Fuegostine's Music Club

This week we sit down with Devon Gilfillian, Nashville-based soul and rock artist from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, ahead of the June 26th release of his fourth studio album, In Real Life. It's a record born from gratitude, grief, and a renewed commitment to focusing on what's actually in front of you — not what's on the screen. Devon traces his musical upbringing from a household shaped by his dad's love of Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and Motown, through a teenage obsession with Jimi Hendrix, Zeppelin, and the Allman Brothers, all the way to discovering Sturgill Simpson and Willie Nelson after moving to Nashville at 23. The result is what he calls a gumbo — a sound that draws on soul, rock, country, and hip hop in equal measure. He opens up about how his dad's heart attack two years ago reframed everything, the deep bench of collaborators he brought in for the album (including mixer Neil Pogue, who's worked with Outkast, TLC, and Tyler the Creator), and why he's finally at peace with the anxiety of releasing music after four records. We also get into his complicated relationship with social media, why he almost went by "Reverend Fuzz," the five albums he'd make required listening in a music class, and the songs in his catalog he's most proud of — including the quietly devastating "Thank Me Later" and the politically loaded "Love You Anyway." Links: 🎵 In Real Life — out June 26th: devongilfillian.com 📸 Instagram: @devongilfillian Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

Olivia Rodrigo's third album is her most cohesive yet — and it has more in common with folk music than you'd expect. Olivia Rodrigo dropped her third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, and something genuinely interesting happened — she finally sounds like herself. On this episode of The Ether, we put the album in context. No scores. Just where it sits in her arc as an artist, what musical conversation it's joining, who it's actually for, and where to go next if it opens something up for you. We talk Dan Nigro's production, the Robert Smith collaboration, why this record's lineage runs through Mazzy Star, Michelle Branch, Sheryl Crow, and Fleetwood Mac — and why a folk and Americana curator is spending time on an Olivia Rodrigo album at all. That last one might surprise you. The Ether is the album context series from Fuegostine's Music Club. New episodes drop whenever an album is worth talking about. WHAT WE COVER — Where You Seem Pretty Sad sits in Olivia Rodrigo's arc — The 80s new wave DNA running through the record — The Robert Smith collaboration and why it works — Who this album is actually for (and who it isn't) — The folk and Americana lineage hiding inside a pop record — Where to go next: Mazzy Star, Michelle Branch, Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac WATCH THE FULL VIDEO Full episode with the For Fans Of visual breakdown on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NmzoDJDlSLA FIND FUEGOSTINE Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

In this episode, Matt sits down with Elizabeth of Elizabeth & the Catapult to talk about her sixth studio album, "Responsible Friend." Elizabeth shares the story behind the band's name, the emotional weight she carried while writing the record (including loss, illness, and the heaviness of the news cycle), and how a grant called the DAG Prize allowed her to fully produce the album with a band of longtime collaborators rather than writing it alone. The conversation covers a lot of ground: her early classical training and the artists who shaped her ear (Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Nirvana, and more), how her live performances have evolved to favor improvisation over note-perfect renditions, and the surprising afterlife of her song "Thank You For Nothing," which found its way into an Anne Hathaway film. Elizabeth also gets candid about the realities of being on a major label versus releasing music independently, and offers a piece of advice every young musician should hear before signing a record deal. She closes out with her five required-listening albums for anyone studying songwriting and a look ahead at her tour schedule, including dates opening for Amy Helm and a possible songwriting retreat in the French countryside. Elizabeth & the Catapult's new album "Responsible Friend" is out now. Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

This week we sit down with Arroba Nat, a Mexican indie singer-songwriter from Zacatecas, just days after the release of their third studio album, Mirar Adentro. It's their most vulnerable work yet — an album born out of therapy, self-examination, and the hard work of learning to believe they deserve love and care. In this conversation, Arroba Nat shares the eclectic musical household they grew up in — Bolero legends like Chabela Vargas and José Alfredo Jiménez alongside Iron Maiden and reggae — and how those influences quietly shaped their sound. They talk about the evolution from writing strictly about relationships with others to finally turning the lens on themselves, the collaborative process behind "Mirar Adentro" with producers German and Ravi, and a songwriting camp in Spain that produced one of their favorite tracks. We also explore the breathtaking visual world they built around the album: an immersive art exhibition where every room represents a song and a feeling, now available to experience online. Plus, they open up about managing pre-release anxiety through therapy, the realities of touring Mexico and Latin America as an indie artist, and the artists they can't stop listening to right now. The message at the heart of everything: you deserve everything you want. Links: 🎵 Mirar Adentro & online art exhibit: https://arrobanat.com.mx/miraradentro/ 📸 Instagram: @arroba.nat Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

This week I sit down with Hana Eid, Nashville-based indie rock artist and songwriter behind the acclaimed debut album Trains Running Backwards. At just 23, Hana has already carved out a distinctive voice in the indie alternative space — blending confessional songwriting with a full-band, shoegaze-influenced sound. In this episode, Hana talks about growing up listening to everything from Fish and Rush to Ed Sheeran, how moving to Nashville for college unlocked a whole new sonic world, and how she wrote most of her debut album between ages 19 and 21. She breaks down the story behind "Waldo" (spoiler: it's about being ghosted), her obsessive and hands-on approach to production, and the challenges of balancing touring life with day jobs and a high-maintenance pet rabbit. We also get into her philosophy on social media, the art of writing under your own name, why co-writing is a muscle she wants to flex more, and the five albums she'd make required listening in a music class — including picks from Wilco, Autolux, and Addison Rae. Hana is currently gearing up for a tour supporting Fox Tide and deep in writing mode for whatever comes next. Links: 🎵 Listen to Trains Running Backwards — hanaeid.com 📸 Instagram: @hanaeid Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

