ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews

Zak Davis & Matt Allen

Looking to discover fresh independent music and hear authentic artist interviews? The ZHZ Podcast is your backstage pass to indie culture. Hosted by Zak Davis and Matt Allen of Z Frequency, we spotlight emerging independent artists, share insider industry insights, and explore the DIY journeys shaping today’s sound.   Whether you’re an indie artist learning the ropes, a fan searching for new voices, or a local supporter of the creative community, this show brings you closer to the stories behind the music. 🎧 New episodes every week — subscribe now to discover your next favorite artist and join us inside the world of independent music.

  1. 14h ago

    Why This Indie Pop Artist Is Obsessed With Butterflies

    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 this episode, we dive into her upcoming single "Lobotomy," the inspiration behind releasing three different versions of the song, the realities of navigating both the Los Angeles and Utah music scenes, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career as an independent artist. We also explore her butterfly symbolism, film scoring work, creative process, artist branding, and practical music marketing strategies for today's independent musicians. Whether you're an artist, songwriter, music fan, or someone looking for inspiration on building a creative brand, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and real-world experience. 🦋 Follow Briauna: LinkTree: http://linktr.ee/briauna.official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briauna.official/ 🎵 Pre-Save "Lobotomy": https://tr.ee/-gDp12c3o7 🎙️ Listen to More ZHZ Podcast: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com If you enjoy Independent Music & Artist Interviews, artist stories, music marketing discussions, and conversations about the Utah music scene, make sure to subscribe, like, and leave a comment. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Intro & Cold Open 00:00:48 Meet Briauna: Utah, LA & Her Musical Journey 00:03:20 Inside "Lobotomy" & The Three-Version Release Strategy 00:08:33 Film Scoring, Collaboration & Creative Growth 00:13:54 The Meaning Behind "Lobotomy" & Dark Pop Storytelling 00:21:23 Building A Musical Biosphere: Butterflies & Artist Branding 00:33:07 Independent Artist Challenges, Social Media & Community 00:41:32 Music Marketing, Playlist Pitching & Release Strategy

    48 min

  2. Jun 16

    Why All Artists Aren't Narcissists: Ariel Vizzini

    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 "crazy cat lady" and a confident creator, offering a raw look at how she balances a demanding 50-hour work week with high-level songwriting and production. We dive deep into the internal battle between self-criticism and the confidence required to call yourself an artist.  From stacking three-octave harmonies to the hilarious story of Zak’s bold encounter with Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, this episode covers the vulnerability and the grit it takes to move your art from a "hobby" to a way of life. Inside this Rapid Fire 7: - The Narcissism Myth: Smashing the idea that wanting to be heard makes you a narcissist. - The Inner Critic: Why the "Theater Director" is the one giving Ariel notes in the studio. - Creative Burnout: How cats (and not music) actually refill Ariel's creative battery. - The "Worst Day" Outfit: Dressing dark themes in glitter. - Honest Feedback: The struggle of sending demos to family and the "Disclaimers" we all use. - The Mystery of "Chocolate Roads": Zak and Ariel try to solve a misheard lyric mystery. Connect with Z Frequency: - Listen to our music: https://zfrequency.com - Follow us on Socials: https://seemlify.com/zfrequency Subscribe to The ZHZ Podcast: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com Join Zak and Matt every week as we talk music production, mixing, marketing, and sit down with the artists who are actually doing the work. Don't forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Support the Guest: - Follow Ariel Vizzini: linktr.ee/arielvizzini linktr.ee/arielvizzini - Stream her latest music: https://arielvizzini.bandcamp.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - ZHZ Rapid Fire: 7 Questions 00:12 - If your worst day ever was an outfit... 01:05 - Learning to stop "translating" yourself for others 01:47 - Why cats are the ultimate creative battery refill 02:46 - What is your motivation? The theater director's voice 03:16 - DEEP DIVE: Smashing the Artist Narcissist Stereotype 04:59 - The “Angelo Moore” story (Zak’s boldest career move) 06:18 - Why wives and moms are the hardest critics 07:42 - How music production changes the way you hear everything 08:32 - The emotional release of "The Last Exit" 09:41 - The "Chocolate Roads" misheard lyric debate

