Pop Fuss

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 for the first time as a member of their touring band — and what it was like performing on late-night TV with appearances on Fallon, Colbert, and Conan. Then we switch gears and dive into Danny’s love of 2000s emo — especially My Chemical Romance — where he fronts a tribute band. Follow Danny @drdannymusic and grab his LP from reminderrecords.com Follow @popfusspod for today’s best power pop artists!

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 unexpected opportunity pulled him back from closing the door on music entirely. We also revisit the induction of Enuff Z'Nuff into the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum — and what it was like reuniting with Chip for the first time in years. As the unmistakable voice behind Enuff Z'Nuff, Donnie helped define an era of glam-tinged power pop, earning heavy MTV rotation and a fiercely loyal cult following. Grab the 45 vinyl single of “Plain Jane” and look out for the full release of Beautiful Things — available through Wicked Cool Records or at donnievie.com. Follow Donnie on Insta @donnievieofficial1   Follow @popfusspod on Instagram for today’s edgiest pop acts!

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 music where everything locks into place — brooding, melodic, and unmistakably his own. Follow @torturetwinn and visit torturetwinn.com for vinyl, merch, and more. Follow @popfusspod for today’s coolest emerging artists — and a few beloved veterans along the way.

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, their songwriting process, and songs they've already written for the next album. It's a fun conversation with this engaging duo.    ** RULES FOR ENTRY** You can win a vinyl copy of the new album courtesy of @takethistoheartrecords (domestic US only) 1) Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod 2) Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate on Spotify 3) screenshot that and DM Pop Fuss on Instagram   That's it! A winner will drawn a week from the day this episode has dropped.   Follow the band @ponytheband and order merch at takethistoheartrecords.store   Follow Pop Fuss across social media for today's raddest bands!

🎙️ 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 America. We talk Beatles influence, praise from legends like Stevie Van Zandt, Justin Hawkins (The Darkness), and Steve Aoki, and their first live U.S. appearance!   Follow the brothers @bandaal9official and their label @wickedcoolrecords   Check out @popfusspod for today's best emerging artists!

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-pop favorites Ridel High and later AM Radio. He got his start in the ’80s fronting Avant Garde alongside a pre-Weezer Rivers Cuomo and has remained a fixture of the L.A. music scene ever since. Steve Coulter, drummer for Ridel High, is also an author and editor under the name S.W. Lauden. Beyond playing in the scene, he’s helped document it—co-editing the power-pop anthology Go All the Way, curating the Generation Blue oral history project, and writing the must-read Substack Remember the Lightning. 📲 Follow the band @ridel_high on Insta 🎶 Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today’s coolest power-pop heroes—both new and classic

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 Machines and Nerf Herder Check out @courtcrodold - comedian and writer Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best in alt pop, indie rock and power pop artists!

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 standout live experiences. 🎧 Catch our chat wherever you get your podcasts — just search Pop Fuss!   RIYL: Paramore, Taylor Swift, Avril Lavigne, Michelle Branch   Follow Hannah on Instagram @hannah_duckworth and TikTok @hannahduckworthmusic   Check out today's brightest pop artists on Instagram @popfusspod

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 and check out their website dearboyofficial.com for tour dates and merch!   Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best alt pop artists!

🎙️ Our latest obsession, Bellvie, joins the show! Hailing from Sweden, Bellvie may be a young, emerging band with just a handful of songs out so far — but you’d never know it from the sound. Their melodic indie pop feels assured, polished, and far beyond their years. With crystalline songs that recall The Sundays meeting CHVRCHES, Bellvie already sound like a band that’s been doing this for a long time. 🎧 Catch our chat wherever you get your podcasts — just search Pop Fuss! Follow the band on Insta @bellviemusic and check them out on the web at bellviemusic.com   Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best emerging bands and some amazing veterans!

