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.

🌐 Watch & listen: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

🎵 Z Frequency: https://zfrequency.com

🎤 Be a guest: https://forms.office.com/r/WwF9RLGgg

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhzpodcast/

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Disclosure: We may receive a small commission if you sign up through our Riverside link.

🎶 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/

🔥 Subscribe to the ZHZ Podcast for weekly episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzC7AFK7Kl3ivHV7_DlbSgg?sub_confirmation=1

🎵 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

Just Be Enough: Todd Anthony shares how rediscovering music and overcoming imposter syndrome led to his most authentic album yet.

What happens when you stop trying to write music for everyone else and finally create the music you've always wanted to hear?

In this episode of The ZHZ Podcast, we sit down with independent artist Todd Anthony to talk about rediscovering his passion after nearly two decades away from recording. Todd shares the story behind his self-produced album, "Words & Music," why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how learning to "just be enough" changed everything.

We also dive into songwriting, recording, music production, live performance, creative burnout, imposter syndrome, balancing business and family, and the healing power of music. Beyond music, Todd opens up about running Peer Support Alliance, a nonprofit supporting adults living with mental illness, and why community matters.

If you're a musician, songwriter, creator, or anyone who's ever questioned whether it's too late to chase a dream, this conversation is for you.

Listen to Todd Anthony:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6W2DBBX0QBHiwveC10nwd7

Follow Todd Anthony:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ToddAnthonyMusic

Website: https://ToddAnthonyMusic.com

Live near Exton, PA? Book your own escape: https://www.eliteescape.net/

Learn more about Peer Support Alliance:

https://peersupportalliance.org

Enjoying the show?

👍 Like the video

💬 Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with independent artists, musicians, and creators.

🌐 Check out our website: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction & Meet Todd Anthony

00:00:42 Todd's Journey Back to Music

00:02:16 The Moment Music Became Everything

00:04:13 Saxophone, College & Finding Guitar

00:07:21 Touring, Original Bands & The Stage Rush

00:11:24 Why "Words & Music" Changed Everything

00:15:02 Recording an Album Completely Solo

00:17:23 Songwriting, Voice Memos & Capturing Inspiration

00:21:03 Why the Album Happened Now

00:23:08 Lessons from Self-Producing an Album

00:25:13 Letting Go of Perfection

00:30:41 Songs That Came Together (and Ones That Didn't)

00:35:35 Which Songs Best Represent Todd?

00:36:35 What's Next After "Words & Music"?

00:41:12 Advice for Independent Musicians

00:45:49 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

00:47:47 Rediscovering Old Passions

00:51:12 Shoutouts, Escape Rooms & Mental Health Advocacy

00:55:15 Where to Find Todd Anthony

00:57:28 Rapid Fire Round

01:08:50 Final Thoughts & Farewell

Discover how she builds CONFIDENCE ON STAGE in this high-energy Rapid Fire Round. The ZHZ Podcast reveals live performance secrets!

In this Rapid Fire Round, singer-songwriter Elena Hirsch answers seven fast-paced questions about songwriting, live streaming, connecting with fans, handling unexpected moments on stage, and the mindset that fuels confident performances. From adapting to audience requests in real time to sharing what it takes to build genuine stage presence, Elena offers honest insights that every musician and performer can learn from.

Whether you're an independent artist, a live performer, or simply looking to become more confident in front of an audience, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical takeaways, and plenty of laughs.

If you enjoy conversations with independent artists and musicians, be sure to subscribe for more interviews, music industry discussions, and Rapid Fire Rounds from the ZHZ Podcast.

Follow Elena Hirsch:

🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/elena.hirsch

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4DP7IzXc1AFBcNMWpWKd8L?si=_ieGmfRTSU-FgTElrHuAxg

Follow the ZHZ Podcast: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

🎙️ Subscribe for more independent music interviews, artist conversations, and music industry insights.

🎸 Follow Z Frequency for new music and updates.

Chapters ➡

00:00 First Thing I Do When Sitting Down At The Piano

00:55 Spam The Chat

01:45 Go-To Move To Turn A Random Listener Into A Fan

02:28 The One Thing In Life I Find Irresistable (Hint: Food)

03:47 I Might Actually Be Built For This

07:56 The Title If My Life Was A Movie

08:27 If Irresistible Was A Scene

11:05 You Want To Look Pretty

12:20 Twelve Year Old & Makeup at 9:30 PM

13:15 Follow Elena - Conclusion

#RapidFireRound #ConfidenceOnStage #ElenaHirsch #ZHZPodcast #IndependentArtist #LivePerformance #SingerSongwriter #StagePresence #MusicPodcast #IndieMusic

Landing huge gigs is easier than you think. Elena Hirsch reveals her "Power of the Ask" inside our latest Independent Music & Artist Interviews. 🎤💃🏻

Watch this episode to learn how Elena went from cold-emailing news stations in Detroit to opening at The Troubadour in LA.

