Fuegostine's Music Club

In this episode, Matt sits down with New Constellations (Harlee Case and Josh) to discuss their breakout track “Hot Blooded,” their debut album It Comes in Waves, and their evolution as an indie pop duo.

The band shares how their first-ever release turned into a long-term viral success, generating hundreds of millions of user-created videos, and why it never felt like an overnight moment.

They also dive into their collaborative songwriting process, from early acoustic demos to fully produced tracks, and how they’ve developed a unique creative rhythm over the years.

Other topics...

What songs actually shape an artist? The Songs That Built Me is inspired by some lyrics of a Miranda Lambert song called "The House That Built Me". Songs throughout our lives stick with us for various reasons and these are the stories associated with those. 

In the debut episode of Songs That Built Me, Nico of Proxima Parada joins host Matt Firestine to reflect on the songs that shaped his life, sound, and musical journey.

From performing All My Life at a childhood talent show to discovering piano through Let It Be by The Beatles, N...

Wrabel joins Fuegostine’s Music Club to talk about his latest album, the deeply personal journey behind it, and how his approach to songwriting has evolved over the years.

From writing more independently and co-producing his own work to exploring existential themes like impermanence and love, Wrabel shares what makes this project his favorite to date.

He also reflects on the impact of his song “The Village,” why it remains the most meaningful piece in his catalog, and how it changed his perspective on music and purpose.

Plus, a candid conversation about the pressu...

Athens, Georgia indie pop band Hotel Fiction stop by to discuss the deluxe edition of Staring at the Sun, the evolution from Soft Focus to now, and what it means to grow up through music.

We talk about writing songs that won’t leave the vault, revisiting old versions of yourself through records, seasonal depression and songwriting, and how AI is reshaping the music industry. The band also shares their thoughts on social media promotion, live performance authenticity, and why humanity in art still matters.

Plus:
• The meaning behind “Emily”
• Their favorite songs from their...

Sam Gellerstein of Philadelphia band Snacktime joins the podcast to talk about the band’s journey from busking in Philly parks during COVID to touring nationally with Portugal. The Man and Electric Guest.

In this episode, Sam shares:

Snackt...

In this episode of Fuegostine’s Music Club, Matt Firestine sits down with all members of Krooked Kings to discuss the band’s upcoming album In Another Life and the creative evolution that shaped it.

The band shares how working with a new producer helped them move from a bedroom-style recording approach toward a fuller, live-band sound, and how increased collaboration changed their songwriting process. The conversation explores themes of introspection, friendship, creative growth, and the realities of being a modern independent band navigating social media and promotion.

Krooked Kings also discuss the music that shap...

In this episode of Fuegostine’s Music Club, Matt Firestine sits down with Sam Bentley of The Paper Kites to discuss the band’s latest album and the themes of home, belonging, and creative balance that shaped its creation.

Sam shares stories about growing up around gospel music before discovering punk, how indie folk has evolved over the last decade, and why songwriting is often more work than therapy. The conversation explores recording intimate performances, maintaining artistic identity in the age of social media, and the importance of slow, intentional art in a fast-moving music industry.

Th...

Scarlett McKahey of Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers joins the podcast to talk about the band’s journey from forming at 14 years old to releasing their confident, anthemic second album Glory.

Scarlett shares how the band finally felt in control of their creative vision, the accidental themes of confidence and self-belief that shaped the record, and the story behind standout tracks like “Turn Around.” We also talk about the band’s Jack Black–inspired origins, growing up surrounded by Bowie, Ramones, and Arctic Monkeys, and how those influences still show up today.

The conver...

In this episode, Matt sits down with genre-bending artist Deloyd Elze for a deep dive into his musical identity, influences, and creative process. Deloyd talks about growing up between his parents’ eclectic music tastes, discovering rock on a turquoise iPod Nano, and eventually forming his own sound—a unique blend of country storytelling and modern experimental production.

He breaks down the origin of his track “Write of Passage,” written during a late-night burst of inspiration in a shared Boyle Heights house, as well as the evolution of his project name, taken from his great-grandfather. Matt and Delo...

