ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews

Discover how she builds CONFIDENCE ON STAGE in this high-energy Rapid Fire Round. The ZHZ Podcast reveals live performance secrets!

In this Rapid Fire Round, singer-songwriter Elena Hirsch answers seven fast-paced questions about songwriting, live streaming, connecting with fans, handling unexpected moments on stage, and the mindset that fuels confident performances. From adapting to audience requests in real time to sharing what it takes to build genuine stage presence, Elena offers honest insights that every musician and performer can learn from.

Whether you're an independent artist, a live performer, or simply looking to become more confident in front of an audience, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical takeaways, and plenty of laughs.

If you enjoy conversations with independent artists and musicians, be sure to subscribe for more interviews, music industry discussions, and Rapid Fire Rounds from the ZHZ Podcast.

Follow Elena Hirsch:

🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/elena.hirsch

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4DP7IzXc1AFBcNMWpWKd8L?si=_ieGmfRTSU-FgTElrHuAxg

Follow the ZHZ Podcast: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

🎙️ Subscribe for more independent music interviews, artist conversations, and music industry insights.

🎸 Follow Z Frequency for new music and updates.

Chapters ➡

00:00 First Thing I Do When Sitting Down At The Piano

00:55 Spam The Chat

01:45 Go-To Move To Turn A Random Listener Into A Fan

02:28 The One Thing In Life I Find Irresistable (Hint: Food)

03:47 I Might Actually Be Built For This

07:56 The Title If My Life Was A Movie

08:27 If Irresistible Was A Scene

11:05 You Want To Look Pretty

12:20 Twelve Year Old & Makeup at 9:30 PM

13:15 Follow Elena - Conclusion

#RapidFireRound #ConfidenceOnStage #ElenaHirsch #ZHZPodcast #IndependentArtist #LivePerformance #SingerSongwriter #StagePresence #MusicPodcast #IndieMusic

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: @elenahirschx

- YouTube: @elenahirsch

- Discord: Join the Server

🔗 OUR LINKS:

- Podcast App: ZHZ Podcast

- Official Site: Z Frequency

- Be Our Next Guest: Inquiry Form

- The Guest List on Spotify: Playlist

CHAPTERS ➡

00:00 - The Power of the Ask

00:32 - Meeting Elena Hirsch

01:23 - How she found ZHZ Podcast

04:23 - The Detroit to LA Musical Journey

06:00 - Opening for Morgan St. Jean

07:35 - The "One Email" Strategy Revealed

10:55 - Building a Band from Scratch (The Struggle)

16:31 - Persistence: Making Your Own Luck

20:45 - Breaking Down "Irresistible"

26:00 - Streaming vs. Live Audience Strategy

35:30 - Future Plans & Michigan Residency

43:00 - Advice for Independent Musicians

50:00 - Grow Your Audience Tip

56:00 - Wrap Up & Shoutouts

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 artists before they blow up, this one’s for you. This is exactly why we do Independent Music & Artist Interviews—to show the human behind the art.

Watch the full interview episode

▶️ Full Interview episode: [LINK]

Support Briauna

🩸 Pre-Save “Lobotomy” (out July 17): https://tr.ee/-gDp12c3o7  

🔗 Briauna Linktree: linktr.ee/briauna.official  

📩 Booking / EPK: briaunamusic.kit.com

ZHZ Podcast

🎧 Subscribe / follow the show for more episodes + updates: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com  

Quick CTA

Hit Subscribe if you want more indie artists, real convos, and more Rapid Fire episodes like this.

Chapters

00:00:00 Rapid‑Fire Kickoff & Handmade Gifts

00:03:30 Influences, Road‑Trip Pick & Creative Philosophy

00:07:00 First Songs, Childhood Stories & Early Creativity

00:10:30 Secret Languages, School Projects & Growing Up Different

00:14:00 Perfect Pitch, Sensory Overload & Musician Life

00:17:30 Storytelling, Metaphors & The Heart of Independent Music

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

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

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

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 melodies
• Navigating the psychological rollercoaster of self-doubt vs. confidence
• Her 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 sound
• The 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

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

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

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.site
• Spotify (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