Austin-based Latin psychedelic cumbia band The Animeros join the show to share one of the wildest origin stories in recent music. Nick Tozzo and Mauro Maldonado break down how their band formed out of Austin's vibrant Latin music scene, blending psychedelic rock with traditional cumbia rooted in Colombian folklore. We dig into how they grew up along the Texas-Mexico border, discovered Latin music later in life, and developed a sound that draws from everything — punk, jazz, salsa, indie rock, and deep bolero traditions. Then comes the story: playing only their second-ever show at a South by Southwest rooftop gig, Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) heard them from the sidewalk below, tracked them down through the hotel and the promoter, and flew them to Nashville to record at Easy Eye Sound. Within a week, they'd recorded 20 songs and walked out with a record deal. We talk about what it was like working in Dan's legendary studio, balancing music careers with full-time jobs and family, and what songs from the upcoming album they're most excited about — including the bolero album closer Al Final Del Camino and the genre-bending Traffic Sound cover La Camita . Plus, required listening recommendations spanning The Beatles, Ray Barretto, Willie Rosario, Pink Floyd, Little Joy, and more. The debut album drops in August on Easy Eye Sound. Don't sleep on this band. Topics: Latin music, cumbia, psychedelic rock, South by Southwest, Dan Auerbach, Easy Eye Sound, Austin music scene, bolero, independent artists, music career balance Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

I'm joined by the band Pretty Jane at Waterloo Records in Austin, TX as a part of SXSW. We dive into to the backstory behind their EP "Public Intimacy", their new sound, and the effects of AI on the music scene. Special thanks to Waterloo Records for letting us use their space and to SXSW for giving us the ability to have these conversations in Austin! SXSW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sxsw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sxsw Check Out Waterloo Records: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterloorecords/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@waterloorecords Follow Pretty Jane on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyjaneband/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@prettyjaneband Follow Fuegostine On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

Katelyn Tarver joins the podcast to discuss her latest album Tell Me How You Really Feel , a deeply personal project centered around love, loss, and self-discovery. She opens up about writing through divorce, embracing vulnerability in songwriting, and the emotional weight of releasing such an honest record. Katelyn also shares stories from touring with Big Time Rush, her evolving sound, and what’s next in both music and acting. Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

In this episode of Songs That Built Me , Matt Firestine sits down with Jason Singer—better known as Michigander—to break down three songs that shaped his life and sound. From learning his first guitar riff with The White Stripes, to discovering Coldplay in a video rental store, to finding artistic identity through The National, Jason walks through the moments that defined his musical journey. This conversation dives into nostalgia, music discovery before streaming, and how formative songs continue to influence artists today. Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

In this episode, Matt sits down with singer-songwriter Riley Pearce to talk about his journey as an independent artist, his latest album, and the realities of building a music career today. Riley shares insights into touring across Australia and Europe, explaining how geography and audience culture shape the live music experience. He also dives deep into his songwriting process, from early acoustic influences to writing emotionally driven songs like “Left Side View.” The conversation also explores: The evolution of his music over the past decade Collaborating with other artists and writing for different genres The meaning behind his cover of “Amsterdam” by Gregory Alan Isakov Navigating social media as a modern musician Creativity, unfinished songs, and artistic growth This is a thoughtful and honest look at what it means to create, grow, and stay authentic as an artist. Check Out More About Backline Here: https://backline.care/?utm_source=ad&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fuegostine Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

Jack and Harry of Seafret join the podcast to talk about their new album Fear of Emotion , the evolution of their sound, and navigating today’s music industry. From their viral hit “Atlantis” taking off years later to the realities of modern music promotion, Seafret opens up about balancing authenticity with content creation, writing from real-life experiences, and how the industry has changed over the past decade. They also dive into: The meaning behind Fear of Emotion Writing emotionally honest music The pressure (or lack thereof) after going viral Touring, streaming, and what success looks like today Their songwriting process and creative evolution If you’re a fan of indie, acoustic-driven music, or want insight into how artists survive in the streaming era, this episode is for you. Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

Jayson of Coyote Theory joins the podcast to break down the band’s unexpected viral resurgence with “This Side of Paradise” and their return after a 10+ year hiatus. We dive into how a dormant song exploded on TikTok, the reality of navigating label attention as a DIY band, and the pressure that followed. Jayson also shares how the group organically reunited before the viral moment, how their songwriting process has evolved, and what went into their latest EP. Plus, a deep conversation on modern music releases—singles vs albums, streaming-era expectations, and what release day really means today. If you’re into indie music, music marketing, or artist journeys, this is a must-listen. Topics include: Viral music moments & TikTok discovery Indie band comeback stories Songwriting evolution over time DIY vs label dynamics The future of albums vs singles Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

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 include: Musical influences like Prince, Madonna, Gorillaz, and Florence + The Machine The emotional depth behind songs like “Dandelion” and “I’m Waiting Now” Balancing artistry with streaming culture and social media The meaning behind It Comes in Waves Touring, new music, and what’s ahead This is a deep conversation about creativity, persistence, and making music you truly stand behind. Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

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, Nico shares deeply personal stories about how music leaves lasting emotional imprints. He also dives into learning Ordinary People by John Legend, his love for 90s R&B, and how those early influences helped shape the soulful sound of Proxima Parada. If you’ve ever tied a memory to a song, this series is for you. Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

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 pressures of social media, TikTok’s role in music discovery, and how artists can stay authentic in an increasingly fast-paced digital world. If you’re passionate about music, creativity, and the stories behind the songs, this episode is for you. Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

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. Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

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.” Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

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. Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

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** Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

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. Follow Me On Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/fuegostine?si=a9f66792f66149ae Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine