ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews

The ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews connects you with the artists shaping independent music today. Hosted by Zak Davis and Matt Allen of Z Frequency , each episode features authentic conversations with indie musicians about their music, creative journey, and life beyond the stage. For artists, it's a platform to share their story and reach new listeners. For fans, it's a place to discover your next favorite band. 🎧 New episodes weekly — subscribe now to discover your next favorite artist and join us inside the world of independent music. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on the show? Click here

ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews is a music podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 77 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews, a music show with 77 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #77

  Elaine Rojas: Self-Producing Alt-Pop & Finding Audience Without Algorithms

  Sep 8, 20261h 28mS3

  Elaine Rojas, a Connecticut-based artist and producer, shares her journey of pursuing original music as a craft and the emotional honesty in her music. She discusses her genre-blending style and the importance of community in the music scene. Elaine also reflects on her healing journey and the impact it has had on her creative process and approach to music. Elaine Rojas shares her musical family background and the influence of her grandfather on her love for music. She discusses her early exposure to music and the impact of her mother's encouragement. The conversation transitions to the challenges of growing an audience as an independent artist and the importance of creating meaningful connections with fans. The discussion concludes with the announcement of Elaine's upcoming album release and her decision to cut her hair as a symbolic transition. The conversation covers a range of topics, including personal experiences, music, and the creative process. It delves into the impact of specific songs on the guest's life and the importance of emotional connection in songwriting. The conversation also explores the role of women in music and the significance of finding one's community. Elaine Rojas discusses her connection with the audience at house shows, the lessons of recovery and self-honesty, and the duality of her upcoming album. Takeaways Emotionally honest music Importance of community in the music scene Musical Family Legacy Challenges of Growing an Audience Creating Meaningful Connections with Fans Upcoming Album Release and Symbolic Transition Emotional connection drives the creative process The impact of specific songs on an individual's life can be profound House shows create a unique and intimate connection with the audience. Self-honesty and recovery have taught Elaine to compare her insides to other people's outsides. Elaine's upcoming album reflects the duality of light and darkness within her, embracing both sides of her experience. Follow Elaine Rojas: https://linktr.ee/elainerojasmusic Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Pursuing Original Music 03:01 Genre-Blending and Emotional Honesty 21:47 The Impact of Healing on Creativity 27:42 Musical Family Legacy 30:41 Challenges of Growing an Audience 31:08 Creating Meaningful Connections with Fans 44:34 Upcoming Album Release and Symbolic Transition 51:36 The Power of Emotional Connection 53:09 The Impact of Specific Songs 55:46 The Role of Women in Music 59:25 Finding Your Community 01:10:25 Connection at House Shows 01:11:15 Lessons of Recovery and Self-Honesty 01:13:04 The Duality of the Upcoming Album

