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 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!

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  

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!

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!  

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!

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!

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! 

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!

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!

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!