CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show

Chris and Chantel Nicole

Join music industry specialists and pop music fans Chris and Chantel Nicole as they deep-dive and reveal all of their unfiltered thoughts on the best pop acts, songs, albums and concerts from around the world, from legends to current K-Pop groups. Viewer discretion is advised, your fave will be criticized… Join us on Patreon and follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops https://cctvpops.com/

  1. GRANT KNOCHE Interview: The Pop Boy We've Been Waiting For

    2d ago

    GRANT KNOCHE Interview: The Pop Boy We've Been Waiting For

    Chris and Chantel sit down backstage at Mercury Lounge in NYC with GRANT KNOCHE on his Good Luck Getting Over Me headlining tour for an exclusive interview about his career, his songwriting credits, and his sophomore album. From his start as one of the four Kidz Bop Kids (2013-2016) to representing Texas on NBC's American Song Contest in 2022, to writing and producing for artists like CHUU, TWICE, Victoria Justice, and ADÉLA - Grant Knoche has quietly built one of the most impressive independent pop careers in the game. His 2025 sophomore album "GOOD LUCK GETTING OVER ME" landed lead single "TALK" at #5 on Stereogum's Best Pop Songs of 2025, putting him alongside major label, chart-topping artists. We talk about the new era, the album's standout tracks, his debut album "I COULD DIE JUST THINKING OF US" and what it's like writing K-pop title tracks. Follow Grant Knoche:  @GrantKnoche  Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops 0:00 -Intro1:50 - "GOOD LUCK GETTING OVER ME" Tour3:30 - Kidz Bop5:05 - Musical influences6:16 - "Downpour", "Unfair", "Emotions" and "Color Me Blue"9:30 - American Song Contest, "Icarus" and "First Hello"12:50 - "I COULD DIE JUST THINKING OF US" Album15:30 - Writing for other artists18:23 - "GOOD LUCK GETTING OVER ME" Album22:40 - "AUTOPILOT" and "MOVE LIKE THAT" (MOMO/TWICE)24:30 - "TALK"28:45 - ...then the camera overheatedReferences: “Emotions” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIBcyJlFxoA&pp=ygUVZ3JhbnQga25vY2hlIGVtb3Rpb25z “Mr. Independent” Live on American Song Contest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx8pd1Ih01A&pp=ygUcZ3JhbnQga25vY2hlIG1pc3MgaWRlcGVkbmVudA%3D%3D “Icarus” Visualizer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q3NSVWLXS4&pp=ygUTZ3JhbnQga25vY2hlIGljYXJ1cw%3D%3D “First Hello” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egvvh8bWV5w&pp=ygUYZ3JhbnQga25vY2hlIGZpcnN0IGhlbGxv0gcJCQQLAYcqIYzv “INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I87M8rcGMV4&pp=ygUfZ3JhbnQga25vY2hlIGludHJ1c2l2ZSB0aG91Z2h0cw%3D%3D ADÉLA - “SUPERSCAR” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn6ey6HOkP4“AUTOPILOT” Live at OUTLOUD Music Festival https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_kyLmJ156g&pp=ygUWZ3JhbnQga25vY2hlIGF1dG9waWxvdA%3D%3DTWICE (MOMO) - “MOVE LIKE THAT” Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GK6sp2QI70“TALK” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkjJ8ZPnoq0&pp=ygURZ3JhbnQga25vY2hlIHRhbGs%3D

