Pop Fuss

On this episode we are joined by one of the most compelling voices in indie rock/pop, Cayley Spivey, as we dive deep into the stories behind their new album, "Carson." We kick things off by talking about the viral explosion of their latest TikTok posts, which have racked up millions of views and introduced their music to an entirely new audience. From there, we dive into the making of their new LP...

"Must Be Present to Win." That's the title—and the philosophy—behind Emily Hackett's debut full-length album. Emily joins us on the podcast to talk about motherhood, songwriting, Nashville, personal growth, and the stories behind songs like "Cherry" and "Crowded Room." Plus: Meeting Amy Grant & Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba, unforgettable stage moments, and what it really means to st...

Loviet joins the show! Blending ‘90s-tinged indie rock, alt-pop, and unapologetic attitude, Loviet has quickly become one of Canada’s most exciting rising artists. We dive into her explosive new EP, "Debutante," her evolution from synth-pop beginnings into a louder, more rock-driven sound, and the experience of writing, producing, and playing nearly every instrument on the record herself.   We als...

Future Teens join the show! For the past decade, Future Teens have been crafting what they call “bummer pop” — emotionally raw songs packed with hooks, heart, humor, and hard truths about grief, relationships, identity, and growing older. We dive deep into their powerful new album "Still Life," while talking about therapy, vulnerability, and what it’s like watching crowds scream along to songs bor...

Rising pop artist Berenice joins the show! Born and raised in Italy and now based in London, Berenice took a one-year shot at pursuing music full-time… and it’s paying off in a big way. We talk about her journey from playing her first shows, to landing multiple features on BBC Radio, being named a Rolling Stone UK Artist to Watch, and the crown jewel so far — getting featured on Elton John’s radio...

Brad Marino joins the show! Fresh off the release of "Agent of Chaos" (via Spaghetty Town Records), Brad stops by to talk about his latest — a punchy, all-killer-no-filler blast of power poppin' rock ’n’ roll! We dig into some standout tracks, the themes behind the album, his hook-heavy songwriting process, and what it’s like navigating the music world today as an independent artist. Plus — we tal...

The Greenberry Woods are back! After 30 years, the band returns with an incredible new album that longtime fans are sure to love. "It’s All Good, Sugar" finds them staying true to their signature sound — packed with ringing melodies, lush harmonies, and timeless pop hooks. We catch up with the guys, break down several new tracks, and share Pop Fuss’ Top 3 GBW songs! GBW is: Brandt Huseman, Matt Hu...

LA-based alt-pop provocateur Chloe Star joins the show! Chloe has this mix of raw honesty and full-on rockstar energy that really stands out. She’s part of that next wave of artists doing things on her own terms—pulling from rock, pop, and wherever else the song needs to go. Her background plays a big role in that. She’s of Indigenous and Persian heritage, grew up between LA and her family’s reser...

Silvie returns to the show! After a period of major life changes, Silvie catches us up on her new music — often a private dialogue made public — the creative spark expanding her sound, her move to NYC, and what we'd call a sense of unapologetic sovereignty. Silvie is always a standout interview: insightful, introspective, and emotionally sharp. Follow Silvie @silvie.music and subscribe to her YouT...

Spencer Grammer and Davis IL of Belle & Chain stop by to discuss their debut single “Don’t You Worry Babe,” how the project came to life during a deeply transformative chapter for Spencer — and how that eventually grew into something worth sharing with the world. We also get into the duo’s collaborative songwriting process, the cinematic gothic Americana sound they’re crafting, and what it’s b...

For episode 125, we are joined by Maggie and Alex of glimmers!  In this chat, we talk about how the band first came together, how their sound has evolved over the years, and the journey from their early EPs all the way to their debut full-length album "The Art of Shattering." We also get into the incredible response the new record has been getting, what it was like taking more creative control on...

Quickly rising indie band Meldrop join us for a fun conversation!  We talk about how the band came together in Tacoma, their rapid ascension, their upcoming release, life on tour in their refurbished school bus, and the business side of navigating momentum as things keep getting bigger. Follow the guys @meldrop_official and snag merch and LP's from their website meldropband.com Find today's hottes...

The Romance joins the show! Straight from his Air B&B where he is touring, Cody Hoffman talks his latest single, early streaming success, and placement on the Billboard charts and in Rolling Stone magazine. Cody also gets frank about the grind of touring and surviving as an independent artist… we cover it all!    Be sure to follow Cody @theromancemusic and check him out on tour!   Follow our p...

