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Pop Fuss

popfuss

Music interviews that shine a spotlight on indie pop, alt pop, and power pop artists that deserve to be heard!

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#150
Yesterday · 31 min
Julia Gartha
Meet Julia Gartha! She's performed with Sabrina Carpenter and Madonna at Coachella, is touring with Harry Styles, appeared on Saturday Night Live with Chappell Roan, and sung backing vocals for Olivia Rodrigo's NPR Tiny Desk concert. But there's a whole lot more to Julia than those impressive credits. She's also a singer, songwriter, a classically trained pianist, and producer with a terrific new six-song EP called California's Killing Me. We had a great conversation with Julia about the new EP, the stories and emotions behind the songs, her journey as an independent artist, and what it's like balancing her own music with opportunities to work alongside some of the biggest names in pop. We also get into songwriting, producing, homesickness, life in Los Angeles, and a few unexpected chapters in her career! Be sure to follow Julia @juliagartha and check out her website juliagartha.com Check out Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best indie pop artists!
#149
October 27 · 34 min
Genna Matthew
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 Memory,” the story of how “Key and My Kite” came together, and the pop-rock punch of “Out of Sight / Out of Mind” — one of our personal favorites from the EP. We also talk about our mutual love of Kacey Musgraves, the creative visuals behind her releases, and the realities of being an independent artist in Nashville. Plus - her recent honor of being named a Spotify Fresh Finds artist! If you’re into smart songwriting, great melodies, and discovering artists who deserve a spot on your playlist, this is one you won’t want to miss! Be sure to follow Genna @gennamatthew Check out Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's BEST emerging artists!
#148
October 19 · 41 min
Phil Solem of Molland, Solem & Miller and The Rembrandts
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 greats. Plus, Phil talks about his band T.H.R.U.S.H, his politically charged solo song “Where Do We Go From Here?,” the current state of The Rembrandts, an unreleased album that fans may still get to hear, and yes, a little bit about the Friends theme song! From Chuck Berry to “I’ll Be There for You,” there’s plenty to dig into. Be sure to follow Phil @phear777 and his new project @mollandsolemandmiller Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod
#147
October 12 · 40 min
Matt Langston of Starterpacts and Eleventyseven
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 experiences in the Christian music industry. He also opens up about the stories behind songs like “Small Town Gods,” “Rage Quitting,” “Hotel Pool,” and “Under Ageless,” where infectious pop melodies meet lyrics that dig into religious trauma, personal struggles, and the complexities of life. We also discuss the latest single, “Only Thunder,” the upcoming album, and the challenges of making independent music in an ever-changing industry. It’s a candid, thoughtful conversation about music, identity, and finding the freedom to create on your own terms. Follow BOTH of Matt's bands @eleventysevenisalive and @starterpacts Check out Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's coolest bands!
#146
October 5 · 36 min
4 artists - 1 house with Cas Cleo, Eliza Harrison Smith, JoJo Scott & Maddie Ettrich
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 talk about how they ended up living together, how they inspire and support one another creatively, and what it's like navigating the music business with three other artists just down the hall. Plus, we get into the important stuff: Who's the house chef? Who's most likely to adopt a stray animal without consulting the others? Who has the messiest bedroom? And who's most likely to talk their way out of a speeding ticket? It's a fun, candid look at friendship, music, and a pretty unique chapter in the lives of four emerging artists. Be sure to follow Cas @cas.cleo and check out her new single, "Pick Me Up." Find Eliza @elizaharrisonsmith and listen to her latest EP, Same Old Dream. Check out JoJo @jojoscottmusic and stream her recent EP, Wild Flower. Follow Maddie @maddieettrich and listen to her new single, "Mermaid." Make sure you follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's BEST emerging artists!
#145
September 28 · 24 min
Alex Band of The Calling
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 couple of decades. We also get into the unbelievable staying power of “Wherever You Will Go,” which has now passed ONE BILLION streams on Spotify. We had to ask Alex what it’s like to see a 25-year-old song still generating that kind of activity — including the proverbial “mailbox money.” 😂 Plus: The Calling’s new fan contest, some seriously insane prizes, touring overseas, and what’s ahead for the band through the rest of 2026 and into 2027. Be sure to follow @alexband and @thecalling to keep up with all the latest news! And give Pop Fuss a follow on Instagram @popfusspod for today’s BEST emerging artists — plus some great legacy bands!
#144
September 21 · 49 min
Roger Joesph Manning, Jr.
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 music. We dissect several new studio tracks, and get into the live recording on the b-side of the new record. And yes, we snuck in a Jellyfish question. Hear what Roger had to say about whether there’s still anything left in the vault… We also get into his recent work with other artists, what he’s been listening to, and who we should be checking out. Roger Joseph Manning Jr. has been making ridiculously good pop music for a very long time — and "Hopium" is proof that he’s still got plenty of magic left. Listen to our conversation wherever you get your favorite podcasts! A bucket list guest has been met! Be sure to follow Roger @rogerjosephmanning and find vinyl, merch and more at RogerJosephManningJrOfficial.com Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today and yesterday's best power pop artists!
#143
September 17 · 33 min
Ark Identity
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 Bon Iver, to Tears for Fears and The Beatles. We talk about the story behind the ARK IDENTITY name, growing up with The Beatles and ABBA, his interest in psychedelic music, sync licensing and possibly scoring films, the frustrations of living in an always-connected world, and his plans to take the music on the road. If you’re into dream pop, psychedelic pop, indie pop or just discovering artists who are doing something a little different, give ARK IDENTITY a listen. Be sure to follow Noah @arkidentitymusic and check out his website arkidentity.ca/ Follow Pop Fuss @popfusspod for today's coolest new artists!
#142
September 7 · 28 min
Brian Tichy of Led by Vultures
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 decades keeping the beat for some of the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal, including Whitesnake, Foreigner, Billy Idol, and Ozzy Osbourne. Be sure to follow @briantichydrums and the band @ledbyvulturesband and pick up the new record at dekoentertainment.com Follow Pop Fuss @popfusspod for today's best music!