    30 min
  2. POP 101 with EMM - A Self-Made Pop Visionary With Her Own Universe

    May 22

    POP 101 with EMM - A Self-Made Pop Visionary With Her Own Universe

    Follow EMM everywhere  @EMMINREALLIFE  Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops Go check out Vizzcast in NYC for your podcasting, broadcast and content creation needs! Book at ⁠https://vizzcast.com⁠ EMM has spent a decade building one of the most ambitious independent pop universes out there! For this POP 101, Chantel Nicole is joined by recurring guest host Jasmine Stephen (producer at The Kelly Clarkson Show) for an in-person sit-down with self-made alt-pop visionary EMM, recorded in NYC the day of her Brooklyn stop on the Dumb World Tour. Over 200 million streams, 80 tour dates, four conceptual album eras, and zero major label calling the shots. EMM is the kind of artist the industry doesn't quite know how to categorize - and that's exactly the point.We take a guided tour through her universe: growing up in an evangelical household with classical-musician parents in Traverse City, Michigan, moving to NYC alone at 16, and building her 2016 debut Burning In The Dark from a North Hollywood apartment with nothing but a laptop, a mic, and a keyboard. Then the gemstone trilogy - EMERALD, RUBY, and SAPPHIRE - that built her independent empire chapter by chapter. And finally BLACK DIAMOND, the 2025 villain pivot where EMM stopped trying to please the industry and leaned all the way into feminist rage, John the Baptist imagery, and a pop universe the algorithm was never built for. References: “Freedom” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seBAAcEcp6U&pp=ygULZW1tIGZyZWVkb20%3D “END” MV https://youtu.be/WqH-G4D0LEk?si=mbO7OeCGNV6q2y_i “THANK YOU FOR RUINING MY LIFE” Visualizer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibzBzS6_0OE&pp=ygUhZW1tIHRoYW5rIHlvdSBmb3IgcnVpbmluZyBteSBsaWZl “DUMB” Visualizer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYRq_THhcuk&pp=ygUIZW1tIGR1bWLSBwkJBAsBhyohjO8%3D “EAT MY ACID” Visualizer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9ttIDq-coE&pp=ygUPZW1tIGVhdCBteSBhY2lk “THANK YOU FOR RUINING MY LIFE” Cockroach Version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoEMqTeSQTM&pp=ygUNZW1tIGNvY2tyb2FjaA%3D%3D

    37 min
  3. Kylie Minogue Went Indie for KM94… and It Changed Everything | Honest Review

    May 15

    Kylie Minogue Went Indie for KM94… and It Changed Everything | Honest Review

    Kylie Minogue’s 1994 self-titled album - often referred to by fans as KM94 - marked one of the biggest reinventions of her career. After leaving the Stock Aitken Waterman hit machine and signing with Deconstruction Records, Kylie embraced a more mature, sophisticated sound inspired by house music, trip-hop, R&B, and 90s club culture. The result was the birth of what many fans now call “Indie Kylie” or “Cool Kylie.”In this episode of CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show, Chris and Chantel Nicole give their honest track-by-track review of "Kylie Minogue" (1994), discussing the standout songs, hidden gems, production, vocals, visuals, and how this era changed the trajectory of Kylie’s career. We also dive into the album’s legacy, its connection to "Impossible Princess", and why critics began taking Kylie seriously as an album artist during this period.Was KM94 ahead of its time? Is this secretly one of Kylie’s best albums? Join us as we revisit one of the most fascinating eras in Kylie Minogue’s discography.Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPSFollow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops 0:00 - Intro1:06 - "Kylie Minogue" Album Info2:57 - Album Cover4:37 - "Confide In Me"15:12 - "Surrender"20:15 - "If I Was Your Lover"24:37 - "Where Is The Feeling?"35:08 - "Put Yourself In My Place"43:58 - "Dangerous Game"52:11 - "Automatic Love"56:31 - "Where Has The Love Gone"1:01:03 - "Falling"1:06:33 - "Time Will Pass You By"1:10:43 - Cut or Keep1:12:40 - Overall Thoughts & Final RatingReferences: “Confide In Me” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxZkjq9z5wg&pp=ygUba3lsaWUgbWlub2d1ZSBjb25maWRlIGluIG1l “Confide In Me” Live at Showgirl Tour 2005 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqHv8UYNti4&pp=ygUba3lsaWUgbWlub2d1ZSBjb25maWRlIGluIG1l Jane Lancaster - “It’s A Fine Day” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vgcYBwyw28&pp=ygUPaXQncyBhIGZpbmUgZGF5 “Where Is The Feeling?” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgp4SauJzms&pp=ygUia3lsaWUgbWlub2d1ZSB3aGVyZSBpcyB0aGUgZmVlbGluZw%3D%3D “Where Is The Feeling?” Live at Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spyr1yW4Abs&pp=ygUia3lsaWUgbWlub2d1ZSB3aGVyZSBpcyB0aGUgZmVlbGluZw%3D%3D “Put Yourself In My Place” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9t6wef5xlE&pp=ygUma3lsaWUgbWlub2d1ZSBwdXQgeW91cnNlbGYgaW4gbXkgcGxhY2U%3D “Put Yourself In My Place” Live at the Prince’s Trust Rock Gala 1994 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyWOtRFvyIc “Dangerous Game” Live at Intimate and Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ87aetzGBw&pp=ygUca3lsaWUgbWlub2d1ZSBkYW5nZXJvdXMgZ2FtZQ%3D%3D “Automatic Love” Rapino Brothers Demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJg-WJb01S8&pp=ygUla3lsaWUgbWlub2d1ZSBhdXRvbWF0aWMgbG92ZSBwb3J0dWdhbA%3D%3D “Automatic Love” Live at Parabens RTP Portugal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCSU64L2BwE&pp=ygUla3lsaWUgbWlub2d1ZSBhdXRvbWF0aWMgbG92ZSBwb3J0dWdhbA%3D%3D Kylie Live at T in the Park 1995 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDZEx-R4fRw

