Category: Artist Interviews

Power Popaholic Interview: Quinn Hawkins

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Quinn Hawkins

Quinn Hawkins comes across as direct and self-aware in this interview, and that tone carries through his album Eccentric. He talks openly about burnout, relationships, and the mental clutter that drives many of his lyrics. Songs like “Different Level of Hell” and “Can’t Wait to Go to Bed Every Night” reflect a grounded perspective, built on everyday frustration rather than big, abstract ideas.

What stands out is his balance of dry humor and honesty. He does not over-explain his work or chase trends. He focuses on writing songs that feel true in the moment. That approach gives ‘Eccentric’ a consistent voice, even as the themes shift. It is a reminder that strong songwriting still starts with clear thinking and personal perspective.

👉 Album review here!

Power Popaholic Interview: Conor Lumsden (Music City)

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Conor Lumsden (Music City)

In this exclusive conversation with Conor Lumsden, the lead singer songwriter for Music City, we go beyond the usual promo talk and get into what really drives the music, and the reality of being a working rock artist today.
You’ll hear:
• Honest takes on songwriting and influence
• What he’s learned touring with The Lemon Twigs
• What he picked up from the band 10cc
• The mindset it takes to keep making music that matters

👉 Album review here, 
If you care about power pop, and classic rock energy this one is worth your time.

Below the music video for “Common Sense” featuring Tina Halladay!

Power Popaholic Interview: Ben Vaughn

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Ben Vaughn

Retro-rocker Ben Vaughn wrote “I’m Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee)” and Marshall Crenshaw covered it on his ‘Downtown’ album. But there is so much more to Ben. He’s had remakable career as a musician, songwriter, film and television composer, and record producer. But he tells us the most enjoyable aspect of the journey has been meeting the diverse personalities along the route. We chat about his experiences meeting and playing with Alex Chilton, and his impression of getting the first Big Star album.

His buddy Laura Pochodylo, who works for Sun Records in Nashville, scribbled down the characters’ names and placed them in a hat. This was the beginnings of his new podcast https://www.straightfromthehat.com/

Below is Ben in his younger days, and he promised me re-issues of his albums are on the way!

Power Popaholic Interview: Stéphane Schück of the Salt Collective

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The Salt Collective (2025)

🎙️ Salt Collective is a power pop band with a deep bench. This second full-length album “A Brief History of Blindness” is led by Parisian musician Stéphane Schück and features contributions from many power pop artists, including 1980s college rock icons Chris Stamey (who also produced), Mitch Easter (whose North Carolina studio birthed this album) and Let’s Active’s Lynn Blakely who sings lead or back-up on nearly half the tracks. Additional contributors include Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws, Jason Falkner, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, Pat Sansone, Aimee Mann, and Andy Partridge.


We chat with Stéphane about the band’s history and the next album! Read the album review here!