Australian singer-songwriter and producer Hayden Calnin joins the show to talk about the inspiration behind his latest EP Middle Night, the creative pull of late-night songwriting, and his fascination with the paranormal and esoteric. Hayden opens up about how film sound design shaped his production style, why he avoids “demo-itis,” and what it’s like balancing the many roles modern musicians carry — from producing and scoring to navigating social media.

We also explore the making of fan-favorite track “You in Universe,” why album-focused listening still matters, and how Australia’s music scene compares...

In this episode, Matt speaks with Terra Lopez, artist and Community Manager at Backline, the nonprofit delivering free mental health and wellness services to musicians and music industry workers.

Terra shares powerful insights about the realities of touring, the emotional and financial barriers artists face when seeking help, and how social media has intensified the mental health challenges within the music world.

We discuss Backline’s case-management system, their partnerships with venues and festivals, the Music’s Mental Health Fund, and why the industry needs systemic changes to truly support artist well...

On this episode of Fuegostine's Music Club, Matt talks with Colby Acuff who opens up about his path from Idaho to Nashville, the creative process behind his albums, and the challenges facing musicians in a rapidly changing industry.

Colby dives into:

Whether you’re a fan of c...

In this episode of Fuegostine's Music Club, I sit down with BIG SPECIAL, a rising punk duo known for vulnerable, soulful style. We talk about their creative process, the story behind their music, how they developed their sound, and what’s coming next.

If you love discovering new music, underground gems, and artists before they blow up, this conversation is for you.

In this conversation on Fuegostine's Music Club, Joe of BIG SPECIAL and Matt explore the concept of 'Dig' as a purpose-built closer, reflecting on its thematic significance and the emotional journey it represents. Th...

In this episode of Fuegostine’s Music Club, Harrison Storm sits down for a heartfelt and honest conversation about the experiences that shaped his new album Empty Garden. Fresh off a six-week European tour, he reflects on the breakup that sparked much of the record, the emotional core behind “Someone Else,” and what it means to make music that feels both vulnerable and grounding.

We explore the realities of touring, the pressure (and freedom) of releasing music, the push-and-pull relationship artists have with social media, and the peace that comes from real human connection. Harrison also shares the al...

In this episode, I sit down with HARMLESS (Nacho Cano) to discuss the evolution of music culture, the impact of social media on creativity, and the meaning behind his latest album. We explore what it takes to stay true to your art in an industry swayed by algorithms and trends.

Key Topics Covered:

...

Join me as I sit down with singer-songwriter Daffo to explore their journey through music, the making of their debut album Where the Earth Bends, and how emotional honesty shapes their songwriting.

In This Episode:

About Daffo:
Daffo’s Where the Earth Bends is the debut album from an essent...

How do you evolve as a band when the lineup changes — without losing your identity? In this episode of Fuegostine’s Music Club, I chat with indie-pop duo JOSEPH about re-imagining themselves as a sister duo, how their music has changed, and what’s coming next.

What we cover:

In this episode, I sit down with Bryan Andrews — a small-town musician who swapped a blue-collar job for a guitar and a dream. We talk about his journey, his influence, and what inspires his music.

What to Expect:

About Bryan: 
Bryan Andrews is a talented country/rock singer and songwriter haili...

What does it mean to stay true to yourself — even when the internet is watching? In this episode of Fuegostine’s Music Club, I sit down with indie-folk singer-songwriter Luca Fogale to explore his musical evolution, personal growth, and what “authenticity” really looks like in 2025.

What we cover:

In this episode of Fuegostine’s Music Club, I sit down with singer-songwriter Ruston Kelly to discuss one of the most intense and honest journeys in modern Americana / alt-country music. We cover his early years, battles with addiction, heartbreak, and the long road to healing — but also how through all of that he discovered his voice, harnessed pain into purpose, and found a new sense of self.

What You’ll Hear

OIn this episode of Fuegostine’s Music Club, The Brummies sit down for an incredibly candid conversation about the highs and lows of being in a band. They open up about the moment they nearly called it quits, how they found their way back to each other, and why their newest music feels more intentional and grounded than anything they’ve made before.