🔗 GUEST LINKS:

- LinkTree: Elena Hirsch

- Spotify: Listen to Irresistible

- Instagram: @elena.hirsch

- TikTok: @elenahirschx

- YouTube: @elenahirsch

- Discord: Join the Server

🔗 OUR LINKS:

- Podcast App: ZHZ Podcast

- Official Site: Z Frequency

- Be Our Next Guest: Inquiry Form

- The Guest List on Spotify: Playlist

CHAPTERS ➡

00:00 - The Power of the Ask

00:32 - Meeting Elena Hirsch

01:23 - How she found ZHZ Podcast

04:23 - The Detroit to LA Musical Journey

06:00 - Opening for Morgan St. Jean

07:35 - The "One Email" Strategy Revealed

10:55 - Building a Band from Scratch (The Struggle)

16:31 - Persistence: Making Your Own Luck

20:45 - Breaking Down "Irresistible"

26:00 - Streaming vs. Live Audience Strategy

35:30 - Future Plans & Michigan Residency

43:00 - Advice for Independent Musicians

50:00 - Grow Your Audience Tip

56:00 - Wrap Up & Shoutouts

CROCHET butterflies and DARK pop vibes with Briauna—our fastest Rapid Fire yet from Independent Music & Artist Interviews. 🎙️

Briauna pulled up for a Rapid Fire round that goes from wholesome to unhinged in the best way—crochet butterflies, dark pop energy, and the creative mindset behind the world she’s building as an indie artist.

If you love quick questions, real answers, and finding new artists before they blow up, this one’s for you. This is exactly why we do Independent Music & Artist Interviews—to show the human behind the art.

Watch the full interview episode

▶️ Full Interview episode: [LINK]

Support Briauna

🩸 Pre-Save “Lobotomy” (out July 17): https://tr.ee/-gDp12c3o7

🔗 Briauna Linktree: linktr.ee/briauna.official

📩 Booking / EPK: briaunamusic.kit.com

ZHZ Podcast

🎧 Subscribe / follow the show for more episodes + updates: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

Quick CTA

Hit Subscribe if you want more indie artists, real convos, and more Rapid Fire episodes like this.

Chapters

00:00:00 Rapid‑Fire Kickoff & Handmade Gifts

00:03:30 Influences, Road‑Trip Pick & Creative Philosophy

00:07:00 First Songs, Childhood Stories & Early Creativity

00:10:30 Secret Languages, School Projects & Growing Up Different

00:14:00 Perfect Pitch, Sensory Overload & Musician Life

00:17:30 Storytelling, Metaphors & The Heart of Independent Music

Discover how Briauna built a unique artist identity through butterflies, storytelling, and Independent Music & Artist Interviews.

Singer-songwriter, pianist, and independent artist Briauna joins Zak and Matt on the ZHZ Podcast to share her journey from writing songs at 11 years old to building a unique "musical biosphere" rooted in storytelling, vulnerability, and artistic world-building.

In this episode, we dive into her upcoming single "Lobotomy," the inspiration behind releasing three different versions of the song, the realities of navigating both the Los Angeles and Utah music scenes, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career as an independent artist. We also explore her butterfly symbolism, film scoring work, creative process, artist branding, and practical music marketing strategies for today's independent musicians.

Whether you're an artist, songwriter, music fan, or someone looking for inspiration on building a creative brand, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and real-world experience.

🦋 Follow Briauna:

LinkTree: http://linktr.ee/briauna.official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briauna.official/

🎵 Pre-Save "Lobotomy":

https://tr.ee/-gDp12c3o7

🎙️ Listen to More ZHZ Podcast:

https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

If you enjoy Independent Music & Artist Interviews, artist stories, music marketing discussions, and conversations about the Utah music scene, make sure to subscribe, like, and leave a comment.

CHAPTERS

00:00:00 Intro & Cold Open

00:00:48 Meet Briauna: Utah, LA & Her Musical Journey

00:03:20 Inside "Lobotomy" & The Three-Version Release Strategy

00:08:33 Film Scoring, Collaboration & Creative Growth

00:13:54 The Meaning Behind "Lobotomy" & Dark Pop Storytelling

00:21:23 Building A Musical Biosphere: Butterflies & Artist Branding

00:33:07 Independent Artist Challenges, Social Media & Community

00:41:32 Music Marketing, Playlist Pitching & Release Strategy