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  Episode #77

  Why KayFly Quit Chasing Trends to Find Her Own Sound

  Sep 1, 20261h 16mS3

  The conversation begins with an introduction and explores Kay Fly's musical background. It then delves into her move to Salt Lake City, her early musical journey, and the recording of her 'Just Wait' album. The discussion also covers her genre experimentation, challenges in finding band members, and the concept of immortality through music. The conversation delves into the influence of music legends, the challenges of finding one's musical identity, navigating band dynamics, and the impact of personal history on artistic pursuits. It also explores the role of social media in artistic endeavors and delves into mediumship and spiritual guidance. The conversation covers topics such as psychic senses, paranormal experiences, the influence of music on life, the creative process and inspiration, grounding and supportive elements, impactful performances, and future projects and collaborations. Follow KayFly : KayFly Online Instagram & TikTok: @realkayfly Takeaways Musical versatility and experimentation are key elements of Kay Fly's artistic journey. The concept of immortality through music is a driving force behind Kay Fly's passion for creating and sharing her music. The importance of staying true to one's musical identity The impact of personal history on artistic pursuits Exploration of psychic senses and paranormal experiences Influence of music on life and creative inspiration Follow ZHZ Podcast : https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Musical Background 01:03 Moving to Salt Lake City and Musical Versatility 03:14 Early Musical Journey and Unhoused Experience 05:09 Recording 'Just Wait' Album and Emotional Impact 17:47 Genre Experimentation and Immortality Through Music 24:26 Challenges in Finding Band Members and Immortality Through Music 26:17 The Influence of Music Legends 26:59 Finding Your Musical Identity 28:06 Navigating Band Dynamics 29:18 Challenges in Music Pursuits 30:44 Exploring Different Music Genres 32:07 The Impact of Personal History on Artistry 43:02 The Role of Social Media in Artistic Pursuits 46:23 Mediumship and Spiritual Guidance 54:42 Exploring Psychic Senses 55:11 Paranormal Experiences 57:21 Influence of Music on Life 01:00:15 Creative Process and Inspiration 01:06:33 Grounding and Supportive Elements 01:11:12 Impactful Performances 01:15:08 Future Projects and Collaborations

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  Episode #76

  Rex Larkman of Tropidelic: Touring, Collabs & Crafting First Light

  Aug 25, 20261h 27mS3

  The conversation covers topics such as the band's music, tour life, podcasting, and the Everwild festival. It also delves into the band's history, the drummer's journey, and the challenges of balancing music with college. The conversation covers the evolution of the reggae rock movement, the challenges of collaboration, the influence of drumming legends, and the intentional composition of the 'First Light' album. It also explores the impact of music on mood and the band's commitment to creating timeless music. The conversation covers the creation of an album, the production process, music videos, and the ongoing tour. It also delves into the soundtrack of Rex Larkman's life and his dream drum kit. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including musical influences, tour experiences, and the creative process behind Tropidelic's music. Rex Larkman shares insights on the band's unique blend of genres and the impact of their music on listeners. Follow Tropidelic : www.tropidelic.com Follow ZHZ Podcast : www.zhzpodcast.riverside.com Takeaways Tour life and the challenges of staying healthy on the road The drummer's journey and the band's history The success and positive atmosphere of the Everwild festival Reggae rock movement embraces positivity and community Challenges of collaboration and the importance of persistence Influence of drumming legends on musical evolution 'First Light' album is intentionally composed for a cohesive and positive experience Music has a powerful impact on mood and mindset Commitment to creating timeless and resonant music Album creation and production process Music video production and nature-inspired visuals The ongoing tour and collaboration with other artists Soundtrack to Rex Larkman's life and his dream drum kit Musical diversity Tour experiences Creative process Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcasting 02:18 Tropidelic's Music and Tour Life 03:01 The Drummer's Journey and Band's History 21:14 The Everwild Festival and Positive Atmosphere 23:11 Evolution of the Reggae Rock Movement 24:03 Challenges of Collaboration 36:15 Influence of Drumming Legends 44:25 Intentional Composition of 'First Light' Album 47:14 Impact of Music on Mood 48:47 Commitment to Timeless Music 49:44 Album Creation and Production Process 50:27 Music Video Production and Nature-Inspired Visuals 53:18 Ongoing Tour and Collaboration with Other Artists 01:06:12 Soundtrack to Rex Larkman's Life and Dream Drum Kit 00:00 Musical Diversity and Influences 01:11:24 Tour Experiences and Red Rocks 01:19:31 The Creative Process and First Light

