Why Being 'Nice to Each Other' Might Be the Best Business Plan in Music

Why Being 'Nice to Each Other' Might Be the Best Business Plan in Music

Author: Zak Davis & Matt Allen March 24, 2026 Duration: 36:16

Think the music industry is all glam and glitz? Not even close. It’s survival, adaptability, community — and honestly, kindness. This episode dives into indie artistry, storytelling, and why being a genuinely good human might be the most underrated career move you can make.

In this episode: • How today’s music scene shifted from rigid genres to fearless mashups • Why proof matters — packed rooms, real fans, and social validation • The power of your “why” over talent or connections • Creating for short attention spans in the digital age • Why live shows and real relationships still win • Blending ska, funk, reggae, and more without getting boxed in • The truth about DIY merch and turning passion into income • How AI is entering creative spaces — and what that means for artists • Working with good people and leading with kindness in the craft.

Resources & Links:

Our Website: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com/

And remember: Whether you’re smashing on stage, crafting merch, or just vibing at home, kindness and authenticity are your best tools. Keep it real, keep it nice, and keep making music. Catch you next time.


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
Jason Bradford on Synthpop and DIY Music | ZHZ Podcast Ep. 007 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:53
Join us for a captivating episode where our hosts, alongside guest Jason Bradford, delve into the intimate bonds forged through music. They unpack the intricate art of songwriting and share the ambitions driving the band…
Dave Hunsaker: The Beat Goes On Through Sticks And Skins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:11
Zak Davis and Matt Allen engage in conversation with musician and audio engineer Dave Hunsaker, exploring his musical journey and dedication to drumming. They delve into his collaborative efforts such as Ariel's Bones wi…
Brad Jennings: From Guitar to Bass & Los Ocupados [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:52
Zak Davis and Matt Allen engage in conversation with Brad Jennings, an accomplished musician from Freshly Squashed Fly and the Washington-based ska band Los Ocupados. They explore Brad's musical origins, his initial fora…
Metal Riffs & Reverb: Meet Jeff Huso [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:37
Join Matt Allen, Zak Davis, and Jeff Huso as they dive into their musical journeys, sharing stories of early gigs, instrument mishaps, and forgotten lyrics. They chat about their influences like Oingo Boingo and Public I…
Behind the Mic with Matt Allen: Trumper, Voice, and Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:01
Zak Davis and cohost Matt Allen reminisce about their musical journey that started in 1991, deeply influenced by their shared love for Oingo Boingo. Matt looks back fondly on his trumpet-playing days in school before tra…
Allow Myself to Introduce Myself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:58
Zak Davis, the engaging host of the Z-Frequency podcast, embarks on a journey through his musical lineage in his inaugural episode. He reflects on his early years and the first musical experiences that significantly shap…