Interview: Pop Fuss Podcast
Andy Solum Discusses His Music Show's One Year Anniversary
There are a ton of podcasts vying for the attention of music fans these days, but most of us only have time and the attention span for a handful a week.
I have a many go-tos that never seem to disappoint (* including a few that have had me on as a guest, but please don’t hold that against them!). Several other favorites come and go in my evolving rotation, but here are a few that are on my radar:
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs (absolutely addicted)
No Dogs In Space (not sure if they’re making new episodes…old ones are great)
- *
The Record Store Day Podcast* (hosted by my pal
)Powered By Rock*
60 Songs That Explain The ‘90s (they’re doing the 2000s now…)
‘90s? Whatever.*
1,000 Greatest Misses
And, of course, Pop Fuss* which just celebrated it’s one year anniversary.
“As a lifetime music obsessed geek, I love sharing acts that I love, and I also needed a hobby—so this fit perfectly,” host Andy Solum told me for the interview below “Wanna spend an hour talking to your favorite artists? For free?! Start a podcast!”
“Seriously, though, that was definitely part of it, a chance for me to chat and ask questions to some of my all time favs, and also cast a spotlight on some of today's best emerging artists that otherwise wouldn't get the love I feel they deserve.”
I caught up with Solum by email to talk about the inspiration for the podcast, how the show has evolved, some of his favorite episodes, and a few dream guests.
Andy Solum—Pop Fuss Interview
Congrats on your one year anniversary! To your mind, what sets Pop Fuss apart from other music podcasts?
Andy Solum: I think it's the focus on the genres—power pop, indie pop, and alt pop. I don't see a lot of those acts represented. I also place in snippets of the songs we talk about, which gives the listener some context, and a chance to hear what the artist is promoting.
I'll never do a ‘talk only’ episode—must include music!
It seemed like Pop Fuss might be more of a power pop-focused podcast when you launched, but your interviews have included a lot of different genres. Was that by design, out of necessity, or...?
Andy Solum: It was always by design. Take my first guest—Able Machines, which is all electro pop. And if you dig into the numbers, my episodes have been fairly evenly distributed across genres. Power Pop accounted for 31% of my episodes, and indie pop, alt pop, and pop punk/rock all accounted for 23%.
It's all pop to me, all about the hooks and melodies.
My daughter has gotten me into a lot of indie pop artists such as Lizzy McAlpine and Maggie Rogers, so you'll see lots of ‘indie girls' amongst my catalog. I recently had an amazing musician who goes by Mobley, and he made perhaps my album of the year. His sound is all over the map, from ‘60s soul, ‘70s funk, R&B, rock, and of course, pop! I like having the freedom of having all kinds of guests that fit under the pop umbrella.
What have been a few of your favorite Pop Fuss episodes?
Andy Solum: I only listen to my episodes once, when I am editing and just making sure all is good for release. But I have listened to my Jeff Whalen interview 3 or 4 times, he killed it! He basically took over the show with his stories and anecdotes, and as you know, he's quite the character. He had me cracking up through the whole chat. Plus I got to preview his new project Monster Squad, so it was quite the exclusive.
Wyatt Funderburk was a ‘can I just tell you how much I love your music’ episode, where I got to go through his whole catalog, and ask him whatever I wanted. Glen Burtnik was another one, a lifelong fav with such a rich history.
I've also loved my power pop round tables—which you, Steve, have been gracious to appear on twice! Just sitting around with cool artists from the scene and geeking out on tunes is such a blast. I've also been lucky to feature some great legacy acts, such as The Ataris, and Jaret from Bowling for Soup.
Who are some of your dream guests?
Andy Solum: This is tough one, since I'm new and relatively small, I know a lot of bigger artists are not within my reach. So my dream guests at this time tend to be more realistic, with a bit of a stretch.
I love the band Dear Boy, and I know they are releasing something this year, so they would be one. My ‘holy grail’ artist however, would be Adam Schmitt. His debut World So Bright is one of my all time favorite albums. He's been MIA for almost 25-30 years now, literally cannot find him anywhere, no social media, no email, nothing. It's like he just disappeared. So if anyone is ‘in the know’ with how I could reach him, let me know!
What have you learned about podcasting after a year?
Andy Solum: First off, I have got to slow my pace! I put out 73 episodes within my first 52 weeks, and that's an insane number that I can't, and don't want to, replicate. If the guest I am preparing for feels like ‘homework,’ I probably don't want to have them on.
Also, I get pitched a lot of bands and artists, wanting to be on the show. My feeling is, even if the music is pretty good, if I'm not 100% passionate about having them on, it would not be fair to them if I was not completely genuine in my enthusiasm. But it's tough to say ‘no’ to people.
I also want to thank you, Steve, and other artists such as Linus of Hollywood, for helping me get my start, appearing multiple times, and helping me get some artists who otherwise might be tough to nail down. So, thank you!
What advice would you give to somebody interested in starting their own music podcast in 2025?
Andy Solum: Just do it! I wish I had years ago. There are several artists who I love that I just know I could've gotten to appear, but they've blown up now, and I still have a ways to go to catch up. It's also surprisingly easy to do, and really doesn't cost very much. When I started, I didn't know if I would be able to get anyone to appear, and now 75 episodes later...
What's next for you and Pop Fuss?
Andy Solum: More of the same, just less of it! LOL.
I spend hours each week looking for new music, so who knows who will end up on the show. For June, I'm celebrating Pride Month, so I will feature several artists in my Instagram stories. I do have a handful of GREAT power poppers who are releasing music soon that will appear when their records are done, so stay tuned for that!
I've also mildly considered branching off into other ‘pop’ culture areas, such as movies and TV, but if I do, it will be rare. Overall, just hoping to grow the show so I'm better able to get the artists I'd like to feature.
