Elaine Rojas: Self-Producing Alt-Pop & Finding Audience Without Algorithms

Elaine Rojas: Self-Producing Alt-Pop & Finding Audience Without Algorithms

Author: Zak Davis & Matt Allen September 8, 2026 Duration: 1:28:22

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

There's a particular energy to music made outside the mainstream, and ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music, Artist Interviews & The Utah Scene digs right into the heart of it. Hosts Zak Davis and Matt Allen, from the Z Frequency project, use their platform to amplify the voices often heard only in local venues or home studios. Each episode feels like a conversation among friends, one that just happens to be packed with the kind of practical insights and honest stories that artists usually share after the show. You'll hear from emerging independent musicians not only about their creative process but also about the real, unglamorous work of building a career from the ground up. While the pulse of Utah's vibrant local scene provides a consistent backdrop, the discussions here resonate with anyone curious about the DIY ethos shaping modern culture. This podcast serves as a vital connection point, offering listeners an authentic look at the people and passion behind the tracks. It’s for fans who want to discover their next favorite artist before anyone else and for creators looking for camaraderie and actionable advice. Tune in for genuine interviews that skip the superficial talk and get straight to what matters in independent music.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews
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