Caroline Romano joins the show! We caught up with this rising pop artist just hours before the release of her new EP It Took Me Falling — talking nerves, rituals, and what it feels like to finally let these songs out into the world. From leaving Mississippi to chase music in Nashville, to crafting one of her most personal projects yet, this conversation dives into the new songs, the evolution of h...

We celebrate the debut EP from Kiss the Scientist! This LA alt-rock band may be new to the scene, but they’ve already crafted a killer, radio-ready record for fans of Foo Fighters and emo favorites like Jimmy Eat World, Acceptance, and Story of the Year. We talk about how the band came together, the story behind their unique name, producing the record with some heavy hitters, and going viral on Ti...

Nian Tong joins the show! The London-based indie pop artist stops by to talk about his whimsical new single “What’s On Your Mind.” Blending warm melodies and playful ‘60s-inspired pop, Nian turns a very modern story — moving across the world for love… only to get ghosted — into something surprisingly sweet and uplifting. We also talk about his path from behind-the-scenes songwriter, producer, and...

Danny Ayala joins the show! We caught up with him just hours before kicking off his West Coast tour in support of his album Only Fools Love Again. In this episode, we talk about how his songwriting process has evolved over the years, revisit his first project Dr. Danny, and hear what he thinks his next record might sound like. We also get into what it’s like hearing new songs from The Lemon Twigs...

Some chapters don’t close — they fight for one more verse. Donnie Vie joins us at a pivotal crossroads: a new deal with Wicked Cool Records — and what he calls his last real shot. We talk legacy. The music still waiting to be made. And the years that nearly pushed him away from it all. Donnie opens up about the battles he’s faced, the moments he thought he was done for good — and how this unexpect...

Andrew Devin — aka TORTURETWINN — joins the show! We talk obsession, atmosphere, and the pull of music that refuses to let go — including his decision to leave the corporate world behind and fully embrace the art. Many first discovered TORTURETWINN through his striking covers of classic alternative and goth icons like The Cure, which quickly earned him thousands of followers. But it’s his original...

NEW EPISODE and GIVEAWAY! Alt pop duo Pony joins the show to discuss their brilliant new LP "Clearly Cursed!" And you can win a vinyl copy!   Toronto's Pony have been churning out infectious indie pop with grungy guitars for several years, and now they return with their best album yet! Matty and Sam discuss the origins of the album title, several real life paranormal experiences they have had, the...

🎙️ Brazilian pop sensations Banda AL9 join the show! After racking up 2.5 million followers with their stunning harmonies, these brothers are bringing classic pop back in a big way. Inspired by The Beatles and the golden era of melody-driven songwriting, Banda AL9 are proof that timeless hooks never go out of style. Fresh off signing their first label deal, they’re now setting their sights on Amer...

It’s a class reunion! 🎓 For Episode 114, we’re joined by the guys from Ridel High! The band signed to A&M Records in 1998, and now they’ve unearthed a collection of demos and unreleased songs from that era. We dig into those rediscovered tracks, revisit the band’s history, and talk about what the L.A. scene was really like back then. Kevin Ridel is the voice and songwriter behind ’90s power-p...

Spandex and sugar hooks! In this round table, Linus of Hollywood and comedian/writer Courtney Cronin join us to nerd out on the glam rock era ('85 to '92) and the hooks under the hairspray! It's a fun conversation that will keep your head bangin' and toes tappin'! Find our chat wherever you get your favorite podcasts, just search "Pop Fuss." Follow @linusdotson - solo artist, and member of Able Ma...

Hannah Duckworth joins the show!   Blending pop, indie rock, and pop-punk, Hannah burst onto the scene in 2023 with high-energy songs packed with hooks and attitude. Her debut EP, I Swear I’ll Bite!, dropped just a few months ago and delivers a sound that feels instantly radio-ready. We talk about her decision to shift her life toward music, what’s coming next with her upcoming EP, and some stando...

Dear Boy joins Pop Fuss! Benjamin Gray stops by to talk early musical influences, the band’s recent run with the Psychedelic Furs, and lots of deep-dive conversation around their new LP, Celebrator. We also get into some exciting possibilities for 2026 regarding more music! Catch our conversation wherever you get your podcasts - just search "Pop Fuss!"   Be sure to follow the band @dearboyofficial...