Pop Fuss

Spencer Grammer and Davis IL of Belle & Chain stop by to discuss their debut single “Don’t You Worry Babe,” how the project came to life during a deeply transformative chapter for Spencer — and how that eventually grew into something worth sharing with the world. We also get into the duo’s collaborative songwriting process, the cinematic gothic Americana sound they’re crafting, and what it’s been like taking these songs on the road for their very first tour. Be sure to follow the band @belleandchain and its members @spencergrammer and @davis.il Visit their website belleandchain.com for tour dates, substack info and more! Check out Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's best emerging artists! Blending Western-tinged rock with haunting folk and nostalgic Americana, Belle and Chain craft songs layered with shimmering textures, breathy vocals, and stoic lyricism. The project began as the musical alias of actor, filmmaker, and musician Spencer Grammer and has since evolved into a full band featuring multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Davis IL. Raised between New York City and Los Angeles in a deeply artistic family—her father a celebrated TV actor and her mother a Broadway dancer— Grammer was immersed in the performing arts from an early age. She went on to build a career as an actress, director, and voice performer, becoming widely known as the voice of Summer Smith on the Adult Swim hit Rick and Morty. Music became a central focus of Grammer’s life during her recovery from a violent attack in 2020, when she was stabbed in the right forearm, severing her median nerve and two tendons and leaving lasting damage to her hand. As part of her rehabilitation, she was encouraged to pick up the guitar, and in 2024 she began writing songs, discovering that playing and singing offered a powerful outlet for processing trauma and rebuilding confidence.

For episode 125, we are joined by Maggie and Alex of glimmers! In this chat, we talk about how the band first came together, how their sound has evolved over the years, and the journey from their early EPs all the way to their debut full-length album "The Art of Shattering." We also get into the incredible response the new record has been getting, what it was like taking more creative control on this project, the vinyl release, women in pop punk, what’s next for the band, and more! Be sure to follow this duo @glimmersband and check out their website glimmersband.com for music, merch, and more! Follow Pop Fuss on Instagram @popfusspod for today's coolest bands!

Quickly rising indie band Meldrop join us for a fun conversation! We talk about how the band came together in Tacoma, their rapid ascension, their upcoming release, life on tour in their refurbished school bus, and the business side of navigating momentum as things keep getting bigger. Follow the guys @meldrop_official and snag merch and LP's from their website meldropband.com Find today's hottest emerging bands @popfusspod on Instagram!

The Romance joins the show! Straight from his Air B&B where he is touring, Cody Hoffman talks his latest single, early streaming success, and placement on the Billboard charts and in Rolling Stone magazine. Cody also gets frank about the grind of touring and surviving as an independent artist… we cover it all! Be sure to follow Cody @theromancemusic and check him out on tour! Follow our podcast @popfusspod for today's best emerging artists!

Caroline Romano joins the show! We caught up with this rising pop artist just hours before the release of her new EP It Took Me Falling — talking nerves, rituals, and what it feels like to finally let these songs out into the world. From leaving Mississippi to chase music in Nashville, to crafting one of her most personal projects yet, this conversation dives into the new songs, the evolution of her sound, the reality of growing up in the music industry, and what fans can expect from her live show. Follow Caroline @carolineromanomusic and stream It Took Me Falling now! Follow @popfusspod fon Instagram for today’s brightest rising artists!

We celebrate the debut EP from Kiss the Scientist! This LA alt-rock band may be new to the scene, but they’ve already crafted a killer, radio-ready record for fans of Foo Fighters and emo favorites like Jimmy Eat World, Acceptance, and Story of the Year. We talk about how the band came together, the story behind their unique name, producing the record with some heavy hitters, and going viral on TikTok with their cover of a PinkPantheress track! Follow the band @kissthescientist and stream the EP everywhere! Find Pop Fuss on Insta @popfusspod for today's BEST emerging bands!

Nian Tong joins the show! The London-based indie pop artist stops by to talk about his whimsical new single “What’s On Your Mind.” Blending warm melodies and playful ‘60s-inspired pop, Nian turns a very modern story — moving across the world for love… only to get ghosted — into something surprisingly sweet and uplifting. We also talk about his path from behind-the-scenes songwriter, producer, and composer to stepping out as a solo artist, and the upcoming EP "Gradually." Follow Nian on Instagram @niantongmusic and check out the new single! Follow @popfusspod on Insta for today’s brightest indie pop artists.