Fuegostine's Music Club

Matt Firestine (fuegostine)
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Fuegostine’s Music Club is a deep-dive conversation series hosted by music curator Matt Firestine (@fuegostine), spotlighting the artists shaping today’s most meaningful music. Each episode goes beyond the surface — into the stories, heartbreaks, creative struggles, breakthroughs, and real-life moments that fuel the songs we love. From breakout songwriters to touring veterans, the Music Club brings you honest conversations about artistry, mental health, career pivots, creative identity, and what it really takes to make music in the modern world. If you love discovering new artists, understanding how songs are made, or hearing musicians in their most human moments, this podcast is your new home. Featuring guests from indie, folk, country, alt, and beyond.New episodes weekly.

  1. Touring, Trauma & Therapy: The Reality of Artist Wellness with Backline’s Terra Lopez | Fuegostine's Music Club

    DEC 12

    Touring, Trauma & Therapy: The Reality of Artist Wellness with Backline’s Terra Lopez | Fuegostine's Music Club

    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 Follow Me On Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

    26 min
  2. Colby Acuff: Songwriting, Touring, & Navigating Music’s AI Revolution | Fuegostine's Music Club

    DEC 8

    Colby Acuff: Songwriting, Touring, & Navigating Music’s AI Revolution | Fuegostine's Music Club

    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 countryThe inspiration and stories behind his songs, including Rolling With the WindThe impact of AI-generated music on human artists and the industryBalancing social media, touring, and personal authenticityEssential albums for aspiring songwriters and country music loversWhether you’re a fan of country, Americana, or the evolving music scene, this conversation is full of insight, reflection, and inspiration. Follow Me On Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

    37 min
  3. BIG SPECIAL - Their Story, Sound and Creative Process | Fuegostine's Music Club

    DEC 1

    BIG SPECIAL - Their Story, Sound and Creative Process | Fuegostine's Music Club

    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. Follow Me On Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

    26 min
  4. Harrison Storm: Heartbreak, Healing & the Story Behind Empty Garden | Fuegostine's Music Club

    NOV 24

    Harrison Storm: Heartbreak, Healing & the Story Behind Empty Garden | Fuegostine's Music Club

    In this episode of Fuegostine’s Music Club, Harrison Storm sits down for a heartfelt and honest conversation about the experiences that shaped his new album Empty Garden. Fresh off a six-week European tour, he reflects on the breakup that sparked much of the record, the emotional core behind “Someone Else,” and what it means to make music that feels both vulnerable and grounding. We explore the realities of touring, the pressure (and freedom) of releasing music, the push-and-pull relationship artists have with social media, and the peace that comes from real human connection. Harrison also shares the albums that moved him growing up, the song he’s proudest of, and where he hopes to take his sound next. Topics in this episode: • The breakup & grief that inspired Empty Garden • Writing “Someone Else” and collaborating with Winona Oak • Touring Europe vs. the U.S. • Vulnerability on stage • Why songwriting is both therapy and resistance • The struggle of social media as an artist • Albums that influenced Harrison • What’s next creatively If you love honest songwriting and intentional artistry, this episode will stay with you. About Harrison Storm: Harrison Storm’s sublime second album, Empty Garden, casts a spell from the moment it opens, starting with sonic shifts from hypnotic pop and ghostly folk, which then swerves into rock boasting bold arrangements, layered backing vocals and lush instrumentation. The plan was a step up in production from last year’s debut album, Wonder, Won’t You?, which followed the Melbourne musician’s five EPs of assured alt-folk. To date, his songs have racked up 550 million global streams and aired on Triple J and Radio 2. His hit Sense of Home was certified Gold in Canada. Lyrically, Empty Garden deals with a break-up, digging into emotions and detecting patterns to prevent them being repeated. Never has Harrison bared so much. Nor has he ever been as open to advice. Some of Empty Garden was written with musicians on road trips and at writing camps, such as Winona Oak on “Someone Else.” Harrison’s main collaborator, however, was producer Freddy Alexander, whom he met in Stockholm last spring. Over numerous visits to the city and months on WhatsApp, the pair recorded ten tracks, a handful of which they co-wrote. The relationship at the heart of Empty Garden came to an end in late 2023, shortly before Wonder, Won’t You? was released. Harrison spent much of 2024 touring around the world, and on adventures in between, songs simply flowed. “With distance, you can appreciate the good times and be grateful for the joy that they brought you,” he says. “Without endings, there can’t be beginnings.” Follow Me On Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

