ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews

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

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 journey is nothing short of inspiring—and a little magic.

In this episode:

• Michael's early musical influences growing up in the Coptic Church and LA
• The eye-opening trip to Egypt at 19 and cultural rediscovery
• The evolution of his sound from learned guitar chords to blending oud and folk
• How the collaboration with Sohail shaped the "Carpet Maker" album
• Authenticity in production: live recordings, DIY shows, and raw emotion
• Effective marketing for independent artists—word of mouth to social media strategies
• The future of Arabesque Folk and expanding multicultural storytelling
• The power of music as a unifier beyond language and borders

Connect with Michael:

• https://www.michaelisaak.us/
• https://instagram.com/michaelisaacmusic
• https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelisaakmusic
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMtwn2Xci7HwsR-M_XPA1nw
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/559rQJZL0GYH9lVU6zi5ey

Follow Us: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

Additional notes:

• Stay tuned for the album release on May 15, and catch his upcoming live shows.
• Dive into Arabesque Folk and discover new worlds of sound that unite, inspire, and challenge genre boundaries.
• Remember, in music and life, authenticity and community are the real magic.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Michael Isaac and Arabesque Folk

02:09 Cultural Influences and Musical Education

05:10 The Evolution of Michael's Sound

07:42 The Carpet Maker: Concept and Inspiration

10:28 Collaboration and Creative Process

13:17 Recording and Production Insights

23:59 Marketing Music in 2026

26:59 The Art of Busking and Live Performances

32:09 Cultural Identity and Self-Discovery

36:36 Challenges in Musical Fusion

43:42 The Future of Arabesque Folk Music

54:33 Exploring New Musical Horizons

57:13 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

#michaelisaak #zhzpodcast #independentmusic #artistinterview

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 and evolution of ska music. From his early work with King Apparatus to his enduring solo career, Chris Murray has inspired generations of artists, including many musicians connected to the Utah scene and beyond.

If you love independent music, artist interviews, ska history, and discovering the artists who helped shape the sound, this Z Frequency Spotlight is for you.

Follow Chris Murray here:  

Official Website: https://www.chrismurraymusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismurraymusic/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lHb57DpHI6R6pp81EyvPP 

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Murray_(musician

For more independent music, artist interviews, and stories connected to the Utah scene, follow us here:  

https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe, and share this with another ska fan who needs to hear about Chris Murray.

Chapters:

00:00 Spotlight on Chris Murray: A Ska Legend

00:47 The Evolution of Ska: Chris Murray's Journey

02:00 Exploring Chris Murray's Discography

02:52 The Impact of Chris Murray on Modern Ska

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 fantasies, band banter, and the unglamorous reality of aging—all with a wicked sense of humor.

In this intergalactic episode:

* The essential upgrades for a robot drummer (spoiler: extra arms and perhaps three boobs)

* Which sci-fi flick perfectly captures their band’s vibe (think B-movies and ‘80s classics)

* Their extraterrestrial cosplay fantasies (tentacle girls and space cocaine, anyone?)

* The un-rock-and-roll reality of everyday life (hello, Centrum Silver multivitamins)

* And a dive into space-inspired cocktails and why Florida is a designated crash site

Chapters:

00:00 – Robot drummers: what’s the first upgrade?

02:02 – Which sci-fi universe fits their vibe? B-movies and glory days.

05:18 – Embracing the silver-haired life with Centrum Silver.

Resources & Links:

* https://open.spotify.com/album/3EfpOFKjotrMQTFTnxrXaB - (a timeless album for space trips)

* https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084040/ – The ultimate low-budget sci-fi flick

*https://www.amazon.com/stores/Centrum/page/A788FB8A-3B74-4972-BFA8-8F7AD231FA93 – The “rock star” aging vitamin

Connect with the band:

* https://www.instagram.com/xminus1astronauts/

* https://www.tiktok.com/@xminus1band

Follow the podcast:

https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

And remember: Whether you’re upgrading robot drummers, cosplaying as tentacle girls, or just trying to keep your vitamins straight—stay weird, stay cosmic, and keep rocking those space vibes!

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 Leaves formed in 2019 and blend reggae, hip hop, and blues into their signature sunshine energy.
• Influences range from Tribal Seeds to Jack Johnson, creating a chill yet meaningful sound.
• Their 2021 LP, Dab and Fever, scored over a million streams—yeah, they’re kind of a big deal.
• They've played major venues and festivals like Reggae Rise Up and opened for Sean Kingston and Rick Ross.
• Their latest project, Runaway Child (2026), is a tight, confident sophomore effort.
• Favorite track? "Riot" — infectious groove, slick vocals, a must-listen.
• You can find them on all streaming platforms, plus check out their Florida live sessions.
• Native Leaves is proof that you don’t need to be on the coast to make coastal-worthy music.

Resources & Links:

• Native Leaves on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2HGbKZC5Nl4osBC6SAoOBg?si=p5q8zEotS2KnUwSLIRomrA
• https://www.instagram.com/nativeleaves/
• Reggae Rise Up Festival: https://share.google/3keWHGMyjByB0MeLf

Connect with Matt Allen:

• https://x.com/mattybumbo

And remember — good music is no longer just coastal. Salt Lake City’s got the vibe, and Native Leaves is leading the charge. Catch them, support local, and keep those good vibrations rolling!

