Learning How to Become THEM

Meg Smith on Persisting the Music Industry and Artist Identity

On this episode of The Sunshine Podcast, we are joined by indie-pop sensation Meg Smith. You may have seen the "patron saint of pop music" singing about an ex's fake British accent or having her banger "Jesus Christ in a mini skirt" blessed by a priest. Between discussing life getting into the industry and how she created her artist brand, Meg and Maddy discuss growing up listening to Taylor Swift and her 10-year journey. If you haven't heard the New York-based songwriter opening for Baby Queen or Zolita, you can follow her on Instagram @megsmithlol. Be sure to subscribe to The Sunshine Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts and follow us on Instagram @thesunshinepod!

Learning How to Become THEM

In this episode, Maddy talks to the teen pop-rock sensation from Seattle, THEM. The under-22 crew, Thompson, Hudson, Ellie, and Maia, make up the girl band, each playing instruments and collaborating on songs. They've shared the stage with superstars like Charlie XCX and Dayglow but have cemented themselves into the Seattle indie music scene. In their debut EP, the car, the quartet proves that talent is well-spent on the young. Songs like Sunset Blvd. and rearview illustrate the power of fleeting love over intricate harmonies and pop-synth sounds. Be sure to follow the band (@theband.them) and the podcast (thesunshinepod) on Instagram. Stay sunny!

Girlpuppy on How it Feels When We Are Alone

This episode stars Becca Harvey, better known as Girlpuppy, a budding singer/songwriter from Atlanta, GA. Her debut album, When I'm Alone, explores lost loves, anxiety in relationships, the power of friendship, and making peace with who you are. From quarantine bedroom star to performing on the road, Becca reminisces about coming into her own as an artist. Follow the singer (@girrlpuppy) and the podcast (thesunshinepod) on Instagram. Stay sunny!

Hotel Fiction Means Everything and Nothing

In this episode, Maddy talks to Hotel Fiction, the dreamy rock duo from Athens, GA, comprised of Jade Long and Jessica Thompson. After discussing how they chose a band name and found their sound, they dove into the tracks of their debut album, Soft Focus. They explore the elusiveness of inspiration, taking care of yourself on tour, and what is next for the duo that defies stereotypical pop sounds with classic rock inspiration and profoundly human lyrics. Follow the duo on Spotify and Instagram (@hotelfiction) and us (@thesunshinehourpod). Stay sunny!

An Evening with Kaitlin Cantrell

In this episode, Maddy talks to Nashville newbie Kaitlin Cantrell about breaking into the industry, escaping imposter syndrome, and how Taylor Swift raised an entire generation of songwriters. The Birthday Card singer reviews the songs on her debut album, "At what point is love enough?" collaborating on the TikTok sensation Birthday Card, and how she intends to return to long-form media. Follow her on Spotify and Instagram to keep up with her and her new music.