    15 min

  3. Jun 12

    How TikTok Led Me to a Band That Builds an Army, Not Just Fans

    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 colliding headfirst with a post-apocalyptic dance club—dark, cinematic, and utterly hypnotic. Alice’s fusion of electronic, dark wave, and rock isn’t just genre-bending; it’s genre-defining. And the journey from late-night TikTok scroll to their ambitious double album As Above, So Below feels like discovering the secret realm where innovation and emotional intensity collide. You'll discover: how Alice turned a worldwide shutdown into a creative renaissance, crafted a fan community that's everything a modern band dreams of, and how their campaign of authentic engagement is rewriting how artists connect with listeners. The band’s latest album isn’t just music; it’s a bold statement that artists can evolve, and fans are more than just followers—they’re family. If you’re an independent artist, a music lover tired of surface-level fandom, or just someone who loves discovering those rare gems that challenge the status quo, this episode is your backstage pass to how true connection and killer tunes can reshape your entire perspective on music. Ready to be part of the Mad Hatter Army? Press play—because Alice is just getting started, and this rabbit hole’s about to get even weirder—and way more interesting. ARTIST LINKS: Official Website https://www.ilikealice.com/ Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0OEswCup9P8ou9tFbOUSE5 Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/al1ce/1257569065 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AL1CE Bandcamp https://ilikealice.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alicemusicofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/ilikealice Follow us at https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

    6 min

  4. Jun 9

    How a Newbie Producer Finds Her Signature Sound: Ariel Vizzini

    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. Spoiler: her secret sauce is taking raw emotion and smothering it in sparkles—because who says you can’t be deep AND dazzling? In this episode, Ariel drops truth bombs about her DIY production journey, from battling the dreaded “compression” mystique to crafting a signature sound built on honest vocals and layered personality. You'll discover why she deliberately keeps her music off streaming giants for now, how her musical theater roots influence her mixing, and her bold stance on smashing the “starving artist” stereotype—she’s here to show that following your passion can be powerful, not petty. We break down: The art of turning life's messy journal entries into addictive melodiesNavigating the psychological rollercoaster of self-doubt vs. confidenceHer unique approach to vocal play: raw, dynamic, and sometimes “accidentally too far from the mic”How her musical DNA, from Thunderhead’s Southern Rock roots to indie glam, shapes her evolving soundThe importance of authenticity in a world obsessed with perfection Connect with Z Frequency: https://zfrequency.com Subscribe to The ZHZ Podcast: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com Join Zak and Matt every week as we talk music production, mixing, marketing, and sit down with the artists who are actually doing the work. Don't forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Support the Guest: - Follow Ariel Vizzini: linktr.ee/arielvizzini linktr.ee/arielvizzini - Stream her latest music: https://arielvizzini.bandcamp.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:38 Ariel's Musical Journey 07:44 The Art of Mixing and Production 10:19 Exploring Unique Sound and Style 13:09 Lyrics and Emotional Connection 18:41 Ariel's Career and Creative Process 25:03 The Glittered Grief Aesthetic 27:00 Understanding Compression in Music Production 33:45 Songwriting Processes and Collaboration 41:31 High School Musical Memories 44:42 Balancing Art and Stability 47:09 The Challenge of Live Performances 51:55 Exploring Musical Influences and Genres 01:01:36 Ariel's Musical Journey: Distribution and Growth 01:05:29 The Authenticity of the Artist 01:07:08 Shoutouts and Support Systems 01:09:03 The Challenges of Music Production 01:11:02 The Soundtrack of Life: Personal Connections in Music

    1h 16m

  5. Jun 5

    Spotlight on Briauna: The Dark Pop Artist Building Cinematic Vibes from Utah

    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 resonates deeply. - The influences that shape her ambient, eerie storytelling, including a playlist featuring Lana Del Rey and Elfman. - The significance of community and collaboration in the indie scene. - Why Briauna’s new single “Lobotomy” tackles heavy themes, such as erasing memories and confronting darkness. - Two must-listen tracks: “Skeleton Boy” and “Tired,” emphasizing the importance of mood and message. - The power of focusing on “what I’m learning” rather than dwelling on what’s wrong. Connect with Briauna: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/briauna.official - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gH1iS0bw6ulgsnvOWH1td?si=56k0BYPDSUaVn5ivOvc4SQ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH1y7dGhv3M8HyaqvacVgAg - Booking: https://briaunamusic.kit.com/d6f401f3f4 Most importantly, support Briauna by streaming her singles, sharing her story, and following her creative journey. Peace out! For more, visit: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com Chapters: 00:00: Introducing Brianna: The Dark Pop Artist 02:24: Exploring Brianna’s New Single ‘Lobotomy’ 03:23: The Importance of Collaboration and Community

