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.

Think the music industry is all glam and glitz? Not even close. It’s survival, adaptability, community — and honestly, kindness. This episode dives into indie artistry, storytelling, and why being a genuinely good human might be the most underrated career move you can make.

In this episode: • How today’s music scene shifted from rigid genres to fearless mashups • Why proof matters — packed rooms, real fans, and social validation • The power of your “why” over talent or connections • Creating for short attention spans in the digital age • Why live shows and real relationships still win • Blending ska, funk, reggae, and more without getting boxed in • The truth about DIY merch and turning passion into income • How AI is entering creative spaces — and what that means for artists • Working with good people and leading with kindness in the craft.

Resources & Links:

• Stream”San Francisco Safari": https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lifewithdistortionandjanaitis/san-francisco-safari/
• Artwork by: https://www.instagram.com/sacrament_666
• Life with Distortion: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithdis...
• Courtney Nord: https://www.instagram.com/daughterovt...
• Lezzy Osbourne:https://www.instagram.com/lezzyosbour...
• Murry: https://www.instagram.com/bobbybottleservise?igsh=NWViMWE2MTV1dmNr

Our Website: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com/

And remember: Whether you’re smashing on stage, crafting merch, or just vibing at home, kindness and authenticity are your best tools. Keep it real, keep it nice, and keep making music. Catch you next time.

Discovering the Never Donts: Salt Lake City’s Ska-Punk Scene and Culture

Ever wonder what a band that’s more family reunion than just a group sounds like? Today, we’re diving into the wild, chaotic, and super genuine world of the Never Donts, a ska punk collective based in Salt Lake City. Think DIY energy, community vibes, and a sound that pulls from everywhere — punk, ska, emo, hip-hop — you name it. If you love music that’s loud, honest, and built on connection rather than perfection, buckle up.In this episode:

• The story behind the band’s DIY roots and all-ages ethos
• How their rotating lineup brings diverse influences into their sound
• Why their visual aesthetic screams ‘culture over polished marketing’
• The upcoming Box Elder album release and community scene in Salt Lake
• How to start exploring their music — first stop, “Cryptoids”
• The importance of supporting bands through streaming, shows, and socials

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to the Z-Frequency Spotlight: Meet the Never Donts

00:12 - What makes them more than just a band, a community

00:45 - The band members and how their diverse backgrounds shape their sound

01:11 - Musical influences: from ska and punk to emo and hip-hop

01:40 - Finding them through killer show flyers and visuals that speak culture

02:14 - The DIY energy that sets their visuals apart from polished marketing

02:46 - Coming up: April 10th Box Elder album release scene

02:59 - How community and scene support fuel their projects

03:18 - Where to start with their music: the latest release “Cryptoids”

03:47 - How to support local bands and stay tuned for potential interviews

04:12 - Wrap-up: The value of authentic connection in music scene support

Resources & Links:

• https://www.instagram.com/neverdontsband

• https://www.facebook.com/p/Never-Donts-61573164726374/

• https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCH14UI1R8hqo25R52qVp7tA?si=UXvuObivmVwUTqXQ

• https://www.tiktok.com/@neverdontsband

• https://music.apple.com/us/artist/never-donts/1797327315

• https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NDOhTiQ9C4HeKr0cvLuig?si=GBvsyPZiT1mXBTDlFGivPA

Connect with Zak:

• Twitter

Ready to discover how one Finnish artist turned lockdown into a global collab fest? This part one of two episode dives into the real struggles, wild ideas, and sneaky tactics of independent musicians trying to make it without a paycheck from big labels. Spoiler: it involves a lot of live streams, AI art, and connecting with artists from Brooklyn to Finland.

Main Topics:

• How COVID forced artists to go remote and stay creative
• Low or no budget marketing hacks that actually work
• The power of podcast guesting and collaborations
• Using AI tools for album artwork (but only for fun)
• The story behind "San Francisco Safari" and AI's role in art and lyrics
• Building a global artist network from your balcony
• Sync licensing dreams and the importance of exposure

Timestamps: 00:00 - The unexpected mindset of a Finnish indie artist

02:08 - How live streaming and radio experience shaped his hustle

03:24 - COVID quarantine sparks a world of online collabs

06:00 - Keep it real: How a song's story can boost its reach

08:00 - The importance of podcasts and media for indie artists

10:03 - Collaboration stories: Finland, Brooklyn, and Russia

13:10 - Why fresh songs and new artists inspire creativity

14:36 - The role of artwork in music marketing, no AI needed

16:01 - The "San Francisco Safari" deep dive: themes, AI, and real-world fears

17:46 - Using AI art—but only as a tool, not a crutch

19:14 - How COVID accelerated remote collaborations

22:00 - The Finland move: Love, music, and finding family

24:26 - Budget busting and organic growth strategies

27:03 - How to leverage no-budget marketing: storytelling and podcast guesting

28:22 - Dream sync placements that can turn a indie into a starResources & Links:

• DistroKid — For getting your music everywhere on a budget
• @sacrament_666 — The artist behind the killer artwork
• Life With Distortion — The Brooklyn collab buddy
• ChatGPT — AI not just for chat but for cover art ideas
• Rogan Podcast — Inspiration for indie artists hunting media

Connect with Janaitis:

• Instagram
• Twitter

Gear up, get inspired, and remember: even if your budget's zero, your creativity has no limit. Keep pushing, keep collaborating, and keep those streams coming!