    1h 18m
  4. Melanie C "Sweat": Sporty Spice on the Dancefloor | Honest Review

    May 8

    Melanie C "Sweat": Sporty Spice on the Dancefloor | Honest Review

    Before she was Sporty Spice, Melanie C was a teenage raver on the Costa Brava dancing to Prodigy and Grooverider in a tracksuit. Thirty years later, she's finally made the album that brings it all together. On this episode of CCTV: The Nonstop Pop Show, Chris and Chantel Nicole give an honest review of Melanie C's ninth solo album "Sweat" - a dance-pop record built on house, rave culture, and dance influences that might be the most exciting solo Spice Girls release since Northern Star. Recorded across London, Stockholm, and LA with collaborators including Robyn producer Klas Åhlund and PinkPantheress collaborator Oscar Scheller, "Sweat" finds Mel C merging her pop career with her second life as a globally touring DJ and fully embracing the Sporty Spice persona she once kept at arm's length. We go track by track, talk about the Diana Ross and Inner Life samples, the emotional arc from heartbreak to new love, how her DJ career shaped the sound, and whether this belongs in the conversation for best solo Spice Girl album ever.Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPSFollow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops 0:00 - Intro1:00 - "Sweat" Album Info2:41 - Album Cover4:34 - "Sweat"13:15 - "Drum Machine"20:00 - "What Could Possibly Go Wrong?"24:21 - "Til It Breaks"28:18 - "Pressure"33:34 - "Emotional Memory"37:00 - "Attitude"42:42 - "Good For Nothing"46:25 - "Undefeated Champion"51:04 - "Cashmere"55:35 - "Free To Love"59:30 - "One Track Mind"1:03:40 - "Flick of the Wrist"1:07:45 - Cut or Keep1:09:45 - Overall Thoughts & Final RatingReferences: “Sweat” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blY463GJQjw&pp=ygUPbWVsYW5pZSBjIHN3ZWF0 “Sweat” Live at Michael McIntyre’s Big Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si3o935rQco&pp=ygUPbWVsYW5pZSBjIHN3ZWF0 “Sweat” Live from The Voice Australia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF_YnsnYZCs&pp=ygUPbWVsYW5pZSBjIHN3ZWF0 “Drum Machine” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYuAN7aBZWc&pp=ygUWbWVsYW5pZSBjIGRydW0gbWFjaGluZQ%3D%3D “What Could Possibly Go Wrong?” Live at BBC Radio 2 Piano Room https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Azz2NlMyY4&pp=ygUmbWVsYW5pZSBjIHdoYXQgY291bGQgcG9zc2libHkgZ28gd3Jvbmc%3D “Undefeated Champion” Live at Die Giovanni Zarrella Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiOkWhx9cNM&pp=ygUdbWVsYW5pZSBjIHVuZGVmZWF0ZWQgY2hhbXBpb24%3D

    1h 14m
  5. Does Mel B's "Hot" Deliver? She Worked With Missy Elliott, Sisqó and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

    Apr 24

    Does Mel B's "Hot" Deliver? She Worked With Missy Elliott, Sisqó and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

