Explore every episode of the podcast The Middle Row with Coco Mocoe
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why "Spamming Content" Actually Works (The Love Island USA Strategy) | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:34:23 | |
Did you know that Love Island USA was originally considered a "failure to launch" during its first three seasons on CBS? From strict broadcasting rules to sanitized episodes, the show almost came to a complete close. Cut to today, and Love Island USA is running laps around major scripted drama series like Bridgerton and House of the Dragon to become the biggest show in the country.In today’s solo episode of Middle Row with Coco Mocoe podcast, I’m breaking down my marketing theory on the exact decisions that catapulted this franchise into a cultural phenomenon. We discuss the massive impact of the Bravo fandom, why Ariana Madix was the ultimate tipping point, and the logistics behind the real-time "war room" editing in Fiji.Most importantly, we explore the "Firehouse Effect" in marketing—the strategy of drowning out your competition through sheer volume of content—and how you can apply this to your own brand, music, or content creation journey (plus the dangerous risks of the 2020s digital surveillance state).I want this to be a discussion rather than a lecture, so leave a comment below: why do you think Love Island USA became the #1 show in the US? What blind spots did I miss?If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us climb the charts, and subscribe for more pop culture marketing deep dives!If you made it this far, you're already a Coconut — so make it official. 🥥 Subscribe to the channel and drop a comment below telling me which artist you think is about to take off. I read them all and it might just land them in the Middle Row seat. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 3:10 - The History of Love Island USA 6:25 - Why they replaced Sarah Hyland as host with Ariana Maddix 10:10 - Why Ariana Maddix was the tipping point for the show 13:35 - How love island use has remained the most watched show in the U.S. for three years 16:30 - The firehose method 20:32 - The risk of the firehouse method: CBS’s Big Brother 28:48 - How to apply the firehose method in marketing to yourselfFollow me for more:Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail | cocomocoe@gmail.comAdd the official Middle Row playlist to your library on Spotify to hear what songs and artists I think are going to break big next:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna TracyVideographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify Theater, Los Angeles#LoveIslandUSA #ArianaMadix #MarketingStrategy #TrendForecasting #MiddleRowPodcast #PopCulture #ContentCreator | |||
| The Ella Langley Effect | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:30:22 | |
Ella Langley has been putting out music for almost 10 years now, with her first song "Clear the Clouds" coming out in 2017. But what branding and marketing decision did she make a few years ago that turned her into the biggest artist in the world, with "Choosin Texas" being one of the longest standing #1 songs on the Billboard charts of the year? Let me know in the comments what other trending topics, artists and celebrities you want me to cover in the "Middle Row w Coco Mocoe" podcast. New episodes every other Monday! Topics: ella langley, choosin texas, music marketing, middle row, coco mocoe, music industry, trend forecasting, pop music, country music, morgan wallen, riley green, miranda lambert, taylor swift, music video, branding #EllaLangley #ChoosinTexas #Dandelion #MiddleRow #MusicIndustry #TrendForecasting #PopMusic #CountryMusic #ACMAwards2026 #MusicMarketing #RileyGreen #mirandalambert If you made it this far, you're already a Coconut — so make it official. 🥥 Subscribe to the channel and drop a comment below telling me which artist you think is about to take off. I read them all and it might just land them in the Middle Row seat.Follow me for more:Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail | cocomocoe@gmail.comAdd the official Middle Row playlist to your library on Spotify to hear what songs and artists I think are going to break big next:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna TracyVideographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify Theater, Los Angeles | |||
| Why Debbii Dawson Had to Call 911 Before Her Music Video Shoot | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:19:58 | |
WATCH DEBBII DAWSON'S VISUALIZER FOR "YOU KILLED THE MUSIC" HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFLh58plBYg&list=RDaFLh58plBYg&start_radio=1 She's opened for Role Model and Beaches — and she's just getting started. In this episode, I sit down with Debbii Dawson for a candid conversation about her path as a music artist, how her Indian heritage has influenced her sound and identity, the experiences that shaped her, life on the road, and the moments that made her believe she was meant for this. If you're into indie music, emerging artists, and real talk about the creative process, this one's for you. Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoe TikTok | @cocomocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com Follow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95 Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation Podcast Editor: Coco Mocoe Creator: Coco Mocoe Filming Location: Spotify LA Comment below what music artist you think is next to take off! | |||
| Why Charli XCX did a movie soundtrack after brat | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:10:37 | |
WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR "HOUSE" BY CHARLI XCX FT. JOHN CALE HERE Happy Middle Row Monday! New episodes of "The Middle Row w Coco Mocoe", out every other Monday 🍿 ✨ In the first episode of season 3 of "The Middle Row", we are sitting down with Charli XCX (I can't believe I am typing this) as we break down her music video for "House" ft. John Cale from the Wuthering Heights soundtrack. We talk about how she found out about the project from Emerald Fennell, about how the exhaustion of the "brat" tour led to the gritty texture of the soundtrack and how she isn't actually an astrology girl herself. If you want to know the nitty-gritty details about how I booked this interview, you can read more on my Substack: https://cocomocoe.substack.com/p/how-i-booked-charli-xcx-as-a-guest Let me know what up-and-coming artist I should feature on the show in the reviews on Apple Podcasts & Spotify ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
cocomocoe@gmail.com | |||
| How Corbyn Besson got Tzuyu from TWICE on his hit song "Blink" | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:26:47 | |
WATCH THE OFFICIAL "BLINK" MUSIC VIDEO FEATURING CORBYN BESSON AND TZUYU FROM TWICE HERE 📺 🍿 Hi coconuts! Today’s episode of “Middle Row w Coco Mocoe” features an artist that I believe should be on your radar. We can learn a lot from his story; such as the power of patience when creating. Not everything needs to be fast. There is power in waiting for the right moment to strike. Corbyn Besson was formerly known for being a child star in the boyband “Why Don’t We” with hit songs like “8 letters”. Now, he is breaking solo. Ahead of his first EP, “Head First”, he released a song called “Blink” featuring Tzuyu from the K-Pop girl group TWICE. He sat on this song for 8 months, waiting for the right moment and collaborator. And thank goodness he did because now the song has 13,000,000+ views on YouTube and 15,000,000+ listens on Spotify. We talk more about his solo career after the dissolution of "Why Don't We" following a lengthy legal battle, how he met Tzuyu at Lollapalooza ahead of their collaboration together + what to expect from his upcoming EP, "Head First". 📍 Filmed in the Spotify movie theater Follow me!
