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 catalog
• Albums they’d teach in a music class
• New album plans for Summer 2026
• Upcoming tour announcement

If you enjoy thoughtful music conversations, indie pop storytelling, and behind-the-scenes creative process discussions — this episode is for you.

New episodes weekly on Fuegostine’s Music Club.

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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:

• How Snacktime started as a food-and-music community event
• Building a loyal Philadelphia fanbase from street performances
• Evolving from a brass band into a genre-blending funk, rock, and pop powerhouse
• Working with Devon Gilfillian
• Touring lessons from Portugal. The Man
• The band’s new music, including a feature on ESPN’s 30 for 30: The Philly Special
• Why music discovery still matters in the algorithm era

Snacktime blends funk, rock, pop, soul, and punk influences into a high-energy live show rooted deeply in Philadelphia culture. If you’re into D’Angelo, Prince, Parliament-Funkadelic, The National, or modern genre-bending bands, this conversation dives into the mindset behind making music that moves people.

New music, touring plans, and a full-length album are on the way.

Follow Snacktime and stream their latest releases, including “Enough,” “Sunshine,” and “Who’s Been Stopping You.”

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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 shaped them — from classic rock and jam bands to indie staples — along with album recommendations, favorite songs from their own catalog, and how their approach to making records has changed across four studio albums.

A thoughtful conversation about creative trust, band dynamics, and building a lasting identity in indie rock.

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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.

They also discuss favorite albums, musical influences ranging from The Beatles and Joni Mitchell to B.B. King and Etta James, and the story behind standout tracks like “Deep (In the Plans We Made).”

A thoughtful conversation about music, creativity, and finding grounding as an artist after years on the road.

**At a point in the podcast Sam mentions an album by Phil Cook, that album is actually called Appalachian Borealis not Appalachian Blues**

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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 conversation also covers touring with Pearl Jam, learning how longevity really works on the road, navigating social media as a modern artist, Australian indie radio culture, and what’s coming next for Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.

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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 Deloyd also discuss the changing landscape of country music, the challenges and opportunities of social media for artists, and the importance of collaboration, trust, and vulnerability in making great work.

This is an insightful, reflective, and inspiring conversation for fans of alternative country, roots-driven songwriting, and artists pushing genre boundaries.

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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 to the U.S. and Europe. If you’re into atmospheric songwriting, creative process deep-dives, or Hayden’s cinematic sound, this episode is packed with insight.

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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-being. Terra also reflects on her personal story and why this work has become her mission.

Whether you’re an artist, crew member, fan, or anyone interested in mental health, this episode highlights essential resources and a growing movement to make the music industry a healthier place.

Learn more or get help: backline.care
Follow Backline: @backline.care

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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:

• The influences that shaped his sound, from classic rock to modern country
• The inspiration and stories behind his songs, including Rolling With the Wind
• The impact of AI-generated music on human artists and the industry
• Balancing social media, touring, and personal authenticity
• Essential albums for aspiring songwriters and country music lovers

Whether you’re a fan of country, Americana, or the evolving music scene, this conversation is full of insight, reflection, and inspiration.

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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. They discuss the idea of triumph and realization, likening it to a hero's journey in storytelling.

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