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

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

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