We dive into the emotional side of collaboration, the struggle to stay hopeful during career setbacks, and the daily habits that keep them mentally balanced. The result is a vulnerable, funny, and deeply human look...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Nate from Motherfolk for a wide-ranging, deeply honest conversation about artistic evolution, growing up on classic rock, moving through musical eras, and how the band has continued to reshape its sound for over a decade.

Nate opens up about the transition from folk-driven beginnings to their shoegaze-influenced new album Eternal Joy, how life changes shaped the record, and why Motherfolk continues to evolve instead of settling into a single genre. He also shares the surprising story behind fan-favorite track “Tiny Thoughts,” and what it’s like...

This episode features a full sit-down with Briscoe, the Texas folk-rock duo made up of Philip Lupton and Truett Heintzelman. We talk about their upcoming album “Heat of July,” their early days meeting at summer camp, discovering 70s folk-rock influences, and the story behind fan favorites like Hooped Earrings, Rough, and The Well.

They share how life on the road, getting married, and navigating the modern expectations of social media have shaped them as artists. We also get into their favorite cities to tour, artists they think deserve more attention, and a fu...

Australian indie-folk trio Sons of the East have spent over ten years building a passionate global audience, even before gaining the same recognition at home. In this episode, Nic shares how the band evolved from three friends with a kick drum and a banjo into a world-touring five-piece known for their warm production and rousing live shows.

He reflects on the classic artists he grew up hearing—Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, the Stones—and how those roots shaped their sound. We dig into the band’s newest album Sons, which leans heavily into live-room recording, musica...

Indie-alternative artist Windser joins Matt for a deeply honest conversation about creativity, vulnerability, and the making of his self-titled debut album. Known for cinematic soundscapes and introspective storytelling, Windser opens up about growing up in Santa Cruz’s DIY scene, discovering his artistic voice, and how therapy, nature, and reflection shaped the emotional arc of his new record.

He shares the inspiration behind standout tracks like “Head in the Clouds”, discusses the evolution of his songwriting process, and explores how anxiety, healing, and personal growth influenced the themes of the album. Matt and Windse...

Austrian singer-songwriter OSKA (Maria) joins Matt for a heartfelt and deeply honest conversation about her new album Refined Believer, her creative evolution, and the journey from a small countryside upbringing to performing on stages with Coldplay.

Maria opens up about the cultural differences between Austria and the U.S., the challenge of being an artist in a country where music careers aren’t commonly encouraged, and how traveling to London, LA, and Nashville helped shape her artistic voice.

She shares the story behind key album moments—including the...

On this episode of Fuegostine's Music Club, Matt (fuegostine) sits down with country artist Matt Schuster to talk about some of his recently released music, what connecting with fans means to him as well as finding ways to stay authentic to himself in the realm of social media. I hope you enjoy the conversation I had with Matt. 

About Matt Schuster:

Matt Schuster, an emerging country talent, embodies a unique blend of nostalgia for a bygone era and a visionary drive for the future. Hailing from the heart of small-town Southern Illinois, Schuster's artistry resonates w...

Join Matt Firestine as he sits down with singer-songwriter Lily Kershaw to discuss her decade-long music career, her latest album Pain and More, and the creative process behind writing deeply personal songs about depression and growth. Lily shares candid insights on touring, producing her own music, and how music can heal and connect us. From her influences like Simon & Garfunkel and Imogen Heap to her favorite songs today, this conversation is an intimate look at the life of an indie artist finding her voice.

About Lily Kershaw:
The strongest tool Lily...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Brian Fennell — the artist you know as SYML — for an honest, layered conversation about music, identity, and the strange expectations placed on artists today. Brian opens up about the soundtrack of his childhood, the grunge-soaked streets of Seattle, and how those early melodic influences still echo through his work.

We explore his evolution from his early band Barcelona to his solo career, the making of his new album Nobody Lives Here, and the personal experiences that shaped it. Brian shares the internal battles behind song...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Luke Sital-Singh, the indie folk singer-songwriter known for his emotionally resonant music. Luke discusses his musical journey—from discovering Damien Rice and Nick Drake to defining his own style—and shares the stories behind his latest album Full Spring.

They talk about:

Whether you’re a musici...

