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.