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!