Why All Artists Aren't Narcissists: Ariel Vizzini

Why All Artists Aren't Narcissists: Ariel Vizzini

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 [https://zfrequency.com] - Follow us on Socials: https://seemlify.com/zfrequency [https://seemlify.com/zfrequency] Subscribe to The ZHZ Podcast: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com [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 [http://linktr.ee/arielvizzini] https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2JWMkRHNlV1TFVSWUk1NVVNcW1CUFRNWGFFZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsLWttaVl0LTNQODlNWHZNelB6dEJtUDQxMHNuXy0yRFpaWWh0RE16bU8zcG85WE5pZ1lpaURpTUY0NEFESHBzMFVUM0dVbTlWN3JFTnlrUVhVWVRicXotN04tbDhMTDl4YXk3Q1VLMFJveHRiMDZxQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Farielvizzinilinktr.ee/arielvizzini [http://linktr.ee/arielvizzini] - Stream her latest music: https://arielvizzini.bandcamp.com/ [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

How TikTok Led Me to a Band That Builds an Army, Not Just Fans

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 down on community, creativity, and authenticity, proving that true fans want more than just a playlist—they crave belonging. Imagine a sound that feels like a cyberpunk movie colliding headfirst with a post-apocalyptic dance club—dark, cinematic, and utterly hypnotic. Alice’s fusion of electronic, dark wave, and rock isn’t just genre-bending; it’s genre-defining. And the journey from late-night TikTok scroll to their ambitious double album As Above, So Below feels like discovering the secret realm where innovation and emotional intensity collide. You'll discover: how Alice turned a worldwide shutdown into a creative renaissance, crafted a fan community that's everything a modern band dreams of, and how their campaign of authentic engagement is rewriting how artists connect with listeners. The band’s latest album isn’t just music; it’s a bold statement that artists can evolve, and fans are more than just followers—they’re family. If you’re an independent artist, a music lover tired of surface-level fandom, or just someone who loves discovering those rare gems that challenge the status quo, this episode is your backstage pass to how true connection and killer tunes can reshape your entire perspective on music. Ready to be part of the Mad Hatter Army? Press play—because Alice is just getting started, and this rabbit hole’s about to get even weirder—and way more interesting. ARTIST LINKS: Official Website https://www.ilikealice.com/ [https://www.ilikealice.com/] Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0OEswCup9P8ou9tFbOUSE5 [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0OEswCup9P8ou9tFbOUSE5] Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/al1ce/1257569065 [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/al1ce/1257569065] YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AL1CE [https://www.youtube.com/@AL1CE] Bandcamp https://ilikealice.bandcamp.com/ [https://ilikealice.bandcamp.com/] https://www.instagram.com/alicemusicofficial/ [https://www.instagram.com/alicemusicofficial/] https://www.facebook.com/ilikealice [https://www.facebook.com/ilikealice] Follow us at https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com [https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com]

How a Newbie Producer Finds Her Signature Sound: Ariel Vizzini

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 rewriting the rulebook. She’s a Mississippi native turned Utah sound wizard, dressing her pain in glitter and seamlessly blending vulnerability with polished, radio-ready pop. Spoiler: her secret sauce is taking raw emotion and smothering it in sparkles—because who says you can’t be deep AND dazzling? In this episode, Ariel drops truth bombs about her DIY production journey, from battling the dreaded “compression” mystique to crafting a signature sound built on honest vocals and layered personality. You'll discover why she deliberately keeps her music off streaming giants for now, how her musical theater roots influence her mixing, and her bold stance on smashing the “starving artist” stereotype—she’s here to show that following your passion can be powerful, not petty. We break down: * The art of turning life's messy journal entries into addictive melodies * Navigating the psychological rollercoaster of self-doubt vs. confidence * Her unique approach to vocal play: raw, dynamic, and sometimes “accidentally too far from the mic” * How her musical DNA, from Thunderhead’s Southern Rock roots to indie glam, shapes her evolving sound * The importance of authenticity in a world obsessed with perfection Connect with Z Frequency: https://zfrequency.com [https://zfrequency.com] Subscribe to The ZHZ Podcast: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com [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 [http://linktr.ee/arielvizzini] https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2JWMkRHNlV1TFVSWUk1NVVNcW1CUFRNWGFFZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsLWttaVl0LTNQODlNWHZNelB6dEJtUDQxMHNuXy0yRFpaWWh0RE16bU8zcG85WE5pZ1lpaURpTUY0NEFESHBzMFVUM0dVbTlWN3JFTnlrUVhVWVRicXotN04tbDhMTDl4YXk3Q1VLMFJveHRiMDZxQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Farielvizzinilinktr.ee/arielvizzini [http://linktr.ee/arielvizzini] - Stream her latest music: https://arielvizzini.bandcamp.com/ [https://arielvizzini.bandcamp.com/] Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:38 Ariel's Musical Journey 07:44 The Art of Mixing and Production 10:19 Exploring Unique Sound and Style 13:09 Lyrics and Emotional Connection 18:41 Ariel's Career and Creative Process 25:03 The Glittered Grief Aesthetic 27:00 Understanding Compression in Music Production 33:45 Songwriting Processes and Collaboration 41:31 High School Musical Memories 44:42 Balancing Art and Stability 47:09 The Challenge of Live Performances 51:55 Exploring Musical Influences and Genres 01:01:36 Ariel's Musical Journey: Distribution and Growth 01:05:29 The Authenticity of the Artist 01:07:08 Shoutouts and Support Systems 01:09:03 The Challenges of Music Production 01:11:02 The Soundtrack of Life: Personal Connections in Music

