The conversation covers the pre-recording process, live performance and stage antics, the transition from rap to rock, the influence of British rock bands, and the use of real instruments in music production. It delves into the intricacies of pre-recording, the challenges and excitement of live performances, the shift from rap to rock music, the impact of British rock bands, and the preference for real instruments in music production. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by independent artists, including competition with well-funded artists, the struggle of promoting music and reaching real listeners, and the financial returns in the music industry. Additionally, the impact of the pandemic on music collaboration, live performances, and changes in perspective and approach to life are explored. The conversation covers the influence of gear and skill on guitar sound, the limited attention span of managers, the significance of life's best moments and nature experiences, the perspective on success and the costs of music licensing, and the lessons that hip hop and rock music can learn from each other. The conversation with Clayton covers a wide range of topics related to music, creativity, and the music industry. From discussing musical influences and inspirations to exploring the songwriting process, recording sessions, and the challenges of overcoming creative blocks, Clayton shares insights into his passion for music and the depth of his creative process. Additionally, he provides valuable perspectives on lyricism, song interpretation, and the significance of music releases and future projects. The conversation also delves into Clayton's extensive guitar collection and his unwavering dedication to his craft.

Takeaways

• Pre-recording process
• Live performance and stage antics
• Transition from rap to rock
• Influence of British rock bands
• Use of real instruments in music production Challenges of being an independent artist
• Impact of the pandemic on music collaboration and live performances Gear and skill influence guitar sound
• Managers have a limited attention span
• Life's best moments are simple and nature-related
• Success is measured in perspective
• Music licensing can be expensive
• Hip hop and rock can learn from each other Passion for Music
• Creative Process

Chapters

• 00:00 Use of Real Instruments in Music Production
• 20:57 Navigating the Challenges of Independence
• 42:32 The Impact of the Pandemic on Music and Life
• 44:55 Influence of Gear and Skill on Guitar Sound
• 45:28 Managerial Attention Span and Music Promotion
• 46:18 Life's Best Moments and Nature Experiences
• 47:09 Perspective on Success and Music Licensing Costs
• 49:23 Lessons from Hip Hop and Rock Music
• 01:03:04 Musical Influences and Inspirations
• 01:03:49 Recording Sessions and Music Production
• 01:05:47 Rock Cliches and Songwriting Process
• 01:06:50 Overcoming Creative Blocks and Songwriting Approach
• 01:07:57 Lyricism and Song Interpretation
• 01:18:36 Music Releases and Future Projects
• 01:24:07 Guitar Collection and Dedication

Nadine Emrich, an LA-based songwriter, vocalist, and working actress, shares her journey from childhood music experiences to pursuing a career in the creative industry. She discusses her creative process, the challenges of the LA creative scene, and her experiences in acting and music. Nadine also talks about her film 'Sweet Cider' and her focus on getting her music seen and heard. The conversation covers topics such as the therapeutic nature of music, the challenges of being an indie creator, the fear of vulnerability in writing and performing, and the impact of music on personal growth and development. It also delves into the business side of being an artist and the importance of consistency and persistence in pursuing a career in the arts. Nadine Emrich shares her love for Portishead and discusses her creative process, hypnotherapy, and upcoming milestones in her career. She also gives a shoutout to her guitarist and her beloved cat, Aphrodite.

Takeaways

• Multifaceted Creativity
• Challenges of the LA Creative Scene Therapeutic nature of music
• Challenges of being an indie creator
• Fear of vulnerability in writing and performing
• Impact of music on personal growth and development
• Business side of being an artist
• Importance of consistency and persistence in pursuing a career in the arts Portishead's music has a special place in Nadine's heart
• Hypnotherapy is a go-to ritual for Nadine to reset her brain
• Nadine is determined to release more songs and is grateful for the support of her guitarist and her cat, Aphrodite

• Follow Nadine on Instagram
• Subscribe to the ZHZ Podcast
• Be A Guest On The Show

