Pop Fuss

For episode 148 we're talking with Nashville singer-songwriter Genna Matthew about her new five-song EP, Strike Twice! Her music hits that sweet spot between indie folk-pop, thoughtful storytelling, and catchy melodies, with lyrics that explore heartbreak, falling in love again, and trying to figure out if you’re actually on the right track in life. We get into the clever metaphor behind “Muscle M...

Phil Solem of Molland, Solem & Miller and The Rembrandts joins us for a conversation that covers a lot of musical ground! We dig into a very special Chuck Berry tribute album recorded with the late Joey Molland of Badfinger and Jeff Miller — including the story behind Joey’s long-held dream of making the record and how the guys approached reimagining songs by one of rock ’n’ roll’s all-time gr...

Matt Langston from Starterpacts joins Pop Fuss!   If you know Matt from EleventySeven, you already know he’s no stranger to the music business. But with Starterpacts, he’s starting a new chapter — one that gives him the freedom to explore a fresh musical identity and tackle some deeply personal subjects.   We talk about the inspiration behind the project, the evolution of EleventySeven, and Matt’s...

4 ARTISTS. 1 HOUSE. ONE REALLY FUN CONVERSATION.   What happens when four independent music artists share a house in Nashville? Turns out, a whole lot!   Cas Cleo, Eliza Harrison Smith, JoJo Scott, and Maddie Ettrich join Pop Fuss for a conversation about life under one roof — where songwriting, collaboration, career advice, and the occasional roommate intervention are all part of the deal.   We t...

Alex Band of The Calling joins Pop Fuss for a conversation about the band’s incredible return — and there’s A LOT to talk about.   The Calling hasn’t released a new album in 22 years. Now they’re back with a brand-new record, and we talk about what it means to finally have new music out again.   Alex also opens up about the incredible highs and some very dark lows he’s experienced over the past co...

Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish, Imperial Drag, Beck, etc) is back with his first new solo album since 2023 and we talk all about it!   "Hopium" is out now via Omnivore Recordings, and we get into the story behind the album title, what “hope as a drug” means to Roger, and how he knows when it’s finally time to put aside all the other projects he’s working on and make some room for his own musi...

For episode 142 we're talking with Noah Mroueh, the Toronto singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist behind ARK IDENTITY.   ARK IDENTITY is Noah’s dream-pop solo project, where he creates these immersive soundscapes that pull from dream pop, psychedelia, synth-pop, alternative rock and straight-up pop. There’s a really interesting mix of influences in there — from Tame Impala, Depeche Mode and...

This week, we're joined by legendary drummer Brian Tichy to talk about his new album with Led by Vultures—a record that’s been years in the making and was finally brought to life.   Brian played nearly every instrument on the album, and we get into the journey of making that happen, from the massive drums and guitar riffs to the challenge of getting every sound just right.   Tichy has spent decade...

This week we're joined by Nashville singer-songwriter Bonner Black!   We talk about her fantastic new EP, "Little Bird in a Big Sky," and dig into the stories behind the songs—from the tongue-in-cheek humor of “Honest Woman” and the frustrations of modern dating to the deeply personal inspiration behind the title track. Bonner also shares how an incredible bird migration helped her push through se...

Linus Dotson joins the Pop Fuss Four Timers Club as we dig DEEP into the catalog of Linus of Hollywood! We talk about his early days playing metal as a teenager, moving to LA and forming Size 14, and making his earliest records largely in his bedroom. We also dig into his resume, including his work with Jaret Reddick, Roger Joseph Manning, Jr., Kay Hanley, Paul Gilbert, Cheap Trick, Jeff Whalen, K...

This week on Pop Fuss, we're joined by one of the brightest young artists keeping melodic rock and power pop alive—Lex Bauman.   Lex may be early in his career, but he's already building an impressive résumé. We talk about growing up on classic rock, attending Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, performing at legendary venues like the Whisky a Go Go and the Viper Room, opening for acts like Buckcherry and...

This week we're joined by Nashville singer-songwriter Savs to celebrate the release of her incredible debut full-length album, "Albatross."   We talk about the powerful meaning behind the album's title, and her journey from NBC's The Voice to releasing one of our favorite records of the year. Savs also shares the stories behind her songwriting, why collaboration is such an important part of her cr...

This week on Pop Fuss, we're joined by singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Lyncs to celebrate the release of her fantastic new EP, "Strangers." Lyncs produced the entire EP herself, and we take a deep dive into the creative process, the stories behind the songs on "Strangers," and what she loves most about producing—not only her own music, but projects for other artists. We also...

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...