Spotlight on Briauna: The Dark Pop Artist Building Cinematic Vibes from Utah

Ever felt like music is just noise and not a journey? Buckle up, because today’s Z Frequency Spotlight takes us into the moody, cinematic world of Briauna, a self-taught indie dark pop artist who’s not just creating tunes; she’s crafting atmospheres. Imagine Lana Del Rey meets Danny Elfman. In this mini episode, I explore: - How Briauna’s raw, instinct-driven songwriting creates vulnerability that resonates deeply. - The influences that shape her ambient, eerie storytelling, including a playlist featuring Lana Del Rey and Elfman. - The significance of community and collaboration in the indie scene. - Why Briauna’s new single “Lobotomy” tackles heavy themes, such as erasing memories and confronting darkness. - Two must-listen tracks: “Skeleton Boy” and “Tired,” emphasizing the importance of mood and message. - The power of focusing on “what I’m learning” rather than dwelling on what’s wrong. Connect with Briauna: - Instagram: https://instagram.com/briauna.official - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gH1iS0bw6ulgsnvOWH1td?si=56k0BYPDSUaVn5ivOvc4SQ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH1y7dGhv3M8HyaqvacVgAg - Booking: https://briaunamusic.kit.com/d6f401f3f4 Most importantly, support Briauna by streaming her singles, sharing her story, and following her creative journey. Peace out! For more, visit: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com Chapters: 00:00: Introducing Brianna: The Dark Pop Artist 02:24: Exploring Brianna’s New Single ‘Lobotomy’ 03:23: The Importance of Collaboration and Community

Charlie Gilder on Mindset & Reinvention | Playing the Game

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 musician and producer Charlie Gilder to dive deep into his artistic journey. We talk about the transition into "The Gilder Era," the grit required to make it as an indie pop artist today, and what it really means to "play the game" in the modern music industry. Charlie shares the stories behind his latest tracks, his creative process in the studio, and why having the right mindset is the only thing that keeps you moving forward as a creator. Support & Follow Charlie Gilder: Charlie is making waves in the indie pop scene—make sure you’re following the journey and streaming the latest tracks: * Official Website & Hub: https://gilder-prod.square.site [https://gilder-prod.square.site] * Listen on Spotify: Stream “ITOLDYA” and more https://open.spotify.com/track/4r6Hs2yVVzXC5TGgXp84UF?si=Y8DB8yvNR16lMRrtHSSPYg [https://open.spotify.com/track/4r6Hs2yVVzXC5TGgXp84UF?si=Y8DB8yvNR16lMRrtHSSPYg] Connect with the ZHZ Podcast: Love the conversation? Discover more episodes, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive content from Zak and Matt at our main hub: 👉 https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com [https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com] Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all things Z Frequency and the ZHZ Podcast! Chapters: 00:00 I Didn't Wake Up to Be Average 01:03 The Real Reason We Do This 10:18 Rapid Fire Round 21:31 Music as the Soundtrack to Life 25:35 Outro #independentmusic #artistinterview #zhzpodcast