Ever heard of Salt Lake City’s rising reggae fusion band? Well, strap in because Native Leaves is bringing sunshine, groove, and good vibes from Utah to your playlist and probably making other coastal bands a little jealous. Think reggae with a splash of hip hop — and somehow it all feels effortless. Let's break down why they are the local band you didn't know you needed.

Key Takeaways:

• Native Leaves formed in 2019 and blend reggae, hip hop, and blues into their signature sunshine energy.
• Influences range from Tribal Seeds to Jack Johnson, creating a chill yet meaningful sound.
• Their 2021 LP, Dab and Fever, scored over a million streams—yeah, they’re kind of a big deal.
• They've played major venues and festivals like Reggae Rise Up and opened for Sean Kingston and Rick Ross.
• Their latest project, Runaway Child (2026), is a tight, confident sophomore effort.
• Favorite track? "Riot" — infectious groove, slick vocals, a must-listen.
• You can find them on all streaming platforms, plus check out their Florida live sessions.
• Native Leaves is proof that you don’t need to be on the coast to make coastal-worthy music.

Resources & Links:

• Native Leaves on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2HGbKZC5Nl4osBC6SAoOBg?si=p5q8zEotS2KnUwSLIRomrA
• https://www.instagram.com/nativeleaves/
• Reggae Rise Up Festival: https://share.google/3keWHGMyjByB0MeLf

Connect with Matt Allen:

• https://x.com/mattybumbo

And remember — good music is no longer just coastal. Salt Lake City’s got the vibe, and Native Leaves is leading the charge. Catch them, support local, and keep those good vibrations rolling!

Chapters

00:00 Spotlight on Native Leaves: A Unique Sound from Salt Lake City

02:07 The Evolution of Native Leaves: From Dab and Fever to Runaway Child

03:48 Supporting Local Talent: The Importance of Discovering New Artists

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