Making Music on Your Terms: How Mark Miller Embraces the DIY Spirit

Making Music on Your Terms: How Mark Miller Embraces the DIY Spirit

Author: Zak Davis & Matt Allen August 11, 2026 Duration: 1:15:13

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


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
Podcast Episodes
Where Creativity Meets Zero Budget with Janitus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:25
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 Homeless to Rock Star: The Incredible Story of Seasick Steve [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:54
Seasick Steve is a modern blues original—Delta stomp, DIY instruments, and an analog-first mindset that keeps his sound raw and human.In this Z Frequency Spotlight, Zak Davis breaks down Steve’s rags‑to‑riches arc, why t…
The Burnout Nobody Talks About in Independent Music: Pt. 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:31
Nick Sefakis shares the truth about burnout, touring, and staying creative in independent music. A real look behind the road life grind.Ever feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of creativity and exhaustion? We…
The Acoustic Band That Plays Like They’re Set on Fire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:26
This acoustic punk band delivers a fiery, high‑energy performance that hits harder than anything in the scene.Ever wondered how a band can go from losing a van full of gear to rocking stages across Europe with nothing bu…
How Nick Rebuilt After the Iya Terra Fallout: Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:49
Nick gives a live apology to fans and opens up about rebuilding after the Iya Terra fallout in this raw artist interview.Everything below is tailored to the emotional weight of the apology, the Iya Terra breakup, and the…
Nick Sefakis on Joining Iya Terra & His Solo Roots Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:53
Ever wondered what it’s like to leap into the unknown with a guitar in hand? Nick Sefakis took that leap, left Utah, jumped into California’s music scene, and somehow turned random fan moments into chart-topping greatnes…
Life After Iya Terra: The Evolution of Nick Sefakis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:43
Discover the evolution of Nick Sefakis in his life after Iya Terra. From touring guitarist to solo producer at Enoch Sound. 🎸🎧 IN THIS EPISODE: Join Zak Davis for an exclusive Z-Frequency Spotlight on Nick Sefakis. After…