Chapters

• 00:00 Early Influences and Creative Beginnings
• 03:00 The Intersection of Music and Acting
• 05:59 The Creative Process and Artistic Expression
• 08:56 Navigating the LA Creative Scene
• 13:03 The Journey of Filmmaking and Music
• 15:59 The Passion for Music and Creative Expression
• 19:02 The Story Behind 'Dom'
• 20:26 Therapeutic Nature of Music
• 24:33 Challenges of Being an Indie Creator
• 30:44 Fear of Vulnerability in Writing and Performing
• 34:15 The Business Side of Being an Artist
• 41:45 The Love for Portishead
• 42:23 Rapid Fire Seven
• 43:15 The Creative Process and Hypnotherapy
• 47:03 Masterpiece Soundtracks and Professional Sets
• 48:33 AI Assistant and Creative Milestones
• 58:42 Podcast Journey and Shoutouts

Elaine Rojas, a Connecticut-based artist and producer, shares her journey of pursuing original music as a craft and the emotional honesty in her music. She discusses her genre-blending style and the importance of community in the music scene. Elaine also reflects on her healing journey and the impact it has had on her creative process and approach to music. Elaine Rojas shares her musical family background and the influence of her grandfather on her love for music. She discusses her early exposure to music and the impact of her mother's encouragement. The conversation transitions to the challenges of growing an audience as an independent artist and the importance of creating meaningful connections with fans. The discussion concludes with the announcement of Elaine's upcoming album release and her decision to cut her hair as a symbolic transition. The conversation covers a range of topics, including personal experiences, music, and the creative process. It delves into the impact of specific songs on the guest's life and the importance of emotional connection in songwriting. The conversation also explores the role of women in music and the significance of finding one's community. Elaine Rojas discusses her connection with the audience at house shows, the lessons of recovery and self-honesty, and the duality of her upcoming album.

Takeaways

• Emotionally honest music
• Importance of community in the music scene Musical Family Legacy
• Challenges of Growing an Audience
• Creating Meaningful Connections with Fans
• Upcoming Album Release and Symbolic Transition Emotional connection drives the creative process
• The impact of specific songs on an individual's life can be profound House shows create a unique and intimate connection with the audience.
• Self-honesty and recovery have taught Elaine to compare her insides to other people's outsides.
• Elaine's upcoming album reflects the duality of light and darkness within her, embracing both sides of her experience.

Follow Elaine Rojas: https://linktr.ee/elainerojasmusic

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey of Pursuing Original Music
• 03:01 Genre-Blending and Emotional Honesty
• 21:47 The Impact of Healing on Creativity
• 27:42 Musical Family Legacy
• 30:41 Challenges of Growing an Audience
• 31:08 Creating Meaningful Connections with Fans
• 44:34 Upcoming Album Release and Symbolic Transition
• 51:36 The Power of Emotional Connection
• 53:09 The Impact of Specific Songs
• 55:46 The Role of Women in Music
• 59:25 Finding Your Community
• 01:10:25 Connection at House Shows
• 01:11:15 Lessons of Recovery and Self-Honesty
• 01:13:04 The Duality of the Upcoming Album

The conversation covers topics such as the band's music, tour life, podcasting, and the Everwild festival. It also delves into the band's history, the drummer's journey, and the challenges of balancing music with college. The conversation covers the evolution of the reggae rock movement, the challenges of collaboration, the influence of drumming legends, and the intentional composition of the 'First Light' album. It also explores the impact of music on mood and the band's commitment to creating timeless music. The conversation covers the creation of an album, the production process, music videos, and the ongoing tour. It also delves into the soundtrack of Rex Larkman's life and his dream drum kit. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including musical influences, tour experiences, and the creative process behind Tropidelic's music. Rex Larkman shares insights on the band's unique blend of genres and the impact of their music on listeners.

