Pop Fuss

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

Pop Fuss is a music podcast hosted by popfuss, with 143 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

popfuss hosts Pop Fuss, a music show with 143 episodes published.

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  Episode #145

  Alex Band of The Calling

  Sep 28, 202624 min

  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!

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  Episode #144

  Roger Joesph Manning, Jr.

  Sep 21, 202649 min

  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!

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  Episode #142

  Brian Tichy of Led by Vultures

  Sep 7, 202629 min

  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 @ledbyvultures and pick up the new record at dekoentertainment.com Follow Pop Fuss @popfusspod for today's best music!

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  Episode #141

  Bonner Black on her new EP and birding!

  Aug 31, 202639 min

  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!

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  Episode #140

  Linus of Hollywood

  Aug 12, 20261h 33m

  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!

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