Discover the evolution of Nick Sefakis in his life after Iya Terra. From touring guitarist to solo producer at Enoch Sound. 🎸

🎧 IN THIS EPISODE: Join Zak Davis for an exclusive Z-Frequency Spotlight on Nick Sefakis. After years of touring with the heavy-hitting reggae rock band Iya Terra, Nick is pivoting to a new chapter. Zak covers his transition from band member to solo artist, the creation of his personal studio "Enoch Sound," his latest release 'In Time' with Eureka Sound, and how he is crafting a new legacy in the West Coast Reggae scene.

Whether you're a DIY musician looking for industry insights or a dedicated fan of the Roots Reggae movement, this conversation reveals the reality of redefining yourself as an artist.

🔍 TOPICS COVERED:

• Why Nick decided to leave the touring life behind
• Building "Enoch Sound": The gear and the vision
• The difference between "Band Mode" vs. "Solo Mode"
• What's next for the Nick Sefakis sound

🔗 CONNECT WITH NICK SEFAKIS:

• Website: https://www.nicksefakismusic.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ZuxaoNNaB6_qGBl8TCEgg
• Merch: https://nicksefakismerch.com

🎙️ ABOUT ZHZ PODCAST: Hosted by Zak Davis and Matt Allen of Z Frequency, we are your backstage pass to the indie music culture. From the Utah scene to global artists, we spotlight the stories that matter.

👇 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:

• Subscribe for more Indie Spotlights: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzC7AFK7Kl3ivHV7_DlbSgg?sub_confirmation=1
• Follow Z Frequency: https://zfrequency.com

#NickSefakis #IyaTerra #WestCoastReggae #MusicProduction #ZHZPodcast #IndieMusic

This episode of the Z Frequency Spotlight podcast features Matt’s favorite jazz fusion band, Low Poly Cactus. The podcast delves into the band’s formation, music, and influences.

Takeaways

• Low Poly Cactus - A Jazz Fusion Band
• Influences and Style of Low Poly Cactus

Follow Low Poly Cactus:

• https://www.instagram.com/lowpolycactus
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/4JCLFRwINNq1g4Je8mRod2?si=ZHWen4lDTeWh-KEUJru3wQ
• https://linktr.ee/lowpolycactus
• https://www.youtube.com/@LowPolyCactus

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Low Poly Cactus

01:48 The Formation of Low Poly Cactus

04:29 Exploring the Band's Unique Sound

Creators open up about self‑doubt, imposter syndrome, audience growth, and the evolving journey of content creation and music‑driven connection.

In This Episode:

This episode dives deep into the emotional side of content creation as Sandy reflects on self‑doubt, imposter syndrome, and the mental weight that comes with showing up online. The conversation explores the slow, often discouraging path of audience growth, the validation that comes from genuine music‑based connection, and the small wins that keep creators moving forward. Sandy shares how her approach to content creation continues to evolve, the strategies she’s developing for the future, and the dream guests she hopes to collaborate with. Through honest storytelling and practical insight, this episode highlights the reality of being a creator—balancing vulnerability, growth, and the courage to keep creating..

Takeaways

• The biggest barrier to success can often be oneself.
• Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for creators.
• The emotional weight of being a creator is often overlooked.
• Audience growth can be slower than expected, requiring patience.
• Connecting with followers can be a validating experience.
• Content creation evolves as one learns and grows.
• Different platforms yield different audience engagement.
• Collaborating with others can enhance content quality.
• Recognizing small wins can motivate continued effort.
• Dreaming big can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Connect with Sandy:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saywhatwithsandy
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saywhatwithsandy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saywhatwithsandy
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saywhatwithsandy

Subscribe for more interviews and insights!

Chapters

00:00 The Band and Digital Presence

02:18 Audience Growth Challenges

03:00 Pain Points in Content Creation

12:50 Interview Preparation Strategies

Improvising through interviews, tech hiccups, and on‑the‑go edits—Sandy shares how preparation, creativity, and adaptability keep conversations flowing.

In This Episode:

The conversation covers the journey of building a platform in real time, the technical challenges and solutions in content creation, and the strategies for navigating interview challenges. It provides insights into grassroots content creation, the use of gear and tools, and the importance of interview preparation and problem-solving.

Takeaways

• Grassroots content creation
• Technical challenges and solutions
• Interview preparation and strategy

Follow Sandy:

IG: https://instagram.com/saywhatwithsandy

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@saywhatwithsandy

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to Technical Challenges

00:01:00 The Importance of Preparation

00:03:00 Balancing Roles in Interviews

00:05:00 Creative Solutions and Adaptability

Join us as Sandy Kreitzberg takes us on her transformative journey from a reggae enthusiast to a renowned music journalist and interviewer. Discover how her passion for music and storytelling led to the creation of her engaging interview series, "Say What?! With Sandy."