#141
August 31 · 38 min
Bonner Black on her new EP and birding!
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 self-doubt, why she often finds inspiration in the nearly 1700 custom songs she’s written for other people, and how one real-life love story eventually inspired one of her own songs. And, of course, we talk birds! 🐦 Bonner has become one of the most recognizable personalities in the birding world, combining her love of music and nature through bird walks, festivals, touring, and adventures around the world. We talk about how birding unexpectedly became such a huge part of her life—and how she's somehow managing to do all the things she loves, even if life can get a little messy along the way. It’s a fun, funny, thoughtful conversation with an artist who is following her curiosity wherever it takes her. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! Be sure to follow Bonner @bonnerblack and check out her website bonnerblack.com for live dates, merch, and more! Give Pop Fuss a follow @popfusspod for today's coolest artists and bands!
#140
August 12 · 1 hr 33 min
Linus of Hollywood
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, Kurt Baker, Wyatt Funderburk, and even Puff Daddy! Linus gives us the lowdown on writing for TV (including School of Rock), the multiple dozens of commercials he's worked on, and what he's been doing at Cal Poly University. And there’s plenty of new stuff to talk about, too—including Able Machines, a long-awaited Christmas album, a potential rock album, and what might eventually spark the next Linus of Hollywood project. We even get a sneak peek at an as-yet-unreleased LoH song! It's a fun conversation with one of the most interesting—and versatile—people in the music world! Be sure to follow Linus at his new Instagram account @linusofhollywood Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best guitar pop artists and bands!
#139
August 5 · 21 min
Lex Bauman
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 Everclear, and how a chance meeting led to a songwriting and production partnership with Tuk Smith. We also dive into his creative process, life on the road, balancing touring with school, his incredible guitar collection, and why he's determined to keep hook-filled rock music thriving for a new generation. If you love artists like Butch Walker, Marvelous 3, Rick Springfield, or just appreciate great guitar-driven rock, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to follow Lex on his socials @LexBaumanGuitar and check out his website lexbauman.com Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best emerging artists!
#138
July 29 · 43 min
Indie pop/folk artist Savs
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 creative process, what she's learned from writing hundreds of custom songs through Songfinch, and what's next for her new Americana duo, County Fair, with Max Gall. If you love thoughtful songwriting, honest conversations, and discovering outstanding new artists, we think you're really going to enjoy this one. Be sure to follow Savs on her socials @savs.music and her website savsmusic.com Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best emerging artists!
#137
July 13 · 38 min
Lyncs
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 get into why sync licensing has become one of her biggest career goals, how film and television can completely change an artist's trajectory, how becoming a producer has transformed the way she listens to music, and what life has been like since moving to Los Angeles. We wrap things up by talking about what's next after "Strangers" and why her debut full-length album is just around the corner. If you're fascinated by songwriting, music production, and what it really takes to build a career as an independent artist, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Make sure to follow her @iamlyncs and check out her website lyncsmusic.com/ Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best indie and alt pop artists!
#136
July 6 · 40 min
Cayley Spivey
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, including the deeply personal story behind the album's title and how it connects to their identity as a non-binary artist. We also talk about:  Growing up on '90s rock and how those influences shaped the sound of Carson. What they expected from Los Angeles before moving there—and what turned out to be completely true (and completely false).  How an unexpected touring opportunity changed the course of their life.  Why they chose to fund the album through Kickstarter instead of signing with a label.  The biggest lessons they've learned after more than a decade in the music business. It's an honest, insightful conversation about creativity, authenticity, identity, and finding your own path as an artist. Be sure to follow Cayley on their socials @cayleyspivey and check out their website cayleyspivey.com/ Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's BEST emerging artists!
#135
June 17 · 43 min
Emily Hackett
"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 stay present in a world that's constantly pulling us toward the past and future. Be sure to follow Emily @ms_emilyhackett and check out her new website emilyhackett.com/ Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best indie pop artists!
#134
May 20 · 43 min
Loviet
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 also talk about life on the road, Lollapalooza, and navigating the music industry as everything starts moving faster. Follow Loviet @lovietmusic and stream Debutante now 🔥 Check out Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's coolest artists and bands!
#133
May 13 · 32 min
Future Teens
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 born from very real pain. We also get into the album artwork, the fun of creating merch, the upcoming tour, and the incredible sense of community the band has built around honesty and friendship over the years. Follow the band @futureteensusa and pick up the new record and merch from takethistoheartrecords.store Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's coolest bands!
#132
May 6 · 33 min
Berenice
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 show, where he said, “She’s gonna have a big career!” We also dive into her debut EP, her songwriting process, and what’s ahead with new music and festival season. Follow her on her socials @shesberenice and check out Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's BEST emerging artists! #berenice #popmusic #musicpodcast
#131
April 30 · 25 min
Brad Marino
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 talk about his return to Spain, a longtime haven for power pop fans. Follow Brad on Instagram @brad_marino and pick up a copy of "Agent of Chaos" now from @spaghettytownrecords Find Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for tons of power pop artists and content!

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