Pop Fuss

"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!

Nian Tong joins the show! The London-based indie pop artist stops by to talk about his whimsical new single “What’s On Your Mind.” Blending warm melodies and playful ‘60s-inspired pop, Nian turns a very modern story — moving across the world for love… only to get ghosted — into something surprisingly sweet and uplifting. We also talk about his path from behind-the-scenes songwriter, producer, and composer to stepping out as a solo artist, and the upcoming EP "Gradually." Follow Nian on Instagram @niantongmusic and check out the new single! Follow @popfusspod on Insta for today’s brightest indie 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!

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!

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

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

🎙️ 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!