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  Episode #75

  Making Music on Your Terms: How Mark Miller Embraces the DIY Spirit

  Aug 11, 20261h 15mS3

  How do you start releasing music after writing privately for decades? Mark Miller shares how he began putting out songs in his mid‑fifties—learning Logic, recording with affordable gear, and finding a creative process that fits real life. This interview is for independent musicians, late‑starting songwriters, and home‑recording artists wondering if it’s ever “too late” to begin again. Mark, a songwriter from St. Louis, talks with Zak and Matt about bedroom recording, mixing in different environments, writing across decades, and keeping human roughness in the final production. He also explains why he makes music for fun rather than chasing touring or streaming numbers. We cover his latest release “The Girl Who Says No,” his upcoming track “Nobody,” his love of Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, the Descendents, Bob Dylan, and Dave Brubeck, plus his DIY builds—from a foot controller to a Raspberry Pi synth and cigar‑box guitars. A relaxed conversation about authenticity, creative confidence, and learning by doing. Mark’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to return to an old passion. Key Takeaway - It is never too late to release music or return to an old creative passion. Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:22 – Meet Mark Miller 05:10 – Why He Started Releasing Music Later 15:32 – Recording, Gear & Human Sound 25:52 – Songwriting & Staying Authentic 41:32 – Building Connections 49:36 – DIY Projects 56:13 – Soundtrack To My Life 01:00:18 – Rapid Fire 7 01:14:37 – Final Message Guest Links • Stream The Girl Who Said No : https://open.spotify.com/album/3YuGJdQYxzsnCw74ZfO2jM?si=E8PETZ6RR7u649nH_7Oiaw • Mark Miller on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1XCOGhNPRMIk4zmPnINeko?si=m0D6sEw8QkmzTJVvQgCsHg ️ About The ZHZ Podcast The ZHZ Podcast spotlights independent artists, producers, engineers, and creators—digging into songwriting, recording, mixing, live performance, music marketing, video creation, and the real work behind building a creative life. Watch & listen: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com Z Frequency: https://zfrequency.com Be a guest: https://forms.office.com/r/WwF9RLGgg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhzpodcast/ Start your podcast with Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=zak-davi Disclosure: We may receive a small commission if you sign up through our Riverside link. Curated playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/207DJA6ZPtbfNSrG8NKxlA?si=U88ZpKEWQB2LTiRF_4bwBw #ZHZPodcast #IndependentMusic #ArtistInterviews #Songwriter #HomeRecording

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  Episode #74

  What You Learn From Nick Stefanacci’s Genre-Hopping Career

  Aug 4, 20261h 11mS3

  The conversation covers Nick Stefanacci's diverse musical background, including his experiences with international music and his journey as a musician. It also delves into his album releases and his approach to singing in the studio and live performances. The conversation delves into the influence of Latin music on the artist's work, the importance of versatility in the independent music world, and the need for adaptability and flexibility in musical genres. The conversation delves into the challenges of exposure and social media in the music industry, the impact of streaming platforms on music distribution, the art of releasing albums vs. singles, and the role of branding in music. The conversation delves into the subjective nature of success, highlighting the importance of happiness as a measure of success. Additionally, the significance of confidence and swagger in the music industry is emphasized, showcasing their role in achieving success. Takeaways Diverse musical background International music experiences Versatility Influence of Latin Music Adaptability in the Independent Music World Branding is essential for musicians Challenges of exposure and social media in the music industry Success is subjective and can be defined by happiness Confidence and swagger are important for success in the music industry Listen to the full episode, subscribe, and find more resources: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com Follow Nick Stefanacci on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstefanaccimusic/ Subscribe to the ZHZ Podcast for weekly episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzC7AFK7Kl3ivHV7_DlbSgg?sub_confirmation=1 Check out our band, Z Frequency: https://www.zfrequency.com Be a guest on the show: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/WwF9RLGgg1 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Nick Stefanacci's Musical Journey 19:31 Album Releases and Singing 20:31 Influence of Latin Music 36:18 Versatility in Music 38:09 The Challenge of Exposure and Social Media 41:11 The Impact of Streaming Platforms on Music Distribution 42:09 The Art of Releasing Albums vs. Singles 53:34 The Role of Branding in Music 01:10:31 Defining Success 01:12:23 The Importance of Confidence and Swagger

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