• Follow Tropidelic: www.tropidelic.com
• Follow ZHZ Podcast: www.zhzpodcast.riverside.com

Takeaways

• Tour life and the challenges of staying healthy on the road
• The drummer's journey and the band's history
• The success and positive atmosphere of the Everwild festival Reggae rock movement embraces positivity and community
• Challenges of collaboration and the importance of persistence
• Influence of drumming legends on musical evolution
• 'First Light' album is intentionally composed for a cohesive and positive experience
• Music has a powerful impact on mood and mindset
• Commitment to creating timeless and resonant music Album creation and production process
• Music video production and nature-inspired visuals
• The ongoing tour and collaboration with other artists
• Soundtrack to Rex Larkman's life and his dream drum kit Musical diversity
• Tour experiences
• Creative process

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcasting
• 02:18 Tropidelic's Music and Tour Life
• 03:01 The Drummer's Journey and Band's History
• 21:14 The Everwild Festival and Positive Atmosphere
• 23:11 Evolution of the Reggae Rock Movement
• 24:03 Challenges of Collaboration
• 36:15 Influence of Drumming Legends
• 44:25 Intentional Composition of 'First Light' Album
• 47:14 Impact of Music on Mood
• 48:47 Commitment to Timeless Music
• 49:44 Album Creation and Production Process
• 50:27 Music Video Production and Nature-Inspired Visuals
• 53:18 Ongoing Tour and Collaboration with Other Artists
• 01:06:12 Soundtrack to Rex Larkman's Life and Dream Drum Kit
• 00:00 Musical Diversity and Influences
• 01:11:24 Tour Experiences and Red Rocks
• 01:19:31 The Creative Process and First Light

How do you start releasing music after writing privately for decades? Mark Miller shares how he began putting out songs in his mid‑fifties—learning Logic, recording with affordable gear, and finding a creative process that fits real life.

This interview is for independent musicians, late‑starting songwriters, and home‑recording artists wondering if it’s ever “too late” to begin again.

Mark, a songwriter from St. Louis, talks with Zak and Matt about bedroom recording, mixing in different environments, writing across decades, and keeping human roughness in the final production. He also explains why he makes music for fun rather than chasing touring or streaming numbers.

We cover his latest release “The Girl Who Says No,” his upcoming track “Nobody,” his love of Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, the Descendents, Bob Dylan, and Dave Brubeck, plus his DIY builds—from a foot controller to a Raspberry Pi synth and cigar‑box guitars.

A relaxed conversation about authenticity, creative confidence, and learning by doing. Mark’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to return to an old passion.

Key Takeaway

- It is never too late to release music or return to an old creative passion.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

00:22 – Meet Mark Miller

05:10 – Why He Started Releasing Music Later

15:32 – Recording, Gear & Human Sound

25:52 – Songwriting & Staying Authentic

41:32 – Building Connections

49:36 – DIY Projects

56:13 – Soundtrack To My Life

01:00:18 – Rapid Fire 7

01:14:37 – Final Message

Guest Links • Stream The Girl Who Said No: https://open.spotify.com/album/3YuGJdQYxzsnCw74ZfO2jM?si=E8PETZ6RR7u649nH_7Oiaw • Mark Miller on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1XCOGhNPRMIk4zmPnINeko?si=m0D6sEw8QkmzTJVvQgCsHg

🎙️ About The ZHZ Podcast The ZHZ Podcast spotlights independent artists, producers, engineers, and creators—digging into songwriting, recording, mixing, live performance, music marketing, video creation, and the real work behind building a creative life.

🌐 Watch & listen: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

🎵 Z Frequency: https://zfrequency.com

🎤 Be a guest: https://forms.office.com/r/WwF9RLGgg

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhzpodcast/

🎧 Start your podcast with Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=zak-davi

Disclosure: We may receive a small commission if you sign up through our Riverside link.

🎶 Curated playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/207DJA6ZPtbfNSrG8NKxlA?si=U88ZpKEWQB2LTiRF_4bwBw

#ZHZPodcast #IndependentMusic #ArtistInterviews #Songwriter #HomeRecording

The conversation covers Nick Stefanacci's diverse musical background, including his experiences with international music and his journey as a musician. It also delves into his album releases and his approach to singing in the studio and live performances. The conversation delves into the influence of Latin music on the artist's work, the importance of versatility in the independent music world, and the need for adaptability and flexibility in musical genres. The conversation delves into the challenges of exposure and social media in the music industry, the impact of streaming platforms on music distribution, the art of releasing albums vs. singles, and the role of branding in music. The conversation delves into the subjective nature of success, highlighting the importance of happiness as a measure of success. Additionally, the significance of confidence and swagger in the music industry is emphasized, showcasing their role in achieving success.