    25 min
  5. HARMLESS (Nacho Cano) — Artistry, Authenticity & the State of Modern Music | Fuegostine's Music Club

    NOV 14

    HARMLESS (Nacho Cano) — Artistry, Authenticity & the State of Modern Music | Fuegostine's Music Club

    In this episode, I sit down with HARMLESS (Nacho Cano) to discuss the evolution of music culture, the impact of social media on creativity, and the meaning behind his latest album. We explore what it takes to stay true to your art in an industry swayed by algorithms and trends. Key Topics Covered: The journey that shaped HARMLESS as an artistMusic consumption, social media, and staying authenticThe making and meaning of his new albumThoughts on connection, community, and sustaining creativityWhat’s next for him — and for listeners open to music that speaks honestly Follow Me On Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

    1 hr
  6. Daffo — Emotion, Honesty & the Story Behind Their Newest Album | Fuegostine's Music Club

    NOV 7

    Daffo — Emotion, Honesty & the Story Behind Their Newest Album | Fuegostine's Music Club

    Join me as I sit down with singer-songwriter Daffo to explore their journey through music, the making of their debut album Where the Earth Bends, and how emotional honesty shapes their songwriting. In This Episode: Their background, influences, and how she developed her soundDeep dive into tracks and themes from the albumBalancing vulnerability with creative expressionThe realities of touring, connecting with fans, and creating in today’s industryWhat’s ahead for them as a rising artist About Daffo: Daffo’s Where the Earth Bends is the debut album from an essential new voice on the indie-rock scene. Produced and mixed by Rob Schnapf (known for his work with Elliott Smith, Beck, Cat Power, and more), Where the Earth Bends encompasses an intimate yet frenetic sound that perfectly mirrors the album’s emotional intensity. On this record, singer/songwriter Daffo brings an unexpected beauty to the most uncomfortable of feelings. Follow Me On Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

    29 min
  7. JOSEPH: Sister-Duo Evolution, Industry Pressure & Their Next Chapter | Fuegostine’s Music Club

    OCT 30

    JOSEPH: Sister-Duo Evolution, Industry Pressure & Their Next Chapter | Fuegostine’s Music Club

    How do you evolve as a band when the lineup changes — without losing your identity? In this episode of Fuegostine’s Music Club, I chat with indie-pop duo JOSEPH about re-imagining themselves as a sister duo, how their music has changed, and what’s coming next. What we cover: The shift from trio to duo — challenges, growth, and creative redefinitionThe evolution of their sound: what stayed, what changed, and whyNavigating the music industry as an independent act — pressure, expectations, and creative freedomBehind-the-scenes stories: writing, touring, and sisterhood dynamicsWhat fans can expect from their upcoming projectWhy you should listen: This episode offers a real, honest dive into the highs and lows of being a band — especially when things change. Whether you’re into indie pop, band dynamics, or just curious about how music gets made — JOSEPH’s story is raw, inspiring, and real. About JOSEPH: For nearly a decade, Oregon-bred indie-pop trio Joseph have performed a certain emotional alchemy with their music, channeling their deepest inner tensions into songs that spark a life-changing shift in perspective. In the making of their fourth studio album The Sun, Natalie Closner and her sisters, twins Meegan Closner and Allison Closner focused their soul-searching songwriting on the quietly damaging forces that keep us from living fully in our truth (e.g., gaslighting, cultural conditioning, unconscious yet painfully limiting self-beliefs). Rooted in a newly emboldened sound that lets their breathtaking three-part harmonies shine more brightly than ever, the result is a body of work that radically expands our sense of possibility, ultimately illuminating a path toward greater peace and self-reliance even in the most chaotic of times. For Joseph, the act of fiercely protecting their artistic vision closely aligns with the abundance of insights threaded throughout The Sun. “As Closners and as women—or maybe even just as humans—it can be very hard to tell someone that something isn’t working for you,” says Allison. “But this album was a unique experience, because we learned to step up and stand our ground and speak our truth when we needed to.” And with the release of The Sun, Joseph hope that listeners might undergo a similar transformation in their sense of strength and self-assurance. “I want people to feel empowered,” says Meegan. ”I want them to recognize the power with themselves, and to know that they’re good—that they’re more than they think they are.” Follow Me On Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

