Nick Sefakis on Joining Iya Terra & His Solo Roots: Part 1

Nick Sefakis on Joining Iya Terra & His Solo Roots: Part 1

Author: Zak Davis & Matt Allen February 17, 2026 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 greatness—all while sharing hilarious throwbacks on D.A.R.E. cop stories and Lagoon roller coasters. Get ready for a quick tour of passion, adrenaline, and unplugged moments that prove life’s best when you just go for it.

In this episode:

  • The early days of Nick’s band The Rock Steadyz and the epic Lagoon roller coaster story
  • How impulsive decisions lead to big dreams—like moving to California without a confirmed spot in Iya Terra
  • The magic of live music moments—why the stage is the closest thing to real-life magic
  • What it’s really like to break onto the reggae charts and chase streams (spoiler: it’s 90% hustle, 10% mojo)
  • How songwriting can be inspired by everything from fans' stories to fans’ fans’ fans’ fans
  • The ups and downs of band dynamics versus the freedom of solo creation
  • Why every gig feels like a spiritual experience—without the mushroom trip

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why everyone should consider joining a band (or at least a fun story about a cop and a joint)

02:27 - Nick’s impressive chart history with Iya Terra and solo projects

03:42 - How the iTunes charts aren’t everything—streaming numbers matter too

05:02 - The grind of growing a fanbase and the importance of vanity metrics

06:17 - The legendary Lagoon roller coaster story (and almost losing his life!)

08:50 - From Utah football star to reggae star—Nick’s unexpected musical journey

10:46 - Jumping into California music scene with no guarantees (full leap of faith)

13:02 - The biggest “aha” moments on stage—pure magic or adrenaline? You decide

14:18 - How shared energy at concerts creates real-life moments of magic

16:22 - The spiritual connection of live music—almost feels like a cosmic event

18:29 - Songwriting inspiration from everyday life (fans’ fans’ fans’ fan, anyone?)

19:30 - The power of audience sing-alongs—more intense than a double shot of espresso

Resources & Links:

Connect with Nick:

And remember: life’s all about those “aha!” moments—whether you’re playing in front of thousands or just laughing about a cop and a roach clip. Live loud, stay curious, and never pass up a roller coaster ride—especially if you’re hanging ten at Lagoon.


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
Why "Being Responsible" is Killing Rock & Roll (Feat. X Minus 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:52
Join Zak & Matt as they discuss the irony of being responsible DIY musicians, independent music scenes, and why the rock and roll lifestyle is dying.In this second part of the ZHZ Podcast interview, we’re joined by the h…
How AI Is Changing the Music Game (And What's Next for Indie Artists) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 legend…
Why Following Show Flyers Could Lead You to the Next Big Punk Scene [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:26
Discovering the Never Donts: Salt Lake City’s Ska-Punk Scene and CultureEver wonder what a band that’s more family reunion than just a group sounds like? Today, we’re diving into the wild, chaotic, and super genuine worl…