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:

• Stream”San Francisco Safari": https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lifewithdistortionandjanaitis/san-francisco-safari/
• Artwork by: https://www.instagram.com/sacrament_666
• Life with Distortion: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithdis...
• Courtney Nord: https://www.instagram.com/daughterovt...
• Lezzy Osbourne:https://www.instagram.com/lezzyosbour...
• Murry: https://www.instagram.com/bobbybottleservise?igsh=NWViMWE2MTV1dmNr

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.

Discovering the Never Donts: Salt Lake City’s Ska-Punk Scene and Culture

Ever wonder what a band that’s more family reunion than just a group sounds like? Today, we’re diving into the wild, chaotic, and super genuine world of the Never Donts, a ska punk collective based in Salt Lake City. Think DIY energy, community vibes, and a sound that pulls from everywhere — punk, ska, emo, hip-hop — you name it. If you love music that’s loud, honest, and built on connection rather than perfection, buckle up.In this episode:

• The story behind the band’s DIY roots and all-ages ethos
• How their rotating lineup brings diverse influences into their sound
• Why their visual aesthetic screams ‘culture over polished marketing’
• The upcoming Box Elder album release and community scene in Salt Lake
• How to start exploring their music — first stop, “Cryptoids”
• The importance of supporting bands through streaming, shows, and socials

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to the Z-Frequency Spotlight: Meet the Never Donts

00:12 - What makes them more than just a band, a community

00:45 - The band members and how their diverse backgrounds shape their sound

01:11 - Musical influences: from ska and punk to emo and hip-hop

01:40 - Finding them through killer show flyers and visuals that speak culture

02:14 - The DIY energy that sets their visuals apart from polished marketing

02:46 - Coming up: April 10th Box Elder album release scene

02:59 - How community and scene support fuel their projects

03:18 - Where to start with their music: the latest release “Cryptoids”

03:47 - How to support local bands and stay tuned for potential interviews

04:12 - Wrap-up: The value of authentic connection in music scene support

Resources & Links:

• https://www.instagram.com/neverdontsband

• https://www.facebook.com/p/Never-Donts-61573164726374/

• https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCH14UI1R8hqo25R52qVp7tA?si=UXvuObivmVwUTqXQ

• https://www.tiktok.com/@neverdontsband

• https://music.apple.com/us/artist/never-donts/1797327315

• https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NDOhTiQ9C4HeKr0cvLuig?si=GBvsyPZiT1mXBTDlFGivPA

Connect with Zak:

• Twitter

Ready to discover how one Finnish artist turned lockdown into a global collab fest? This part one of two episode dives into the real struggles, wild ideas, and sneaky tactics of independent musicians trying to make it without a paycheck from big labels. Spoiler: it involves a lot of live streams, AI art, and connecting with artists from Brooklyn to Finland.

Main Topics:

• How COVID forced artists to go remote and stay creative
• Low or no budget marketing hacks that actually work
• The power of podcast guesting and collaborations
• Using AI tools for album artwork (but only for fun)
• The story behind "San Francisco Safari" and AI's role in art and lyrics
• Building a global artist network from your balcony
• Sync licensing dreams and the importance of exposure

Timestamps: 00:00 - The unexpected mindset of a Finnish indie artist

02:08 - How live streaming and radio experience shaped his hustle

03:24 - COVID quarantine sparks a world of online collabs

06:00 - Keep it real: How a song's story can boost its reach

08:00 - The importance of podcasts and media for indie artists

10:03 - Collaboration stories: Finland, Brooklyn, and Russia

13:10 - Why fresh songs and new artists inspire creativity

14:36 - The role of artwork in music marketing, no AI needed

16:01 - The "San Francisco Safari" deep dive: themes, AI, and real-world fears

17:46 - Using AI art—but only as a tool, not a crutch

19:14 - How COVID accelerated remote collaborations

22:00 - The Finland move: Love, music, and finding family

24:26 - Budget busting and organic growth strategies

27:03 - How to leverage no-budget marketing: storytelling and podcast guesting

28:22 - Dream sync placements that can turn a indie into a starResources & Links:

• DistroKid — For getting your music everywhere on a budget
• @sacrament_666 — The artist behind the killer artwork
• Life With Distortion — The Brooklyn collab buddy
• ChatGPT — AI not just for chat but for cover art ideas
• Rogan Podcast — Inspiration for indie artists hunting media

Connect with Janaitis:

• Instagram
• Twitter

Gear up, get inspired, and remember: even if your budget's zero, your creativity has no limit. Keep pushing, keep collaborating, and keep those streams coming!