How do you start releasing music after writing privately for decades? Mark Miller shares how he began putting out songs in his mid‑fifties—learning Logic, recording with affordable gear, and finding a creative process that fits real life.

This interview is for independent musicians, late‑starting songwriters, and home‑recording artists wondering if it’s ever “too late” to begin again.

Mark, a songwriter from St. Louis, talks with Zak and Matt about bedroom recording, mixing in different environments, writing across decades, and keeping human roughness in the final production. He also explains why he makes music for fun rather than chasing touring or streaming numbers.

We cover his latest release “The Girl Who Says No,” his upcoming track “Nobody,” his love of Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, the Descendents, Bob Dylan, and Dave Brubeck, plus his DIY builds—from a foot controller to a Raspberry Pi synth and cigar‑box guitars.

A relaxed conversation about authenticity, creative confidence, and learning by doing. Mark’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to return to an old passion.

Key Takeaway

- It is never too late to release music or return to an old creative passion.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

00:22 – Meet Mark Miller

05:10 – Why He Started Releasing Music Later

15:32 – Recording, Gear & Human Sound

25:52 – Songwriting & Staying Authentic

41:32 – Building Connections

49:36 – DIY Projects

56:13 – Soundtrack To My Life

01:00:18 – Rapid Fire 7

01:14:37 – Final Message

Guest Links • Stream The Girl Who Said No: https://open.spotify.com/album/3YuGJdQYxzsnCw74ZfO2jM?si=E8PETZ6RR7u649nH_7Oiaw • Mark Miller on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1XCOGhNPRMIk4zmPnINeko?si=m0D6sEw8QkmzTJVvQgCsHg

🎙️ About The ZHZ Podcast The ZHZ Podcast spotlights independent artists, producers, engineers, and creators—digging into songwriting, recording, mixing, live performance, music marketing, video creation, and the real work behind building a creative life.

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🎶 Curated playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/207DJA6ZPtbfNSrG8NKxlA?si=U88ZpKEWQB2LTiRF_4bwBw

#ZHZPodcast #IndependentMusic #ArtistInterviews #Songwriter #HomeRecording

The conversation covers Nick Stefanacci's diverse musical background, including his experiences with international music and his journey as a musician. It also delves into his album releases and his approach to singing in the studio and live performances. The conversation delves into the influence of Latin music on the artist's work, the importance of versatility in the independent music world, and the need for adaptability and flexibility in musical genres. The conversation delves into the challenges of exposure and social media in the music industry, the impact of streaming platforms on music distribution, the art of releasing albums vs. singles, and the role of branding in music. The conversation delves into the subjective nature of success, highlighting the importance of happiness as a measure of success. Additionally, the significance of confidence and swagger in the music industry is emphasized, showcasing their role in achieving success.

Takeaways

• Diverse musical background
• International music experiences Versatility
• Influence of Latin Music
• Adaptability in the Independent Music World Branding is essential for musicians
• Challenges of exposure and social media in the music industry Success is subjective and can be defined by happiness
• Confidence and swagger are important for success in the music industry

🎧 Listen to the full episode, subscribe, and find more resources: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

👉 Follow Nick Stefanacci on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstefanaccimusic/

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🎵 Check out our band, Z Frequency: https://www.zfrequency.com

🎤 Be a guest on the show: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/WwF9RLGgg1

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:22 Nick Stefanacci's Musical Journey
• 19:31 Album Releases and Singing
• 20:31 Influence of Latin Music
• 36:18 Versatility in Music
• 38:09 The Challenge of Exposure and Social Media
• 41:11 The Impact of Streaming Platforms on Music Distribution
• 42:09 The Art of Releasing Albums vs. Singles
• 53:34 The Role of Branding in Music
• 01:10:31 Defining Success
• 01:12:23 The Importance of Confidence and Swagger

Nayadnara and Galiyano join Zak and Matt to break down their new Afro-fusion/UK Garage single, "With a Little Help." The duo gets real about the grit of independent music: wearing every hat, beating imposter syndrome, and building a creative partnership across state lines. Plus, a deep dive into the Soundtrack to My Life and Rapid Fire rounds. Real talk for every artist doing it all themselves.

Follow Nayadnara & Galiyano

- Nayadnara: www.nayadnara.com

- Galiyano: https://linktr.ee/galiyano

Catch Up With The ZHZ Podcast:

https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com