    Mel B's debut solo album "Hot" was released in October 2000 - right before the release of the Spice Girls' "Forever" - and the producer lineup alone should have made it a classic. Missy Elliott, Sisqó, Teddy Riley, Fred Jerkins III, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis were all collaborators. So why don't we talk about it?In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole give their honest track-by-track review of "Hot," breaking down the production, vocals, lyrics, and visuals on every track - from the UK #1 "I Want You Back" featuring Missy Elliott, to Top 5 singles "Tell Me" and "Feels So Good," to the deep cuts that never got their moment. We get into what works, what doesn't, and whether Scary Spice's solo debut holds up 25 years later.The album peaked at #28 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Silver - but two of its singles cracked the Top 5. Was "Hot" an underrated Y2K R&B gem that got buried, or did the critics have a point? We have thoughts.Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPSFollow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops 0:00 - Intro0:28 - We met Mel B at the Ulta Beauty event for Revive Collagen1:48 - "Hot" Album Info3:21 - Album Cover4:38 - "Feels So Good"12:50 - "Tell Me"20:48 - "Hell No"25:23 - "Lullaby"32:33 - "Hotter"36:59 - "Step Inside"43:07 - "ABC 123"49:13 - "I Believe"54:02 - "I Want You Back" feat. Missy Elliott1:01:06 - "Pack Your Sh*t"1:06:21 - "Feel Me Now"1:13:10 - Cut or Keep1:14:46 - Overall Thoughts & Final RatingReferences: “Feels So Good” MV https://youtu.be/vxkVAMvwoQU?si=WMb2QB4aHy2OAce6“Feels So Good” Live at TOTP https://youtu.be/ISVwpW5fcrg?si=lcSXAqFQvRKZMVcM “Tell Me” MV https://youtu.be/pz5z57EzaIg?si=GqNOudqfBr_CPyCd“Tell Me” Live at TOTP https://youtu.be/WaMp77RThzw?si=1aLU66ZHJeI-V4K1 “Lullaby” MV https://youtu.be/OwvUF_9WfwU?si=zbxrPp-_ZxUKezKi“Lullaby” Live at CD:UK https://youtu.be/_LK4JOsjT2I?si=NOEd3LdYnf5EqTvf “Hotter” AI Cover by Spicephonic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGVP4kZmZmI “I Want You Back” feat. Missy Elliott MV https://youtu.be/ZnV-16f-h64?si=ILXXKrYfUstHtdj3 “I Want You Back” Live at TOTP https://youtu.be/bUwX_69mFpg?si=ec9qXUWQAvKsjTOP

    1h 19m
  6. Is Manon Leaving KATSEYE? The Drama Explained

    Apr 13

    Is Manon Leaving KATSEYE? The Drama Explained

    In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole break down the full Manon Bannerman situation from the beginning: the hiatus announcement, the theories, the leaked storyboard and dance rehearsal footage, the Deuxmoi report, the Zane Lowe interview, the Missy Paramo unfollow, and everything in between. We cover all four theories including the racial mistreatment conversation, the contractual obligations allegations, and the public support pivot. Then we review "Pinky Up," KATSEYE's first release without Manon, and react to their Coachella debut, including the accidental "Wild" project leak and the moment that broke the internet: Manon in the crowd. Follow us @cctvpops 0:00 - Intro1:28 - Pop Star Academy7:38 - The Cut and Nylon Interviews11:39 - Theory: It wasn't Manon's choice to leave13:24 - Theory: Manon genuinely needed a break15:29 - Racially-driven mistreatment and Daniela's father's comments21:25 - Missy Paramo22:40 - Alleged HxG internal memo24:15 - Five-piece performances in South America26:21 - "Pinky Up" pre-production materials leaked29:52 - "Pinky Up" teaser release and Manon Weverse statement32:14 - Deuxmoi report33:15 - Theory: Label is accusing Manon of breach of contract obligations34:55 - Theory: Manon was cut from "Pinky Up" and now she is done39:24 - Zane Lowe Interview40:30 - "Pinky Up" Review49:10 - Coachella set review56:30 - "Wild" announcement leak and what's next for KATSEYE?References: “Pinky Up” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F1ET2XHQfk&pp=ygUQa2F0c2V5ZSBwaW5rIHl1cA%3D%3D“Pinky Up” Live at Coachella https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMuLmvR1D_Y&pp=ygURa2F0c2V5ZSBjb2FjaGVsbGE%3D NYLON Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Kvx8fAMdA&pp=ygUNa2F0c2V5ZSBueWxvbg%3D%3D Zane Lowe Interview clip: https://x.com/KatseyeSP/status/2042298969783517581?s=20 @thesimplysimone video about black women in groups https://www.tiktok.com/@thesimplysimone/video/7609430097702997261 Manon shoutout at Lollapalooza Argentina https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovaHpLfEkT4 “Pinky Up” OT6 Practice Leak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WK2MiQ3AVQ&pp=ygUScGlua3kgdXAgb3Q2IGRhbmNl “Pinky Up” Storyboard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msEeY8ngS4Y&pp=ygUTcGlua3kgdXAgc3Rvcnlib2FyZA%3D%3D