    35 min
  8. Bryan Andrews — From Welding to Writing Songs: Grit, Dreams & Country Soul | Fuegostine's Music Club

    OCT 23

    Bryan Andrews — From Welding to Writing Songs: Grit, Dreams & Country Soul | Fuegostine's Music Club

    In this episode, I sit down with Bryan Andrews — a small-town musician who swapped a blue-collar job for a guitar and a dream. We talk about his journey, his influence, and what inspires his music. What to Expect: His upbringing and how he found music later in lifeThe transition from welding/working to pursuing music full-timeStories behind his songs — life, hardship, hopeInsights into being an independent artist in country/rock todayWhat the future looks like for him About Bryan:  Bryan Andrews is a talented country/rock singer and songwriter hailing from the small town of Carrollton, Missouri. His journey into music began at the age of 17 when he picked up a guitar for the first time, driven by a desire to pen his own songs and make sense of the world around him. This early foray into music was a way for Bryan to navigate the complexities of adolescence and adulthood, setting him on a path of creative exploration. After graduating from high school, Bryan took a step towards formalizing his musical pursuits by enrolling in college with a focus on music. However, after two years of studying, he made the bold decision to leave academia behind and pursue a career in welding. His new job took him on the road, where he continued to nurture his passion for songwriting, often finding inspiration and solace in the solitude of hotel rooms. Despite the demanding nature of his work, Bryan’s love for music never waned. His dedication paid off when TikTok, the popular social media platform, played a pivotal role in bringing his musical aspirations to fruition. On Christmas Day in 2020, Bryan released his debut single, “Liquor & Pills,” across all major streaming platforms. The song quickly gained traction, and a viral video propelled it to No. 6 on the iTunes Country Chart. This success marked a turning point in Bryan’s life. With newfound momentum and a growing fanbase, he made the decision to fully commit to a career in music. His dedication was further evidenced by the rapid growth of his TikTok following, which now exceeds 2 million fans. Building on this success, Bryan released another hit single, “Homewrecker,” which soared to No. 1 on the iTunes Rock Chart. Through it all, Bryan remains grounded and humble, describing himself as “a small-town kid, just chasing his dream.” His journey from a small town in Missouri to achieving national recognition in the music industry is a testament to his passion, resilience, and the power of perseverance. Follow Me On Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuegostine/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuegostine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fuegostine Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fuegostine

    32 min
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About

Fuegostine’s Music Club is a deep-dive conversation series hosted by music curator Matt Firestine (@fuegostine), spotlighting the artists shaping today’s most meaningful music. Each episode goes beyond the surface — into the stories, heartbreaks, creative struggles, breakthroughs, and real-life moments that fuel the songs we love. From breakout songwriters to touring veterans, the Music Club brings you honest conversations about artistry, mental health, career pivots, creative identity, and what it really takes to make music in the modern world. If you love discovering new artists, understanding how songs are made, or hearing musicians in their most human moments, this podcast is your new home. Featuring guests from indie, folk, country, alt, and beyond.New episodes weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Firestine (fuegostine)
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Fuegostine's Music Club
  • Show Website
    Fuegostine's Music Club