(Part 1 of 3 in this series)

In This Episode:

• Sandy's early love for reggae and its influence on her career
• Transition from writing to interviewing and overcoming burnout
• The importance of confidence and creativity in her journey
• Insights into her favorite interviews and the stories behind them

Key Moments:

• Discovering Reggae: 00:01:57
• Transition to Music Journalism: 00:02:06
• Burnout and Rediscovery: 00:02:39
• Gaining Confidence: 00:03:16
• Inspiration from Live Shows: 00:04:02

Connect with Sandy:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saywhatwithsandy
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saywhatwithsandy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saywhatwithsandy
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC...

Subscribe for more interviews and insights! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzC7AFK7Kl3ivHV7_DlbSgg?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters:

• 00:01:57 Discovering Reggae
• 00:02:06 Transition to Music Journalism
• 00:02:39 Burnout and Rediscovery
• 00:03:16 Gaining Confidence

• 00:04:02 Inspiration from Live Shows

In this final part in this mini series, the conversation covers the excitement of live performances, the evolution and growth of the band, individual contributions, and aspirations for the future. It also delves into the challenges of rehearsals and the dynamics of the band, as well as the integration of AI and spontaneous jamming during performances. The conversation delves into the themes of musical collaboration, creativity, and the importance of camaraderie in music. It explores the dream of creating the ultimate band lineup, the power of networking and collaboration, unconventional habits for creativity, and the significance of finding joy and living in the moment.

Takeaways

• Live performance excitement
• Band evolution and growth Consistency and creativity in music
• The importance of camaraderie and friendship in music

Visit us at: zhzpodcast.com

Check out Z Frequency here: zfrequency.com

Be A Guest On The Show: Intake Form

Start your own podcast: Join Riverside

Chapters

00:00 Future Aspirations of the Band

02:03 The Creative Process and Collaboration

07:49 Engagement and Live Performance Dynamics

11:10 Personal Contributions to the Band's Evolution

16:46 The Power of Live Music and Band Chemistry

18:47 Dreaming Big: The Ideal Band Setup

19:36 Creative Habits for Musicians

22:14 Finding Inspiration in Solitude

26:51 Overcoming Creative Blocks and Mental Health

28:56 Living in the Moment and Enjoying Life

31:21 Upcoming Music Releases and Future Plans

31:47 New Year's Eve Special Wrap-Up

32:08 Reflections on Previous Episodes and Future Plans

32:10 Ted Shupe In Memory Of Clip

Second addition of this mini series delves into Z Frequency's journey, the influence of local music venues, and the band's genre diversity and musical collaboration. Z Frequency's evolution, the impact of local music venues, and the band's genre diversity and musical collaboration are the primary themes explored in the conversation. The conversation covers the band's excitement for new music and recording, anticipation for live performances, engagement with recording and sound technology, and shared enthusiasm for playing live. The members express their eagerness for new music, recording, and the creative process, as well as their anticipation for live performances. They also discuss their engagement with recording and sound technology, highlighting their interest in new equipment and techniques. Additionally, they share their enthusiasm for playing live and the joy it brings them.

Takeaways

• Z Frequency's Evolution
• The Impact of Local Music Venues
• Genre Diversity and Musical Collaboration Excitement for new music and recording
• Anticipation for live performances
• Engagement with recording and sound technology
• Shared enthusiasm for playing live

Visit us at: zhzpodcast.com

Check out Z Frequency here: zfrequency.com

Be A Guest On The Show: Intake Form

Start your own podcast: Join Riverside

Chapters

00:00:00 Early Days and First Bands

00:05:07 Utah Scene and Warehouse Shows

00:10:22 Z Frequency’s Evolution

00:17:02 Meet the Band

00:23:03 Prepping for Live Shows

The conversation covers the challenges of navigating unemployment, the evolution and growth of the podcast, plans for future podcast development, the improvement of production value, and a reflection on 35 years of creativity. This is Part 1 of 3 mini-series of this annual New Year's Eve episode.

Takeaways

• Adapting to change
• Podcast evolution

Visit us at: zhzpodcast.com

Check out Z Frequency here: zfrequency.com

Be A Guest On The Show: Intake Form

Start your own podcast: Join Riverside

Chapters

• 00:00 Navigating Unemployment
• 09:56 Podcast Evolution and Future Plans
• 17:00 Production Value and Podcast Development
• 24:03 Reflecting on 35 Years of Creativity