Nadine Emrich on Balancing Acting, Music, and the Indie Artist Grind in LA

Nadine Emrich on Balancing Acting, Music, and the Indie Artist Grind in LA

Author: Zak Davis & Matt Allen September 15, 2026 Duration: 56:04

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

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

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
Why All Artists Aren't Narcissists: Ariel Vizzini [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:50
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 Podcas…
How TikTok Led Me to a Band That Builds an Army, Not Just Fans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:36
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…
How a Newbie Producer Finds Her Signature Sound: Ariel Vizzini [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:05
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…
Charlie Gilder on Mindset & Reinvention | Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:00
The Gilder Era is here! Indie pop artist Charlie Gilder breaks down his mindset, the "Play the Game" philosophy, and finding your sound on the ZHZ Podcast.In this episode of the ZHZ Podcast, Zak and Matt sit down with mu…
Zoom Out - Stop Overthinking Music | Charlie Gilder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:04
Charlie Gilder is stepping into what he calls “The Gilder Era”—and if you’ve been stuck overthinking every move, this episode is your wake-up call.In this ZHZ Podcast interview, we talk about the mindset shift that helps…