Chapters

00:00 Spotlight on Native Leaves: A Unique Sound from Salt Lake City

02:07 The Evolution of Native Leaves: From Dab and Fever to Runaway Child

03:48 Supporting Local Talent: The Importance of Discovering New Artists

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 recording schedules with family life and the irony of responsibility being the most efficient way to keep a band afloat. Whether you’re a punk fan or a DIY artist, this conversation explores managing “expendable income,” the decline of MySpace, and why the “27 Club” lifestyle doesn’t apply when you plan rehearsals on a Google Calendar.

Links:

• Listen to 'Lust In Space' Album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5JxzAY...

Connect with the band:

•   / xminusone  
•   / xminus1astronauts  

Follow Us: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com/

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Music Scene

02:31 Challenges of Adult Musicianship

11:56 Community Engagement Through Gaming and Music

15:33 Reviving the Local Music Scene

18:36 The Thrill of Live Performances

23:40 Why You Should Post Things On Social Media

33:28 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations

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 DIY indie scene has no borders. Whether it's the infectious hook on their new single "CHILLIN/VIBIN" or the absolute swagger of those lead saxophone riffs, these guys are building a vibe centered on peace and positivity.

In this spotlight episode, I’m diving into their branding, that signature sax sound, and why their latest music video for "BAR FLY" is a must-watch.

Support The Alley Kats:

*   Stream "CHILLIN/VIBIN" (Spotify): Listen Here

*   Watch "BAR FLY" Official Video: Watch on YouTube

*   Stream "BAR FLY" (Spotify): Listen Here

*   Follow on Instagram: @the_alley_kats

*   Join the Community: The Alley Kats Facebook Group

*   Everything Else: LinkTree

Connect with ZHZ Podcast:

Make sure to subscribe for more indie music spotlights, artist interviews, and stories from the Utah scene. Next week, Matt Allen is bringing a wild pick from the TikTok rabbit hole, so don't miss it!

Other Places To Stream Us: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

#TheAlleyKats #ZFrequency #IndieMusic #ZHZPodcast #UtahMusicScene #NewMusicSpotlight #AustinTaylor #ChillinVibin #WyomingMusic #IndependentArtist

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 punk obsession
• The secret sauce behind their DIY ethos—galactic style
• The creative chaos of recording across multiple studios and spacesuits
• The evolution from cover band to sci-fi spectacle
• The art of making albums that flow, not just compile tracks
• The magic of stage props like laser blasters, robot heads, and glow sticks
• The band’s lineup lineup, including the famous "Nick-number-two" and the indispensable drummer Ryan
• Their approach to genre-bending, from ska to power pop, with a sci-fi twist
• How geek culture is no longer nerdy but royalty

Links:

• Lust In Space Album: https://open.spotify.com/album/5JxzAYKMo2ErfCtUJhChBG?si=6bb15c3fea7343fd
• Distrokid: https://distrokid.com
• The Rolling Stones "Some Girls" Album: https://open.spotify.com/album/1Jv2AqzhgsduUik2p4k3cS?si=WtWRBrseTaqz5smSavDPSg
• Orange Amps: https://orangeamps.com/

Connect with the band:

• https://www.facebook.com/XminusOne/
• https://www.instagram.com/xminus1astronauts/

And remember, in the space punk universe, the best prop is a good attitude and a killer tune. Keep it cosmic, and keep it loud!

Follow Us: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com/

*Chapters:*

00:00 Introduction

00:21 Z-Frequency Spotlight and Community Engagement

02:00 Discovery of X Minus One

04:34 The Importance of Physical Media

07:28 The Shift from Albums to Singles

10:26 Band Dynamics and Member Roles

13:06 The Birth of the Space Punk Universe

17:01 The Creative Process and Collaboration

20:51 The Rise of Geek Culture

23:00 The Creative Process in Music

27:50 Recording Techniques and Equipment

30:16 The Band's Sci-Fi Persona

36:35 Latest Album Insights and Artwork

39:25 Maturity and Dependability in Bands

41:30 Band Dynamics and Personal Practices

43:51 Evolution of Musical Style

46:49 Engaging Live Performances

49:20 Transitioning to a Defined Band

51:22 Navigating the Music Scene

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

Chapters

00:00 Evolution of Son of a Ghost

02:16 - The backstory of how they met and turned a fun experiment into a band

05:37 - Where to find Son of a Ghost online and why they’re worth your ears

06:22 - Final encouragement to stream, support independent artists, and follow them!

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)
• Touring versus studio life—what feels more like home?
• The genre that would make a killer video game theme song
• The significance of emojis in your branding—star power!
• Which legendary rock guitarist would you love to jam with—dead or alive?
• The one sound you should ban from all music
• Your future-proof strategies to thrive as an independent artist
• The impact of AI on music creation—friend or foe?
• Practical tips for social media growth and playlist pitching

Chapters:

00:00 - The future of indie music & standing out without the mainstream

02:58 - The importance of staying authentic in today's digital age

04:59 - The future of indie music and how to maintain success

Resources & Links:

*   Stream”San Francisco Safari": https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lifewithdistortionandjanaitis/san-francisco-safari/

*   https://www.instagram.com/janaitis_official

*   https://janaitis.bandcamp.com/

🎙️ About Us:

ZHZ Podcast is your backstage pass to the music universe, hosted by Zak Davis and Matt Allen of the Reggae‑Rock‑Ska‑Alternative band Z Frequency. We explore artist stories, industry insights, creative breakthroughs, and the heartbeat of independent music—from the Utah scene to rising talent everywhere. Each episode blends authenticity, curiosity, and the magic that keeps musicians creating. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a dedicated fan, you’re part of this journey with us.

• Visit us at: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com/ 

Bonus: Want to get on a live session with this crew? Drop a DM, or join their Insta Live. Musicians supporting musicians — that’s what it’s all about.