    5 min

  6. Jun 2

    Charlie Gilder on Mindset & Reinvention | Playing the Game

    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 today, and what it really means to "play the game" in the modern music industry. Charlie shares the stories behind his latest tracks, his creative process in the studio, and why having the right mindset is the only thing that keeps you moving forward as a creator. Support & Follow Charlie Gilder: Charlie is making waves in the indie pop scene—make sure you’re following the journey and streaming the latest tracks: * Official Website & Hub: https://gilder-prod.square.site * Listen on Spotify: Stream “ITOLDYA” and more https://open.spotify.com/track/4r6Hs2yVVzXC5TGgXp84UF?si=Y8DB8yvNR16lMRrtHSSPYg Connect with the ZHZ Podcast: Love the conversation? Discover more episodes, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive content from Zak and Matt at our main hub: 👉 https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all things Z Frequency and the ZHZ Podcast! Chapters: 00:00 I Didn't Wake Up to Be Average 01:03 The Real Reason We Do This 10:18 Rapid Fire Round 21:31 Music as the Soundtrack to Life 25:35 Outro #independentmusic #artistinterview #zhzpodcast

    26 min

  7. May 26

    Stop Overthinking Independent Music | Zoom Out Now

    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 game is stacked against you. Charlie keeps it real: you can either complain about the current music landscape… or learn how to play it and move forward. If you’re building in the Utah Scene (or anywhere, honestly), this conversation is packed with perspective, encouragement, and practical ways to keep chasing your dreams without burning yourself out. What we get into: The “Zoom Out” mindset (and why it changes everything)  What “The Gilder Era” means and why people connect with it  How to keep moving even when the work feels like a lot  Encouragement for artists who feel stuck, tired, or behind  Why “playing the game” doesn’t have to kill your creativity   Follow / Support Charlie Gilder: Want to keep up with Charlie and what he’s building? Hit these links:   Charlie’s main hub / store: https://gilder-prod.square.siteSpotify (featured release): https://open.spotify.com/track/4r6Hs2yVVzXC5TGgXp84UF?si=Y8DB8yvNR16lMRrtHSSPYg  (“Echo After Midnight” is expected around July 2026 — keep it on your radar.) More ZHZ Podcast: For more episodes, guest info, and everything we’re building, visit:   https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com Quick favor (helps a ton) If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and drop a comment:   What’s one thing you need to “zoom out” on right now? Chapters: 00:14 Introduction to the Gilder Era 00:45 Rapid Fire with Charlie Gilder 00:57 Connecting Through Music and Social Media 03:22 The Journey of an Independent Artist 05:37 The Gilder Era: A Movement of Self-Belief 07:39 Navigating Social Media's Impact on Connection 11:28 Echoes After Midnight: A New Musical Release 20:15 Zooming Out: Gaining Perspective as an Artist 24:49 The Importance of Music Promotion 28:41 Finding Your Audience and Release Strategy 31:34 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Vulnerability 33:53 The Mental Challenges of Being an Artist 38:00 The Power of Boldness and Self-Belief 45:04 Preparing for Live Performances 49:18 Incorporating Live Elements into Performances 52:20 The Importance of Authenticity in Live Music 53:17 Embracing Mistakes and Authenticity on Stage 57:15 The Role of Support in an Artist's Journey #independentmusic #artistinterviews #zhzpodcast

    1h 1m

  8. May 5

    This Answer Hit Everyone in the Feels… 🎶 “Smells Like Grandma’s House” (Rapid Fire Interview)

    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 just like that, the whole room felt it. It’s one of those rare moments where music, memory, and emotion all collide—and you can literally see it hit everyone in real time. If you’ve ever had a smell instantly take you back to a place, this clip is going to land. 🎙️ From The ZHZ Podcast: Hosted by Zak Davis & Matt Allen   Featuring: Michael Isaak   👉 Subscribe for more artist interviews, real conversations, and moments that hit deeper than expected: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com Chapters: 00:00 Life in New York: Challenges and Experiences 03:15 Musical Inspirations and Cultural Connections 08:28 The Emotional Impact of Music 10:44 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations #PodcastClips #MusicInterview #EmotionalMoment #Storytelling #ArtistInterview

    12 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Looking to discover fresh independent music and hear authentic artist interviews? The ZHZ Podcast is your backstage pass to indie culture. Hosted by Zak Davis and Matt Allen of Z Frequency, we spotlight emerging independent artists, share insider industry insights, and explore the DIY journeys shaping today’s sound.   Whether you’re an indie artist learning the ropes, a fan searching for new voices, or a local supporter of the creative community, this show brings you closer to the stories behind the music. 🎧 New episodes every week — subscribe now to discover your next favorite artist and join us inside the world of independent music.

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