Power pop hero Kurt Baker joins the show! With a dazzling new double sided single, Kurt gets us up to date with his move to NYC, his "wicked cool" day job, and what's next for 2026!    Kurt is best known for his infectious songwriting and relentless touring across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, Baker has built a reputation for timeless, hook-heavy rock and roll rooted in classic pop structure and punk urgency, often drawing comparisons to Ramones and Green Day. His 2023 full-length Rock ’N’ Roll Club further cemented his status as one of modern power pop’s most dependable voices. He's been signed to Wicked Cool Records since 2016.   Listen to our convo wherever you get your fave podcasts - just search "Pop Fuss!"   Pick up a vinyl 45 of Kurt's new single from his bandcamp page, and follow Kurt on Insta @kurtmiltonbaker   Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best power pop artists and more!

Dream pop / indie rock band Silk Daisys join the show! This Atlanta-based duo stops by to discuss their stunning debut LP. Drawing from late ’80s–early ’90s jangle and dream-pop touchstones like The Sundays, The Primitives, Darling Buds, Lush, and The Cure, Silk Daisys deliver a sound that perfectly scratches that nostalgic itch! The album has already generated serious buzz, landing on multiple Album of the Year lists.   Led by husband-and-wife duo James Abercrombie and Karla Jean Davis, Silk Daisies blend creativity from all angles — he’s a designer, she’s a photographer and filmmaker, and together they’re raising two wildly talented daughters. Their oldest has already appeared in Stranger Things, Percy Jackson, and The Haunting of Hill House, while their youngest is already showing an incredible ear for songwriting and pop melodies. We talk about influences, creativity, family, and why they believe their kids may one day outshine them all.   Follow the band on Instagram @silkdaisysband and pick up the vinyl on their Bandcamp!   Check out @popfusspod for more interviews with today's brightest artists!

Luchiano joins the show to discuss his debut release! While he may call himself a new artist, Luchiano has been working in the music industry for over a decade — and if you dig into the songwriting credits attached to his name, and his music with previous band Liberty Deep Down, you’ll find millions of streams along the way. We talk about the new record, why he chose to step into the solo spotlight, his approach to songwriting, and standout live moments — including opening up for Bon Jovi!    🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts — just search Pop Fuss!   Follow Luchiano @luchianomusic and check out some songs he's written with artists such as former guest @samvarga, as well as @musicbyknox, @alexcolesofficial, @johnharvie, @carterjrubin, and @cam.becker   Follow Pop Fuss for today's brightest emerging artists @popfusspod

Cas Cleo returns to the show! Fresh off the release of her debut album, Cas joins us to talk all about the journey behind it. Blending indie and dream pop with touches of indie rock, she brings raw honesty, strong melodies, and fearless songwriting to every track. We dig into the road to this LP, signing with a record label, and navigating deeply personal songwriting.  Listen to our chat wherever you find your favorite podcasts - just search Pop Fuss!   Be sure to follow her on Insta @cas.cleo and TikTok @cascleo and stream her music everywhere!   Follow Pop Fuss @popfusspod for today's BEST emerging artists.

It's the year of the snake and Del Cobras are here! This rockin' new band from Philly blend all the best elements of mid-90's fuzzy power pop (Weezer, Splitsville) and add a dash of pop/punk for an infectious cocktail that will satiate your ear candy needs! Hear how the band came together as we sample their songs! Check out the episode wherever you get your favorite podcasts - just search "pop fuss!"   Follow Del Cobras across their socials @delcobras and check out their website delcobras.com   Find Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best power pop artists!