    1h 7m
  7. RAYE's "THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE." is a 73-Minute Pop Epic - Honest Review

    Apr 10

    RAYE's "THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE." is a 73-Minute Pop Epic - Honest Review

    RAYE's second studio album "THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE." is a statement - a sprawling, maximalist 73-minute concept record divided into four seasons, featuring 17 tracks that move through jazz, big band, soul, orchestral pop, and R&B. Released independently on March 27, 2026, the album debuted at #1 in the UK, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and features collaborations with Hans Zimmer and the London Symphony Orchestra, a surprise duet with soul legend Al Green, and intimate moments with RAYE's grandfather and sisters. It follows global smash "Where Is My Husband!" - her second UK #1 - and critics are already calling it one of the boldest pop albums in years. In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through This Music May Contain Hope with special guest Jasmine Stephen - producer at The Kelly Clarkson Show and a seasoned veteran of music and entertainment television - bringing her industry perspective to one of 2026's most ambitious pop releases. From the cinematic spoken-word intro to the four-minute credit roll in "Fin.," does RAYE's big swing land? Is this a sophomore masterpiece or beautifully overwhelming? Track by track, we find out. Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS Follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops Go check out Vizzcast in NYC for your podcasting, broadcast and content creation needs! Book at ⁠https://vizzcast.com⁠ 0:00 - Intro2:59 - "THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE." Album Info4:28 - Album Cover6:10 - "Intro: Girl Under the Grey Cloud."9:20 - "I Will Overcome."15:10 - "Beware.. The South London Lover Boy."19:34 - "The WhatsApp Shakespeare."23:43 - "Winter Woman."30:22 - "Click Clack Symphony." feat. Hans Zimmer38:42 - "I Know You’re Hurting."45:25 - "Life Boat."50:20 - "I Hate The Way I Look Today."55:45 - "Goodbye Henry." feat. Al Green1:01:04 - "Nightingale Lane."1:05:34 - "Skin & Bones."1:11:04 - "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!"1:17:37 - "Fields." feat. Grandad Michael1:22:31 - "Joy." feat. Amma & Absolutely1:27:27 - "Happier Times Ahead."1:31:04 - "Fin."1:34:34 - Cut or Keep1:37:50 - Overall Thoughts & Final RatingReferences: “Click Clack Symphony.” Feat. Hans Zimmer MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtVcltkn3HI&pp=ygUQcmF5ZSBjbGljayBjbGFjaw%3D%3D “I Know You’re Hurting.” Live at Abbey Road Studios https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXkn1Ee7Q5o&pp=ygUccmF5ZSBpIGtub3cgeW91J3JlIGh1cnJ0aW5nIA%3D%3D “Nightingale Lane.” Live at Abbey Road Studios https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZKywzRJa_Y&pp=ygUVcmF5ZSBuaWdodGluZ2FsZSBsYW5l “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK5TyISxZ_M&pp=ygUYcmF5ZSB3aGVyZSBpcyBteSBodXNiYW5k

    1h 45m
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Join music industry specialists and pop music fans Chris and Chantel Nicole as they deep-dive and reveal all of their unfiltered thoughts on the best pop acts, songs, albums and concerts from around the world, from legends to current K-Pop groups. Viewer discretion is advised, your fave will be criticized… Join us on Patreon and follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/cctvpops https://cctvpops.com/

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