In this episode of Pop Beyond, we sit down with Irish singer-songwriter Marten James – a storyteller with a soft voice and a sharp ear.

We dive into his New Music Friday series, how he balances personal taste with audience discovery, and why songwriting often starts with memory and silence.
Marten talks about growing up in Ireland, his first real connection with music, and how social media can be both a blessing and a battle.

From lyrical goosebumps to content pressure – this is a thoughtful conversation about curating sound, staying authentic, and dreaming beyond the algorithm.

You can find everything about Marten James here:

Marten James: Spotify

Marten James: Instagram

Marten James: YouTube

🎧 Pop Beyond – Giving emerging artists a voice
📲 Follow us for more: @ _pop_beyond_
🎙 New episodes every two weeks!

In this episode of Pop Beyond, we sit down with rising singer-songwriter FIO, just a day after the release of her debut single.

We dive deep into the stories behind her lyrics, her roots, and the personal experiences that shaped her unique sound. From early inspirations to bold political opinions – FIO opens up about what drives her music and where she’s headed next.

Tune in for a raw and honest conversation about artistry, identity, and why sometimes the quietest voices carry the strongest messages.

🎧 Episode out now on all platforms!
💿 FIO’s debut single dropped April 16 – don’t miss it!

🎧 Pop Beyond – Giving emerging artists a voice
📲 Follow us for more: @ _pop_beyond_
🎙 New episodes every two weeks!

In the very first episode of Pop Beyond, we welcome Max Larson, an emerging music producer and VMI student. Max shares his journey into music production, the challenges he's faced along the way, and the creative process behind his latest track "Across The Great Pacific", released in December 2024.

In this episode, we discuss:
🎼 The story behind his latest track & what inspired it
🎛 The struggles and breakthroughs in his production process
🌍 Insights into the Austrian music scene & opportunities for new artists
💭 How emotions and personal experiences shape his music

Join us as we dive into the world of music production and explore what it takes to develop a unique sound as a young artist. Enjoy Pop Beyond!

🎧 Pop Beyond – Giving emerging artists a voice
📲 Follow us for more: @ _pop_beyond_
🎙 New episodes every two weeks!