Fuegostine's Music Club - TopPodcast.com

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Lily Kershaw on Songwriting, Mental Health, and Her Journey Through “Pain and More” | Fuegostine's Music Club Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

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 Kershaw wields is her voice, both in the simmering ferocity it carries and the poetry it speaks. For sophomore album Arcadia, she is ultimately telling a story of acceptance, both of herself and the great mystery that is the universe. Together with producer Ben Cooper (Radical Face), Lily takes her classic folk-tinged songs and weaves warmer analog sounds like organ, harpsichord and guitar with cinematic force, creating her most intimate release to date.In song and spirit, Lily is an old soul, but upon initial meeting she's kinetic, ebullient, lively, and kind, quick with a joke and an infectious smile. Lily is a compulsive creator, she jots down melodies and lyrics as she’s wandering through her days. Born and mostly raised in Los Angeles, she offers an antidote to the long-mythologized Los Angeles glitz; she’s authentic, and honest, self-effacing and, above all, she is herself.

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SYML on Creativity, Comparison, and Making Music That Actually Matters | Fuegostine's Music Club Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

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 songs like “Careful,” the challenge of protecting your creativity in a world demanding constant content, and how becoming a parent changed not only his life, but the way he approaches his craft.

We also dive into what it really feels like to navigate social media as a musician, the truth behind sync licensing, the pressure of viral moments, and why restraint and simplicity can be the most powerful tools in modern songwriting.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, this is one of those conversations that stays with you.

About SYML:
SYML is the solo venture of artist Brian Fennell. With over one billion lifetime streams, SYML—Welsh for “simple”—makes music that taps into the instincts that drive us to places of sanctuary, whether that be a place or a person. Born and raised in Seattle, Fennell studied piano and became a self-taught producer, programmer, and guitarist. He released his self-titled debut album in 2019, which included the platinum-selling song “Where’s My Love,” and the Gold Record fan favorite, “Girl,” followed by the grief-stricken EP DIM released in 2021. In 2023 he released his sophomore record, The Day My Father Died, which was recorded by renowned producer Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Vance Joy, Father John Misty) at the infamous Studio X in their mutual hometown of Seattle. The album features collaborations with artists like Guy Garvey (Elbow), Lucius, Sara Watkins, Charlotte Lawrence, and is a document of growth and healing charting Fennell’s journey forward after a fundamental shift in his life.

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Luke Sital-Singh: Crafting Indie Folk, Life as a New Dad, & Behind the Full Spring Album | Fuegostine's Music Club Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

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:

How life changes, fatherhood, and personal experiences influence songwriting
The making of Full Spring, including production, writing, and emotional themes
Why melancholy and heartfelt music resonates so deeply with listeners
Navigating social media, streaming, and modern music industry challenges
Upcoming projects, collaborations, and a US tour

Whether you’re a musician, songwriter, or indie music fan, Luke’s candid reflections on creativity, life, and music will inspire and resonate.

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Old Sea Brigade: From Video Games to Intimate Folk — The Journey Behind the Music | Fuegostine’s Music Club Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

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:

How gaming and nostalgia shaped his early musical tastes
Transitioning from rock to acoustic / folk — what changed and what stayed real
The making of his upcoming EP: inspirations, themes, and creative process
Reflections on growth, identity, and making music that feels honest
What it’s like being an independent musician navigating today’s industry

Why this matters:
Old Sea Brigade doesn’t shy away from vulnerability or authenticity. If you love folk-tinged, emotional, cinematic music — this episode gives a deep, relatable peek behind the curtain. Perfect for fans of introspective songwriting and creative journeys.

About Old Sea Brigade:
Life happens between all of the changes around us. We adapt to the ebbs and flows in our environment and ultimately grow in the middle of major milestones. Old Sea Brigade documents the space between those changes in his songs. Atlanta-born and Nashville-based singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Cramer captures anxiety, nostalgia, confusion, love, loss, and, ultimately, hope in tender true-life snapshots colored by folk eloquence, Americana bliss, rock energy, and country heart
He has a new EP coming out in August entitled If I Only Knew, Pt. 2

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Rose Betts Talks Music, Creative Process & Connecting With Fans Through Song | Fuegostine's Music Club Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

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 you’re passionate about folk music, artist journeys, or songwriting insights, this episode is a must-listen.

About Rose Betts:
Rose Betts, a celebrated figure in the London music scene, transitioned to Los Angeles during the pandemic, sparking a meteoric rise on social media with viral moments and millions of streams. In 2021, Zack Snyder enlisted her for the Flash’s theme in his ‘Director’s Cut’ of Justice League, propelling her into the DC fandom. Additionally, her collaboration with Snyder on one of the theme songs for ‘Rebel Moon’ underscores her burgeoning impact on both the music and film industries. Her debut album, White Orchids (2022) under Warner Chappell, featuring the viral hit “Driving Myself Home,” further solidified her presence with major TV placements. Following another viral sensation with “Irish Eyes” in early 2023, Rose’s acclaim soared, amassing over 20 million streams globally and over 50 million views on TikTok. With an extensive touring history across the UK, including performances at Glastonbury and LFEST and prestigious venues like The Troubadour and Ronnie Scott’s, Rose’s sold-out headline show at The Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles marked a significant milestone. Rose is now signed to Nettwerk Music Group. She recently wrapped up her debut U.S. tour, which included several sold-out stops in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco,Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and more. Now she gears up to release her sophomore album There Is No Ship.

