Why All Artists Aren't Narcissists: Ariel Vizzini

Why All Artists Aren't Narcissists: Ariel Vizzini

Author: Zak Davis & Matt Allen June 16, 2026 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 Podcast, Zak Davis and Matt Allen (Z Frequency) sit down with Ariel Vizzini to dismantle the "narcissistic" starving artist stereotype. 

Ariel breaks down the thin line between being a "crazy cat lady" and a confident creator, offering a raw look at how she balances a demanding 50-hour work week with high-level songwriting and production. We dive deep into the internal battle between self-criticism and the confidence required to call yourself an artist. 

From stacking three-octave harmonies to the hilarious story of Zak’s bold encounter with Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, this episode covers the vulnerability and the grit it takes to move your art from a "hobby" to a way of life.

Inside this Rapid Fire 7:

- The Narcissism Myth: Smashing the idea that wanting to be heard makes you a narcissist.

- The Inner Critic: Why the "Theater Director" is the one giving Ariel notes in the studio.

- Creative Burnout: How cats (and not music) actually refill Ariel's creative battery.

- The "Worst Day" Outfit: Dressing dark themes in glitter.

- Honest Feedback: The struggle of sending demos to family and the "Disclaimers" we all use.

- The Mystery of "Chocolate Roads": Zak and Ariel try to solve a misheard lyric mystery.

Connect with Z Frequency:

- Listen to our music: https://zfrequency.com

- Follow us on Socials: https://seemlify.com/zfrequency

Subscribe to The ZHZ Podcast: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

Join Zak and Matt every week as we talk music production, mixing, marketing, and sit down with the artists who are actually doing the work. Don't forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

Support the Guest:

- Follow Ariel Vizzini: linktr.ee/arielvizzini linktr.ee/arielvizzini

- Stream her latest music: https://arielvizzini.bandcamp.com/

Chapters:

00:00 - ZHZ Rapid Fire: 7 Questions

00:12 - If your worst day ever was an outfit...

01:05 - Learning to stop "translating" yourself for others

01:47 - Why cats are the ultimate creative battery refill

02:46 - What is your motivation? The theater director's voice

03:16 - DEEP DIVE: Smashing the Artist Narcissist Stereotype

04:59 - The “Angelo Moore” story (Zak’s boldest career move)

06:18 - Why wives and moms are the hardest critics

07:42 - How music production changes the way you hear everything

08:32 - The emotional release of "The Last Exit"

09:41 - The "Chocolate Roads" misheard lyric debate


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 This Indie Pop Artist Is Obsessed With Butterflies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:11
Discover how Briauna built a unique artist identity through butterflies, storytelling, and Independent Music & Artist Interviews.Singer-songwriter, pianist, and independent artist Briauna joins Zak and Matt on the ZHZ Po…
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…