In this episode of Pop Beyond, we sit down with Daniel Tortoledo – the creative mind behind Daniel Tortoledo & The Sound Machine.

In a warm and thoughtful conversation, Daniel shares how music became his compass – from growing up in Venezuela to finding creative freedom in New York’s indie scene. We explore his songwriting process, the story behind the band name, and why every good song starts with truth.

Daniel talks about cultural identity, creative flow, and what it means to make emotionally honest music in a noisy world. With stories that span continents, influences, and soundscapes, this episode blends life, art, and late-night honesty in the best way.

“It’s always a pleasure when I can spend time talking about the music industry and life in general.” – Daniel Tortoledo

Tune in for a globally inspired, soul-rooted episode full of insight, inspiration, and heart.

You can find more about Daniel on his Socials!

Daniel Tortoledo: Instagram

Daniel Tortoledo: Spotify

The Sound Machine: Instagram

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🎙 New episodes every two weeks!

In this intimate episode of Pop Beyond, we sit down with singer, songwriter, and actress Yara M’Toto to explore the emotional layers of her artistry – from her roots in musical theatre to her powerful solo performances and soulful songwriting.

Yara shares the journey behind her creative voice, shaped by both stage and studio experiences. We discuss writing techniques like method writing, discovering strength in vulnerability, and how she navigates life as a multidisciplinary artist. From acting in emotionally charged music videos to composing original material, Yara’s artistic expression is as honest as it is cinematic.

She opens up about balancing passion and pressure, the beauty of collaboration, and why she believes music is a space for healing, clarity, and connection.

This episode is about depth, duality, and what it means to create from a place of truth.

You can find more about Yara on her Instagram!

Yara M´Toto: Instagram

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🎧 Pop Beyond – Giving emerging artists a voice
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🎙 New episodes every two weeks!

In this heartfelt episode of Pop Beyond, we sit down with singer, songwriter, and producer Alexa Lopez to dive into the emotional layers of her music — from her self-produced EP Love, Death + Music to the concept-driven project breakup breakdown breakthrough, inspired by the five stages of grief.

Alexa talks about growing up in a musical family, how she blends genres like indie pop, R&B, and jazz without losing her core, and why her voice feels “purple, warm, and cold at the same time.” She opens up about authenticity, softness as strength, and navigating creative blocks while staying true to herself in an industry full of expectations.

We also talk about live performance, her color-coded FLINTA* band show in Vienna, and the rituals that ground her before stepping on stage.

This episode is about honesty, healing, and the quiet power of making music that feels — even when it hurts.

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🎧 Pop Beyond – Giving emerging artists a voice
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🎙 New episodes every two weeks!

In this episode of Pop Beyond, we dive deep into the sonic universe of producer and multi-instrumentalist Bluefoxx, also known as Diana Heidernätsch. She shares the story behind her latest concept album exploring all the minor keys, and why melancholic tonality holds such emotional and philosophical weight for her.

We talk about her unique approach to combining classical piano with synth-based soundscapes, how she builds ambient textures with depth and space, and what it means to craft music around a long-term conceptual vision. Diana also reflects on her journey as a female producer in the electronic scene, common misconceptions about instrumental music, and the value of staying focused in a fast-paced industry.

A conversation about creative discipline, emotional storytelling, and the beauty of thinking beyond the beat.

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

In this soulful episode of Pop Beyond, we sit down with Austrian singer-songwriter VILO to explore the emotional heart of her music — from her empowering solo Singles Good Girl and Kisses & Lip Bites to her energetic live shows with her rock band JLP.

VILO opens up about her creative process, personal growth, and how she channels stories and emotions into her songs. We talk about musical influences, live show memories, and what it’s like navigating band life with her close-knit group, JLP. Jelena also gives us a glimpse into the next chapter, including dream cities, her vision for 2025, and the chaos (and charm) behind the scenes.

This episode is about resilience, honesty, and the power of standing in one's truth, both on stage and in life.

You can find everything about VILO & JLP here:

VILO: Spotify

VILO: Instagram

VILO: YouTube

JLP: Spotify

JLP: Instagram

JLP: YouTube

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🎧 Pop Beyond – Giving emerging artists a voice
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🎙 New episodes every two weeks!

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

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🎧 Pop Beyond – Giving emerging artists a voice
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🎙 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!

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🎧 Pop Beyond – Giving emerging artists a voice
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🎙 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!

Send us a text

Support the show

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