A rapid fire interview moment turns emotional when an artist describes a scent that instantly reminds everyone of grandma’s house.

What started as a fun rapid fire round took a surprisingly deep turn… and honestly, nobody saw this answer coming.

When asked what a signature scent would smell like, Michael Isaak didn’t go with anything typical—he said it reminded him of his grandparents’ house. And just like that, the whole room felt it.

It’s one of those rare moments where music, memory, and emotion all collide—and you can literally see it hit everyone in real time.

If you’ve ever had a smell instantly take you back to a place, this clip is going to land.

🎙️ From The ZHZ Podcast:

Hosted by Zak Davis & Matt Allen

Featuring: Michael Isaak

👉 Subscribe for more artist interviews, real conversations, and moments that hit deeper than expected:

https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

Chapters:

00:00 Life in New York: Challenges and Experiences

03:15 Musical Inspirations and Cultural Connections

08:28 The Emotional Impact of Music

10:44 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

#PodcastClips #MusicInterview #EmotionalMoment #Storytelling #ArtistInterview

Discover how an artist's diaspora dreams led to the creation of a genre-defining sound, blending cultural authenticity with innovative music.

Meet Michael Isaak, a Brooklyn-based Egyptian American artist blending folk with Arabic traditions in a fresh genre he calls Arabesque Folk. From living vicariously through imagined desert carpets to crafting a unique sound that bridges worlds, Michael's journey is nothing short of inspiring—and a little magic.

In this episode:

• Michael's early musical influences growing up in the Coptic Church and LA
• The eye-opening trip to Egypt at 19 and cultural rediscovery
• The evolution of his sound from learned guitar chords to blending oud and folk
• How the collaboration with Sohail shaped the "Carpet Maker" album
• Authenticity in production: live recordings, DIY shows, and raw emotion
• Effective marketing for independent artists—word of mouth to social media strategies
• The future of Arabesque Folk and expanding multicultural storytelling
• The power of music as a unifier beyond language and borders

Connect with Michael:

• https://www.michaelisaak.us/
• https://instagram.com/michaelisaacmusic
• https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelisaakmusic
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMtwn2Xci7HwsR-M_XPA1nw
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/559rQJZL0GYH9lVU6zi5ey

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

Additional notes:

• Stay tuned for the album release on May 15, and catch his upcoming live shows.
• Dive into Arabesque Folk and discover new worlds of sound that unite, inspire, and challenge genre boundaries.
• Remember, in music and life, authenticity and community are the real magic.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Michael Isaac and Arabesque Folk

02:09 Cultural Influences and Musical Education

05:10 The Evolution of Michael's Sound

07:42 The Carpet Maker: Concept and Inspiration

10:28 Collaboration and Creative Process

13:17 Recording and Production Insights

23:59 Marketing Music in 2026

26:59 The Art of Busking and Live Performances

32:09 Cultural Identity and Self-Discovery

36:36 Challenges in Musical Fusion

43:42 The Future of Arabesque Folk Music

54:33 Exploring New Musical Horizons

57:13 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

#michaelisaak #zhzpodcast #independentmusic #artistinterview

In this Chris Murray spotlight, the ZHZ Podcast explores the ska legend’s King Apparatus legacy, his lasting influence on independent music, and why this mini episode matters for fans of ska and artist discovery.

Chris Murray is a true ska legend, and in this ZHZ Podcast mini episode, we spotlight his impact as a songwriter, performer, and one of the most respected voices connected to the history and evolution of ska music. From his early work with King Apparatus to his enduring solo career, Chris Murray has inspired generations of artists, including many musicians connected to the Utah scene and beyond.

If you love independent music, artist interviews, ska history, and discovering the artists who helped shape the sound, this Z Frequency Spotlight is for you.

Follow Chris Murray here:

Official Website: https://www.chrismurraymusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismurraymusic/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lHb57DpHI6R6pp81EyvPP

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Murray_(musician

For more independent music, artist interviews, and stories connected to the Utah scene, follow us here:

https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe, and share this with another ska fan who needs to hear about Chris Murray.

Chapters:

00:00 Spotlight on Chris Murray: A Ska Legend

00:47 The Evolution of Ska: Chris Murray's Journey

02:00 Exploring Chris Murray's Discography

02:52 The Impact of Chris Murray on Modern Ska