels effortless . Let's break down why they are the local band you didn't know you needed. Key Takeaways: Native Le...

Join Zak & Matt as they discuss the irony of being responsible DIY musicians, independent music scenes, and why the rock and roll lifestyle is dying. In this second part of the ZHZ Podcast interview, we’re joined by the high-energy Florida-based band X Minus 1. They discuss the modern DIY music scene and the challenges of being an adult artist. They share their experiences, including juggling...

If you think you can guess a band’s sound just by where they’re from, think again. This week on the Z-Frequency Spotlight, I’m breaking down why you need to have The Alley Kats on your radar.  I found Austin Taylor and the crew the way all the best discoveries happen—a late-night Instagram scroll that stopped me dead in my tracks. Based out of Sheridan, Wyoming, The Alley Kats are proving that the...

Buckle up, space cadets! Today, we're diving into the wonderfully weird world of X minus One, a Florida-based band that combines sci-fi fantasy with garage punk grit. If you thought punk was all about capturing angst, these guys are here to blow your mind and your spacecraft! Part 1 of 2 in this interview series. In this cosmic episode: How a random TikTok doom scroll led to Utah's newest sci-fi p...

The Z-Frequency Spotlight features Son of a Ghost, an electronic synth pop alternative duo. The conversation covers the discovery of Son of a Ghost, their birth as a musical duo, influences on music taste, their latest release 'Addicted to the Pain', the musical structure and influence of Son of a Ghost, and the evolution of the band. Takeaways Influences on music taste Evolution of Son of a Ghost...

Ready to get the scoop on where independent artists are headed? This episode dives into the wild world of indie music, social media hustle, and why being authentic is your best shot at success. Plus, a sprinkle of legendary collabs and some hilarious live stream stories. In this episode: Why authenticity wins every time for indie artists The funniest live stream mishap (spoiler: wine involved) Tou...

Discovering the Never Donts: Salt Lake City’s Ska-Punk Scene and Culture Ever wonder what a band that’s more family reunion than just a group sounds like? Today, we’re diving into the wild, chaotic, and super genuine world of the Never Donts, a ska punk collective based in Salt Lake City. Think DIY energy, community vibes, and a sound that pulls from everywhere — punk, ska, emo, hip-hop — you name...

Think the music industry is all glam and glitz? Not even close. It’s survival, adaptability, community — and honestly, kindness. This episode dives into indie artistry, storytelling, and why being a genuinely good human might be the most underrated career move you can make. In this episode: • How today’s music scene shifted from rigid genres to fearless mashups • Why proof matters — packed rooms,...

From TikTok temptations to power-packed pop punk—meet Out in Front, the band you didn’t know you needed in your life...until now! In this episode, Matt Allen gives a shoutout to a rising band that’s blowing up TikTok and Spotify with their high-energy, emotional tunes. Prepare for a quick ride through their origin story, musical energy, and why you should hit 'play' immediately. Key topics: How Ti...

Ready to discover how one Finnish artist turned lockdown into a global collab fest? This part one of two episode dives into the real struggles, wild ideas, and sneaky tactics of independent musicians trying to make it without a paycheck from big labels. Spoiler: it involves a lot of live streams, AI art, and connecting with artists from Brooklyn to Finland. Main Topics: How COVID forced artists to...

Ready to discover how one Finnish artist turned lockdown into a global collab fest? This episode dives into the real struggles, wild ideas, and sneaky tactics of independent musicians trying to make it without a paycheck from big labels. Spoiler: it involves a lot of live streams, AI art, and connecting with artists from Brooklyn to Finland. Main Topics: How COVID forced artists to go remote and s...

Seasick Steve is a modern blues original—Delta stomp, DIY instruments, and an analog-first mindset that keeps his sound raw and human. In this Z Frequency Spotlight, Zak Davis breaks down Steve’s rags‑to‑riches arc, why that “hands-on” recording vibe still matters, and why the new single “Somebody” (Feb 4, 2026) proves he’s still creating with purpose. 🎸🧲 Start here: “Somebody” (Single) → then r...