Bleu joins Pop Fuss to discuss his new Patreon page and his upcoming album! With his 7th LP on the way, Bleu gives us the lowdown on this project, and how you can keep up with all the exclusive goodies featured in his Patreon. Bleu also walks us through some incredible highlights from his stacked career, including:    • How he balances his solo work with his many side projects • Rare deep cuts from across his discography • His L.E.O. project + working with Andy Sturmer and Scott Simons of The Argument • His criminally under-heard, Mutt Lange–inspired project • Collaborating with Extreme’s Pat Badger • Co-writing with Selena Gomez, The Jonas Brothers, and more 🎧 Listen to our full convo wherever you get your podcasts — just search “Pop Fuss.” 👉 Follow Bleu @bleutopia and visit Bleutopia.com 👉 Support his Patreon: patreon.com/cw/bleu 👉 Follow @popfusspod for today’s best pop artists!   BLEU is an award winning songwriter, producer, composer, and recording artist. EMMY nominated for his work on HBO's The Golden Boy, he also composed music for the EMMY nominated documentary The Murders At Starved Rock. Bleu has had songs released with Gold and Platinum selling acts such as Demi Lovato, Big Freedia, Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, and K-Pop idols including Super Junior and NCT Dream amongst many other celebrated artists. Once signed to Columbia Records, he has released 6 studio albums, various cult side projects, and has worked with some of the biggest labels, film/TV studios, and show runners in the industry. His music has been featured by networks and brands all over the world including eBay, Swarovski, Bose, NFL, and hit shows like Shameless, The Good Place, and Insecure. Bleu wrote and/or produced all the songs for Disney’s Legend Of The Neverbeast film including a duet with Grammy nominated KT Tunstall. In addition to his numerous musical adventures, he wrote the first Masters degree course specifically on the subject of sync for Berklee College of Music.

Camryn James joins the show to discuss his latest ear worm "Fall On Me." From New Jersey, Camryn flies the flag of late 90's/early 2000's rock (think Goo Goo Dolls, Lifehouse, Tonic, Rob Thomas) and with a touch of heartland grit (Bryan Adams, John Mellencamp) he creates a rockin' blend of catchy pop that will keep you humming. (Seriously, the hooks jangled around my brain for days). He's got a great catalog of tunes with a lot more to come! Catch our convo wherever you get your podcasts, just search "Pop Fuss!"   Check him out on Instagram @camrynjamesmusic and his website www.camrynjamesmusic.com   Follow Pop Fuss on Insta @popfusspod for today's best indie rock and pop artists!    #camrynjames #popfuss #indierock #altrock #newmusic #musicpodcast #songwriter #rockmusic

🎙️ ANSON joins the show! We talk about his new single, his past, and what’s next for this Los Angeles-based alt-rock songwriter. With influences like Taking Back Sunday, The Rocket Summer, and Paramore, ANSON blends catchy hooks with introspective lyrics — bringing fresh energy to modern rock and reigniting fans’ love for the genre. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — just search Pop Fuss! 👉 Follow ANSON on his socials @ansonofficial and visit his website ansonofficial.com 👉 Follow @popfusspod on Instagram for today’s brightest artists!

The Glad Machine join the show to discuss their fab new LP "All the Pretty Things!" Their first record since 2022, the band has returned with another slab of ear candy to satisfy your power pop sweet tooth! Check out the episode wherever you get your fave podcasts - just search Pop Fuss!   Be sure to purchase the album at thegladmachine.bandcamp.com and follow the band on their socials @thegladmachine   Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best pop artists!

100 EPISODES! 🎉 To celebrate this milestone, we’ve gathered a power pop dream team for a special roundtable episode! Join David Bash, John Borack, and Bijan Marashi from Pop Rocks Radio as we dive into power pop in the 21st century! We each share our favorite post-2000 artists keeping the genre alive — and geek out to some amazing tunes along the way! 🎸 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts — just search Pop Fuss! 🔹 Follow David Bash on Facebook and subscribe to his YouTube podcast Material Issues 🔹 Check out John Borack’s books and articles, and follow him on Instagram @popdude 🔹 Follow Bijan Marashi @pop.rocks.radio and subscribe to his excellent YouTube channel Pop Rocks Radio Follow @popfusspod for today’s BEST power pop and indie pop bands!