Ready to discover how one Finnish artist turned lockdown into a global collab fest? This episode dives into the real struggles, wild ideas, and sneaky tactics of independent musicians trying to make it without a paycheck from big labels. Spoiler: it involves a lot of live streams, AI art, and connecting with artists from Brooklyn to Finland.

Main Topics:

• How COVID forced artists to go remote and stay creative
• Low or no budget marketing hacks that actually work
• The power of podcast guesting and collaborations
• Using AI tools for album artwork (but only for fun)
• The story behind "San Francisco Safari" and AI's role in art and lyrics
• Building a global artist network from your balcony
• Sync licensing dreams and the importance of exposure

Timestamps: 00:00 - The unexpected mindset of a Finnish indie artist

02:08 - How live streaming and radio experience shaped his hustle

03:24 - COVID quarantine sparks a world of online collabs

06:00 - Keep it real: How a song's story can boost its reach

08:00 - The importance of podcasts and media for indie artists

10:03 - Collaboration stories: Finland, Brooklyn, and Russia

13:10 - Why fresh songs and new artists inspire creativity

14:36 - The role of artwork in music marketing, no AI needed

16:01 - The "San Francisco Safari" deep dive: themes, AI, and real-world fears

17:46 - Using AI art—but only as a tool, not a crutch

19:14 - How COVID accelerated remote collaborations

22:00 - The Finland move: Love, music, and finding family

24:26 - Budget busting and organic growth strategies

27:03 - How to leverage no-budget marketing: storytelling and podcast guesting

28:22 - Dream sync placements that can turn a indie into a starResources & Links:

• DistroKid — For getting your music everywhere on a budget
• @sacrament_666 — The artist behind the killer artwork
• Life With Distortion — The Brooklyn collab buddy
• ChatGPT — AI not just for chat but for cover art ideas
• Rogan Podcast — Inspiration for indie artists hunting media

Connect with Janaitis:

• Instagram
• Twitter

Gear up, get inspired, and remember: even if your budget's zero, your creativity has no limit. Keep pushing, keep collaborating, and keep those streams coming!

From TikTok temptations to power-packed pop punk—meet Out in Front, the band you didn’t know you needed in your life...until now!

In this episode, Matt Allen gives a shoutout to a rising band that’s blowing up TikTok and Spotify with their high-energy, emotional tunes. Prepare for a quick ride through their origin story, musical energy, and why you should hit 'play' immediately.Key topics:

• How TikTok algorithm shoves bands into your face until you can’t ignore them
• The story of Out in Front: from Iowa to Nashville to LA
• Maddie Renner’s vocal prowess and the band’s modern Paramore style
• Their latest single "In Another Life" and why it’s an instant sing-along
• Live show energy and what makes them stand out
• Easy ways to find and support them—Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, and more
• Why this band is on the verge of breaking out big time

Timestamps:

00:00 - TikTok’s secret weapon: turning bands into surprise hits

00:28 - Meet Matt Allen and the Z-Frequency Spotlight mission

0:55 - Introducing Out in Front — the pop punk alt-rock band to watch

1:07 - Their recent US tour highlights

1:36 - The origin story of Maddie Renner and the band members

2:06 - How TikTok turned into their accidental discovery platform

2:38 - The band’s vibe: punchy, emotional, and visually cool

3:07 - Deep dive into their new single "In Another Life"

3:36 - Live performance energy and visual style

4:00 - How to find and stream Out in Front everywhere

4:25 - Why this band is on the brink of mainstream success

4:52 - Wrap-up and call to support independent music

Out In Front – Official Links

Official Website: https://oifband.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7s6QINQAMIPJtlAK4lrKdx?si=JStt5yUZQ52j5LZlSvJhyg

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@outinfrontofficial

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outinfrontofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outinfrontband

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/out-in-front/1720589687

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/outinfront

Connect with Matt & ZHZ Podcast for more music nuggets and band shoutouts!

• https://www.instagram.com/mattybumbo
• https://www.zhzpodcast.com

Keep supporting indie artists and don’t forget—your playlist needs new blood!