What if your favorite video game soundtrack inspired your next favorite song? This week on Fuegostine’s Music Club, I talk with singer-songwriter Old Sea Brigade about growing up, evolving from teen rock to heartfelt folk, and the stories behind his new EP.

What we cover:

On this episode, Matt sits down with Rose Betts, the talented singer-songwriter behind her new album “There Is No Ship.” Rose shares her journey from London to Los Angeles, exploring how her roots and Celtic folk influences shape her music.

Discover the story behind her songwriting process, the challenges and joys of producing music, and how she finds balance in the age of social media. Rose also discusses her most personal songs, the moments that make her proud as an artist, and what she’s excited about in the future.

If y...

In this episode, singer-songwriter Emily James joins me for a deep dive into her creative journey — from growing up singing Wicked in her family’s kitchen to writing her first songs at ten years old. She shares how living in Nashville, LA, London, and New York shaped her sound, why authenticity anchors every track she writes, and the inspiration behind her new single “Under the Influence,” the second release from her upcoming Summer Nostalgia EP.

We also talk about the healing nature of songwriting, the emotional mix of release day, her experien...

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, I sit down with The Band Loula, the Nashville-based duo blending southern gospel roots, soul, rock, and harmony-driven songwriting into what they call “swamp-grass.” We trace their story from childhood music influences to the moment their new single “Running Off the Angels” exploded online.

They share how their childhood friendship became a creative partnership, what they learned opening for Elle King, how they navigate the pressure of social media as modern artists, and the emotional journey behind their latest release. We also talk about up...

Singer-songwriter Billy Raffoul joins Matt for an honest, deep-dive conversation about the evolution of his sound, the influences that shaped him, and the intimate creative process behind his upcoming self-titled album, arriving July 18th. Known for his gravelly voice and emotionally raw songwriting, Raffoul pulls back the curtain on how his family, travel, and global audience shaped the music he makes today.

Billy talks about growing up in a musical household, resisting music at first, and eventually finding his way back to it. He shares stories about the artists who molded his early...

Hit songwriter and Swedish alternative-pop/Americana artist Sarah Klang joins Matt for a deep dive into the inspiration, evolution, and emotional truths behind her newest album Beautiful Woman. Known for her cinematic vocals and diary-style storytelling, Sarah opens up about the formative years that shaped her writing, how motherhood changed her creative world, and why her new music reflects both nostalgia and growth.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Sarah talks about:
— Growing up in Sweden and discovering music through her parents’ CDs
— Early influences like Nirvana, Hole, First Aid Kit, Fleetwood Mac, Bon Iv...

In this episode, I sit down with Jean Grobler of St. Lucia for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about the band’s creative evolution, the story behind their latest album Fata Morgana, Dawn, and how his early musical influences shaped the sound fans know today.

Jean opens up about growing up in South Africa, studying in Liverpool, meeting his wife Patti, and how their long partnership has transformed the way they make music together.

We also get into the realities of social media in 2025, navigating work-life balance as touring musicians with ki...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Maine singer-songwriter Griffin William Sherry for a revealing conversation about the music that shaped him, the transition from The Ghost of Paul Revere to his solo career, and the emotional landscape behind his newest album.

Griffin shares stories from his childhood, the heavy metal phase that surprised even him, and the winding path that led him back to folk and Americana. He talks about how moving to rural Maine during the pandemic grounded him, inspired his writing, and changed the direction of his life.

The two...

Indie-rock band Willis joins Matt for an in-depth conversation about their newest album I Can’t Thank You Enough, their evolution as a group of lifelong friends, and the journey from small-town Alabama to selling out venues across the country. Known for their laid-back sound, nostalgic lyricism, and deeply emotional indie grooves, Willis opens up about how they’ve grown as artists and people over the past decade.

The band talks about how their sound has shifted since their early Locals EPs, how each member brings different influences to the writing room, and why...

Today I sit down with Zinadelphia, the rising Philly artist behind the EP “Magazine.” We talk about her musical beginnings, her journey from releasing Mirror Ball as a class project to touring with Teddy Swims and Tori Kelly, and how she navigates burnout, imposter syndrome, and social media pressure.

She opens up about: