Join Zak & Matt as they discuss the irony of being responsible DIY musicians, independent music scenes, and why the rock and roll lifestyle is dying.

In this second part of the ZHZ Podcast interview, we’re joined by the high-energy Florida-based band X Minus 1. They discuss the modern DIY music scene and the challenges of being an adult artist. They share their experiences, including juggling recording schedules with family life and the irony of responsibility being the most efficient way to keep a band afloat. Whether you’re a punk fan or a DIY artist, this conversation explores managing “expendable income,” the decline of MySpace, and why the “27 Club” lifestyle doesn’t apply when you plan rehearsals on a Google Calendar.

Links:

• Listen to 'Lust In Space' Album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5JxzAY...

Connect with the band:

• / xminusone
• / xminus1astronauts

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

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Music Scene

02:31 Challenges of Adult Musicianship

11:56 Community Engagement Through Gaming and Music

15:33 Reviving the Local Music Scene

18:36 The Thrill of Live Performances

23:40 Why You Should Post Things On Social Media

33:28 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations

If you think you can guess a band’s sound just by where they’re from, think again. This week on the Z-Frequency Spotlight, I’m breaking down why you need to have The Alley Kats on your radar.

I found Austin Taylor and the crew the way all the best discoveries happen—a late-night Instagram scroll that stopped me dead in my tracks. Based out of Sheridan, Wyoming, The Alley Kats are proving that the DIY indie scene has no borders. Whether it's the infectious hook on their new single "CHILLIN/VIBIN" or the absolute swagger of those lead saxophone riffs, these guys are building a vibe centered on peace and positivity.

In this spotlight episode, I’m diving into their branding, that signature sax sound, and why their latest music video for "BAR FLY" is a must-watch.

Support The Alley Kats:

* Stream "CHILLIN/VIBIN" (Spotify): Listen Here

* Watch "BAR FLY" Official Video: Watch on YouTube

* Stream "BAR FLY" (Spotify): Listen Here

* Follow on Instagram: @the_alley_kats

* Join the Community: The Alley Kats Facebook Group

* Everything Else: LinkTree

Connect with ZHZ Podcast:

Make sure to subscribe for more indie music spotlights, artist interviews, and stories from the Utah scene. Next week, Matt Allen is bringing a wild pick from the TikTok rabbit hole, so don't miss it!

Other Places To Stream Us: https://zhzpodcast.riverside.com

#TheAlleyKats #ZFrequency #IndieMusic #ZHZPodcast #UtahMusicScene #NewMusicSpotlight #AustinTaylor #ChillinVibin #WyomingMusic #IndependentArtist

Buckle up, space cadets! Today, we're diving into the wonderfully weird world of X minus One, a Florida-based band that combines sci-fi fantasy with garage punk grit. If you thought punk was all about capturing angst, these guys are here to blow your mind and your spacecraft! Part 1 of 2 in this interview series.

In this cosmic episode:

• How a random TikTok doom scroll led to Utah's newest sci-fi punk obsession
• The secret sauce behind their DIY ethos—galactic style
• The creative chaos of recording across multiple studios and spacesuits
• The evolution from cover band to sci-fi spectacle
• The art of making albums that flow, not just compile tracks
• The magic of stage props like laser blasters, robot heads, and glow sticks
• The band’s lineup lineup, including the famous "Nick-number-two" and the indispensable drummer Ryan
• Their approach to genre-bending, from ska to power pop, with a sci-fi twist
• How geek culture is no longer nerdy but royalty

Links:

• Lust In Space Album: https://open.spotify.com/album/5JxzAYKMo2ErfCtUJhChBG?si=6bb15c3fea7343fd
• Distrokid: https://distrokid.com
• The Rolling Stones "Some Girls" Album: https://open.spotify.com/album/1Jv2AqzhgsduUik2p4k3cS?si=WtWRBrseTaqz5smSavDPSg
• Orange Amps: https://orangeamps.com/

Connect with the band:

• https://www.facebook.com/XminusOne/
• https://www.instagram.com/xminus1astronauts/

And remember, in the space punk universe, the best prop is a good attitude and a killer tune. Keep it cosmic, and keep it loud!

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

*Chapters:*

00:00 Introduction

00:21 Z-Frequency Spotlight and Community Engagement

02:00 Discovery of X Minus One

04:34 The Importance of Physical Media

07:28 The Shift from Albums to Singles

10:26 Band Dynamics and Member Roles

13:06 The Birth of the Space Punk Universe

17:01 The Creative Process and Collaboration

20:51 The Rise of Geek Culture

23:00 The Creative Process in Music

27:50 Recording Techniques and Equipment

30:16 The Band's Sci-Fi Persona

36:35 Latest Album Insights and Artwork

39:25 Maturity and Dependability in Bands

41:30 Band Dynamics and Personal Practices

43:51 Evolution of Musical Style

46:49 Engaging Live Performances

49:20 Transitioning to a Defined Band

51:22 Navigating the Music Scene