How AI Is Changing the Music Game (And What's Next for Indie Artists)

How AI Is Changing the Music Game (And What's Next for Indie Artists)

Author: Zak Davis & Matt Allen March 31, 2026 Duration: 12:06

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.

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.


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: 58

ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music, Artist Interviews & The Utah Scene
Podcast Episodes
The Jazz Fusion Evolution : A Spotlight on Low Poly Cactus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:05
This episode of the Z Frequency Spotlight podcast features Matt’s favorite jazz fusion band, Low Poly Cactus. The podcast delves into the band’s formation, music, and influences.TakeawaysLow Poly Cactus - A Jazz Fusion B…
Navigating Self-Doubt in Creative Spaces [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:43
Creators open up about self‑doubt, imposter syndrome, audience growth, and the evolving journey of content creation and music‑driven connection.In This Episode:This episode dives deep into the emotional side of content c…
The Art of Improvisation in Interviews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:26
Improvising through interviews, tech hiccups, and on‑the‑go edits—Sandy shares how preparation, creativity, and adaptability keep conversations flowing.In This Episode: The conversation covers the journey of building a p…
Reggae Revelations: Sandy's Transformative Interview Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:54
Join us as Sandy Kreitzberg takes us on her transformative journey from a reggae enthusiast to a renowned music journalist and interviewer. Discover how her passion for music and storytelling led to the creation of her e…
Beyond the Stage with Z Frequency | Part 3 Full Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:23
In this final part in this mini series, the conversation covers the excitement of live performances, the evolution and growth of the band, individual contributions, and aspirations for the future. It also delves into the…
Inside Z Frequency's Creative Process | Part 2 Full Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:23
Second addition of this mini series delves into Z Frequency's journey, the influence of local music venues, and the band's genre diversity and musical collaboration. Z Frequency's evolution, the impact of local music ven…
Unveiling 'Black Rock': The Journey of Apophis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:56
In this conversation, Zak, Matt, and David Hunsaker discuss the release of Apophis' new album, 'Black Rock', exploring its evolution, creative process, and the collaborative efforts involved in its production. They delve…
Imposter Syndrome, STREAMING Hustle & Raising 4 Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:38
Jeff Huso returns to the ZHZ Podcast as our first 3‑time guest to mark our 30th episode and ONE‑YEAR anniversary 🎉. We dive deep into imposter syndrome, the music streaming grind, DIY artist struggles, and balancing crea…
ATYPICAL HEROES: The SKA PUNK Revolution in UTAH! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:21
In this episode of the ZHZ Podcast, Atypical Heroes, a ska punk band from Utah, shares their journey, influences, and the vibrant ska scene.They discuss their recent shows, upcoming album release, and the importance of l…