ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews

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...

In this rapid-fire round, reggae artist Nick Sefakis joins Zak Davis and Matt Allen to break down seven off-the-cuff questions — from creative rituals to wild stage stories. It’s raw, honest, and full of unexpected gems. 🌄 Does Nick write better lyrics in the Utah mountains or LA beaches? 🎸 Which song defines him most as an artist? 🎤 What’s the one studio tool he can’t live without? 🥤 What’s h...

Jupiter‑born space‑punk rebels crash in with meteor‑shower energy and a sound built for cosmic misfits. Ever stumble onto something so weird and wonderful that you swipe your phone out of reflex? Yeah, me too. Today, I found a band straight out of a sci-fi fever dream, and spoiler: they’re awesome. Buckle up, ZFam—this might be your new favorite space punks. Here's what I dig into: The otherworldl...

Nick Sefakis shares the truth about burnout, touring, and staying creative in independent music. A real look behind the road life grind. Ever feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of creativity and exhaustion? Well, these musical trailblazers have been through the ringer and have the secret sauce to stay inspired without losing your sanity. Spoiler alert: it involves golf, AI album art, a...

This acoustic punk band delivers a fiery, high‑energy performance that hits harder than anything in the scene. Ever wondered how a band can go from losing a van full of gear to rocking stages across Europe with nothing but raw energy and clever instrument mashups? Buckle up, because Larry and His Flask are here to prove that punk isn’t just electric—it's got soul, strings, and a whole lot of attit...

Nick gives a live apology to fans and opens up about rebuilding after the Iya Terra fallout in this raw artist interview. Everything below is tailored to the emotional weight of the apology, the Iya Terra breakup, and the independent‑artist grind. Ever wonder what goes into making a reggae artist's hustle look effortless? In Part 2 of this mini series, Nick Sefakis takes you through the wild ride...

Discover how Beth Willis became a musical time machine, captivating late-night revelers with timeless performances. Dive into her soulful journey in this Z Frequency Spotlight! Most music fans believe you need fame, a big label, or a viral TikTok to truly make an impact. But Beth Willis proves otherwise—she’s been building a loyal army of fans the old-school way: one gritty, unforgettable show at...

Ever wondered what it’s like to leap into the unknown with a guitar in hand? Nick Sefakis took that leap, left Utah, jumped into California’s music scene, and somehow turned random fan moments into chart-topping greatness—all while sharing hilarious throwbacks on D.A.R.E. cop stories and Lagoon roller coasters. Get ready for a quick tour of passion, adrenaline, and unplugged moments that prove lif...

Discover the evolution of Nick Sefakis in his life after Iya Terra. From touring guitarist to solo producer at Enoch Sound. 🎸 🎧 IN THIS EPISODE : Join Zak Davis for an exclusive Z-Frequency Spotlight on Nick Sefakis. After years of touring with the heavy-hitting reggae rock band Iya Terra, Nick is pivoting to a new chapter. Zak covers his transition from band member to solo artist, the creation...

This episode of the Z Frequency Spotlight podcast features Matt’s favorite jazz fusion band, Low Poly Cactus. The podcast delves into the band’s formation, music, and influences. Takeaways Low Poly Cactus - A Jazz Fusion Band Influences and Style of Low Poly Cactus Follow Low Poly Cactus: https://www.instagram.com/lowpolycactus https://open.spotify.com/artist/4JCLFRwINNq1g4Je8mRod2?si=ZHWen4lDTeWh...

Creators open up about self‑doubt, imposter syndrome, audience growth, and the evolving journey of content creation and music‑driven connection. In This Episode: This episode dives deep into the emotional side of content creation as Sandy reflects on self‑doubt, imposter syndrome, and the mental weight that comes with showing up online. The conversation explores the slow, often discouraging path o...

Improvising through interviews, tech hiccups, and on‑the‑go edits—Sandy shares how preparation, creativity, and adaptability keep conversations flowing. In This Episode: The conversation covers the journey of building a platform in real time, the technical challenges and solutions in content creation, and the strategies for navigating interview challenges. It provides insights into grassroots cont...

Join us as Sandy Kreitzberg takes us on her transformative journey from a reggae enthusiast to a renowned music journalist and interviewer. Discover how her passion for music and storytelling led to the creation of her engaging interview series, "Say What?! With Sandy." (Part 1 of 3 in this series) In This Episode: Sandy's early love for reggae and its influence on her career Transition from writi...

In this final part in this mini series, the conversation covers the excitement of live performances, the evolution and growth of the band, individual contributions, and aspirations for the future. It also delves into the challenges of rehearsals and the dynamics of the band, as well as the integration of AI and spontaneous jamming during performances. The conversation delves into the themes of mus...

Second addition of this mini series delves into Z Frequency's journey, the influence of local music venues, and the band's genre diversity and musical collaboration. Z Frequency's evolution, the impact of local music venues, and the band's genre diversity and musical collaboration are the primary themes explored in the conversation. The conversation covers the band's excitement for new music and r...

The conversation covers the challenges of navigating unemployment, the evolution and growth of the podcast, plans for future podcast development, the improvement of production value, and a reflection on 35 years of creativity. This is Part 1 of 3 mini-series of this annual New Year's Eve episode. Takeaways Adapting to change Podcast evolution Visit us at: zhzpodcast.com Check out Z Frequency here:...