Takeaways

• Diverse musical background
• International music experiences Versatility
• Influence of Latin Music
• Adaptability in the Independent Music World Branding is essential for musicians
• Challenges of exposure and social media in the music industry Success is subjective and can be defined by happiness
• Confidence and swagger are important for success in the music industry

🎧 Listen to the full episode, subscribe, and find more resources: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

👉 Follow Nick Stefanacci on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstefanaccimusic/

🔥 Subscribe to the ZHZ Podcast for weekly episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzC7AFK7Kl3ivHV7_DlbSgg?sub_confirmation=1

🎵 Check out our band, Z Frequency: https://www.zfrequency.com

🎤 Be a guest on the show: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/WwF9RLGgg1

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:22 Nick Stefanacci's Musical Journey
• 19:31 Album Releases and Singing
• 20:31 Influence of Latin Music
• 36:18 Versatility in Music
• 38:09 The Challenge of Exposure and Social Media
• 41:11 The Impact of Streaming Platforms on Music Distribution
• 42:09 The Art of Releasing Albums vs. Singles
• 53:34 The Role of Branding in Music
• 01:10:31 Defining Success
• 01:12:23 The Importance of Confidence and Swagger

Nayadnara and Galiyano join Zak and Matt to break down their new Afro-fusion/UK Garage single, "With a Little Help." The duo gets real about the grit of independent music: wearing every hat, beating imposter syndrome, and building a creative partnership across state lines. Plus, a deep dive into the Soundtrack to My Life and Rapid Fire rounds. Real talk for every artist doing it all themselves.

Follow Nayadnara & Galiyano

- Nayadnara: www.nayadnara.com

- Galiyano: https://linktr.ee/galiyano

Catch Up With The ZHZ Podcast:

https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

Just Be Enough: Todd Anthony shares how rediscovering music and overcoming imposter syndrome led to his most authentic album yet.

What happens when you stop trying to write music for everyone else and finally create the music you've always wanted to hear?

In this episode of The ZHZ Podcast, we sit down with independent artist Todd Anthony to talk about rediscovering his passion after nearly two decades away from recording. Todd shares the story behind his self-produced album, "Words & Music," why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how learning to "just be enough" changed everything.

We also dive into songwriting, recording, music production, live performance, creative burnout, imposter syndrome, balancing business and family, and the healing power of music. Beyond music, Todd opens up about running Peer Support Alliance, a nonprofit supporting adults living with mental illness, and why community matters.

If you're a musician, songwriter, creator, or anyone who's ever questioned whether it's too late to chase a dream, this conversation is for you.

Listen to Todd Anthony:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6W2DBBX0QBHiwveC10nwd7

Follow Todd Anthony:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ToddAnthonyMusic

Website: https://ToddAnthonyMusic.com

Live near Exton, PA? Book your own escape: https://www.eliteescape.net/

Learn more about Peer Support Alliance:

https://peersupportalliance.org

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🌐 Check out our website: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction & Meet Todd Anthony

00:00:42 Todd's Journey Back to Music

00:02:16 The Moment Music Became Everything

00:04:13 Saxophone, College & Finding Guitar

00:07:21 Touring, Original Bands & The Stage Rush

00:11:24 Why "Words & Music" Changed Everything

00:15:02 Recording an Album Completely Solo

00:17:23 Songwriting, Voice Memos & Capturing Inspiration

00:21:03 Why the Album Happened Now

00:23:08 Lessons from Self-Producing an Album

00:25:13 Letting Go of Perfection

00:30:41 Songs That Came Together (and Ones That Didn't)

00:35:35 Which Songs Best Represent Todd?

00:36:35 What's Next After "Words & Music"?

00:41:12 Advice for Independent Musicians

00:45:49 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

00:47:47 Rediscovering Old Passions

00:51:12 Shoutouts, Escape Rooms & Mental Health Advocacy

00:55:15 Where to Find Todd Anthony

00:57:28 Rapid Fire Round

01:08:50 Final Thoughts & Farewell