Why "Being Responsible" is Killing Rock & Roll (Feat. X Minus 1)

Why "Being Responsible" is Killing Rock & Roll (Feat. X Minus 1)

Author: Zak Davis & Matt Allen April 14, 2026 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 high-energy Florida-based band X Minus 1. They discuss the modern DIY music scene and the challenges of being an adult artist. They share their experiences, including juggling recording schedules with family life and the irony of responsibility being the most efficient way to keep a band afloat. Whether you’re a punk fan or a DIY artist, this conversation explores managing “expendable income,” the decline of MySpace, and why the “27 Club” lifestyle doesn’t apply when you plan rehearsals on a Google Calendar.

Links:

Connect with the band:

Follow Us: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com/

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Music Scene

02:31 Challenges of Adult Musicianship

11:56 Community Engagement Through Gaming and Music

15:33 Reviving the Local Music Scene

18:36 The Thrill of Live Performances

23:40 Why You Should Post Things On Social Media

33:28 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations


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
The Jazz Fusion Evolution : A Spotlight on Low Poly Cactus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:05
This episode of the Z Frequency Spotlight podcast features Matt’s favorite jazz fusion band, Low Poly Cactus. The podcast delves into the band’s formation, music, and influences.TakeawaysLow Poly Cactus - A Jazz Fusion B…
Navigating Self-Doubt in Creative Spaces [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:43
Creators open up about self‑doubt, imposter syndrome, audience growth, and the evolving journey of content creation and music‑driven connection.In This Episode:This episode dives deep into the emotional side of content c…
The Art of Improvisation in Interviews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:26
Improvising through interviews, tech hiccups, and on‑the‑go edits—Sandy shares how preparation, creativity, and adaptability keep conversations flowing.In This Episode: The conversation covers the journey of building a p…
Reggae Revelations: Sandy's Transformative Interview Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:54
Join us as Sandy Kreitzberg takes us on her transformative journey from a reggae enthusiast to a renowned music journalist and interviewer. Discover how her passion for music and storytelling led to the creation of her e…
Beyond the Stage with Z Frequency | Part 3 Full Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:23
In this final part in this mini series, the conversation covers the excitement of live performances, the evolution and growth of the band, individual contributions, and aspirations for the future. It also delves into the…
Inside Z Frequency's Creative Process | Part 2 Full Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:23
Second addition of this mini series delves into Z Frequency's journey, the influence of local music venues, and the band's genre diversity and musical collaboration. Z Frequency's evolution, the impact of local music ven…
Unveiling 'Black Rock': The Journey of Apophis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:56
In this conversation, Zak, Matt, and David Hunsaker discuss the release of Apophis' new album, 'Black Rock', exploring its evolution, creative process, and the collaborative efforts involved in its production. They delve…
Imposter Syndrome, STREAMING Hustle & Raising 4 Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:38
Jeff Huso returns to the ZHZ Podcast as our first 3‑time guest to mark our 30th episode and ONE‑YEAR anniversary 🎉. We dive deep into imposter syndrome, the music streaming grind, DIY artist struggles, and balancing crea…
ATYPICAL HEROES: The SKA PUNK Revolution in UTAH! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:21
In this episode of the ZHZ Podcast, Atypical Heroes, a ska punk band from Utah, shares their journey, influences, and the vibrant ska scene.They discuss their recent shows, upcoming album release, and the importance of l…