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Emily James: The Heart of Songwriting, Storytelling, and “Under the Influence” | Fuegostine's Music Club Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

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 experience with social media as an artist, and the evolving meaning of her songs over time. Emily opens up about fan favorites like Song for Brian, what she’s most proud of creatively, and what’s coming next — including her tour with Donovan Woods and new music arriving soon.

Listen for:
• The story behind “Under the Influence”
• How different cities shaped her songwriting
• Navigating authenticity online
• Why vulnerability burnout is real for artists
• Her dream collab and dream venue
• What to expect from the Summer Nostalgia EP

Follow Emily James on socials and streaming platforms to keep up with her new music and tour dates.

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Meet The Band Loula: Rising Country Duo on Viral Growth, New Music & Life as an Artist | Fuegostine's Music Club May 30, 2025

Show notes

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 upcoming music, working with John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, and the biggest joys and challenges of life as a rising country act.

If you love artist-driven storytelling, behind-the-scenes insight into the Nashville grind, and discovering emerging talent before everyone else — this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights

The creation of their unique swamp-grass sound
Growing up with country, gospel, Motown & southern rock
How their friendship grew into a musical duo
Touring with Elle King & lessons from the road
Going viral with “Running Off the Angels”
Why they waited to record the song
Working with producer John Osborne
Balancing artistry, social media, and personal life
What’s coming next — EP/album plans

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Billy Raffoul on His Self-Titled Album, Songwriting Process, Touring the World & Mental Health in Music | Fuegostine's Music Club May 28, 2025

Show notes

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 years — from The Beatles and Joni Mitchell to Springsteen, Dylan, Neil Young, and Otis Redding — and how those influences live inside the stripped-back, acoustic-driven sound of his new record.

Hear Billy open up about:
— How Springsteen’s Nebraska and early Dylan informed his songwriting
— Writing 40 songs in two months in his small home studio
— The story behind fan-favorites like “Homebody” and “How About a Drink”
— His experience collaborating with Avicii and Kygo early in his career
— Playing emotionally charged shows in Cape Town, Germany, and across the world
— How touring affects mental health and why artists need more support

Billy also shares the artists he’s obsessed with right now, including Wonderhorse, MJ Lenderman, and Emily James, and teases new music outside the album — including a rock-leaning track called “Canadian.”

Whether you're a longtime Billy Raffoul fan or discovering him for the first time, this interview showcases the heart, honesty, and intention behind one of the most compelling voices in modern singer-songwriter music.

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Sarah Klang on “Beautiful Woman,” Songwriting Through Trauma, Americana’s Rise & Touring Worldwide | Fuegostine's Music Club May 23, 2025

Show notes

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 Iver, and Band of Horses
— The resurgence of Americana and alternative folk in Sweden and Europe
— Writing emotionally honest albums like Mercedes and Beautiful Woman
— How therapy, mental health, and growing older have reshaped her lyrics
— The meaning behind “Childhood,” “Go To The Sun,” and other deeply personal songs
— Recording the new album live with a band in Los Angeles
— Balancing artistry with social media, touring, and the realities of modern music careers
— Letting go of perfectionism and capturing every era of her life in music

Sarah also shares what it’s like touring across Europe, why playing outside her home country feels different, and how she hopes her daughter will one day connect with her songs.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Sarah’s music for the first time, this episode is full of creative insight, vulnerability, humor, and honest conversation from one of Sweden’s most captivating voices.

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Inside the World of St. Lucia: Creativity, Fatherhood & the Evolution of Indie Pop | Fuegostine's Music Club May 19, 2025

Show notes

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 kids, and what touring has taught him after experiencing every chaotic and beautiful moment on the road.

If you love St. Lucia or just love hearing artists speak candidly about the work behind the work, this episode is a must-listen.
About St. Lucia:
"Led by husband-and-wife duo South Africa-born Jean-Philip Grobler and Germany-born Patti Beranek, St. Lucia retreat from a fractured world on fire and into the glow of a rapturous synth-spiked electro-pop catharsis—like a dance party at the edge of existence. Now signed to Nettwerk Records, the group beams out a light of their own and shines brighter than ever. “In a way, this is my personal rebellion against the darkness of the world,” states Jean-Philip. “It’s easy to feel depressed these days, so I’m trying to bring something joyous to the world. I was sick of seeing shit on the Internet, and I just wanted to feel good. That’s what being human is about. We have to feel alive, despite whatever the fuck is going on.” St. Lucia has always stirred these kinds of emotions. It started with When The Night, which boasted fan favorites like “Elevate,” “All Eyes On You,” and “Closer Than This,” entered the Billboard Top 200 and hit #6 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Album chart. Its follow-up Matter, yielded the hit “Dancing On Glass,” while the band collaborated with artists ranging from Jack Antonoff to RAC. Two years later, Hyperion represented a creative and critical high watermark with praise from Billboard, who hailed the album as “buoyant,” and PopMatters who raved, “it feels revelatory.”“When you listen to this, I hope you feel inspired and like life is worth living,” Jean leaves off. Patti adds, “it unleashes things, and I think we did a good job capturing that.”
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