#CorbynBesson #Tzuyu #TWICE #Blink #WhyDontWe #Kpop #Seoul #8Letters #MusicInterview | |||
| Why You Have to be Polarizing to Become Popular (ft. Beauty School Dropout) | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:45:53 | |
WATCH MY INTERVIEW WITH THE GLOBAL HEAD OF SPOTIFY ABOUT WHAT WILL TREND IN MUSIC IN 2026: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6nWNJnSWNpDJ4VTU28jSdW?si=WwKr8UDwQ0SlPkU3HpBesg In this interview at the Spotify Theater, we sit down with LA rock band Beauty School Dropout—featuring vocalist Cole "Colie" Hutzler, bassist Brent "Beepus" Burdett, guitarist/producer Bardo Novotny, and drummer Colton Flurry—for a conversation about their path in the music industry. The band formed in Los Angeles and faced homelessness in San Diego during their early days Lippmanent, before being discovered by Mark Hoppus and Pete Wentz who signed them to the Verswire label. They've since opened for Blink-182 and will be opening for Machine Gun Kelly in 2026. The band has also performed at Warped Tour and festivals including Lollapalooza and Download Festival. #BeautySchoolDropout #Blink182 #MachineGunKelly #WarpedTour #MusicMarketing #MusicBusiness #RockMusic #PunkRock #PopPunk #MusicIndustry #SpotifyTheater #MarkHoppus #PeteWentz #MusicInterview #Podcast | |||
| How to Go Viral on Spotify in 2026 (According to their Editorial Team) | 06 Dec 2025 | 01:00:53 | |
Today's episode of "Middle Row w Coco Mocoe" is with Cecilia Winter, the Editorial Lead of Global Hits at Spotify. That is a fancy way to say that she is the person who leads the team that listens to thousands of songs a week and uses data, instinct and taste to curate which of those thousands of songs will break out into the mainstream on major Spotify playlists like Pop Rising, Today's Top Hits, and more. We talk about the rise of artists in 2025, such as; Sombr, Olivia Dean, Alex Warren and Addison Rae. We also talk about what she expects to see trend on the platform in 2026 based on the internal data at Spotify. If you are a music artist, marketer or love to predict the trends before they happen -- this episode is for you! 🍿 "Middle Row w Coco Mocoe" is a show dedicated to profiling the artists, actors and culture movers that are on the brink of breaking mainstream next. In each episode, trend forecaster and marketer, Coco Mocoe, sits down in a movie theater with the person she thinks is going to break big next as they watch their work on the big screen and break it down scene-by-scene. This show is a love letter to LA and the people that move here to make it big and have fun along the way, so stay to the end of every episode to hear what each guests favorite places to go out in LA are. 📺 Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocoMocoe 📺 Listen to the official "Middle Row w Coco Mocoe" playlist on Spotify for updates every Friday of artists and songs that Coco thinks are at a tipping point of moving the needle of culture and trends there way and becoming a household name overnight ⬇️ 💚 The Official "Middle Row" Spotify Playlist, Updated Every Friday https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9 💚 ⭐️ LEAVE THE NAME OF AN ARTIST YOU THINK I SHOULD HAVE ON THE SHOW IN THE REVIEWS ON APPLE AND SPOTIFY ⭐️ Follow Coco Mocoe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocomocoe/ 📸 Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocoMocoe | |||
| BENEE Doesn't Want to be Sweet | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:26:48 | |
Thank you to Linktree for partnering with "Middle Row w Coco Mocoe" on this episode. You can find the official playlsit, featuring new artists and songs every Friday morning, on my Linktree page: https://linktr.ee/cocomocoeWATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR "CINNAMON" HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Mr7FpNxD0&list=RDe3Mr7FpNxD0&start_radio=1BENEE tells the real story behind her viral hit "Supalonely" and what it was like meeting Elton John after it blew up. She also gets real with Coco Mocoe about her song "Underwater," which was written about a depressive episode, and opening for superstars like Olivia Rodrigo and Tate McRae.On this episode of Middle Row, BENEE and Coco also dive into her "Princess" collab with Pinkpantheress, why her song "Cinnamon" isn't as "sweet" as it sounds, and the unique armor she created with Keith Herron. Plus, we talk about her favorite LA hot spots and (of course) I try to guess her Big 3 zodiac signs.TIME STAMPS + TOPICS 🍿 1:17 — Benee opening for Tate McRae 2:59 - Benee opening for Olivia Rodrigo 3:47 - What about Benee’s concerts makes her unique 4:47 - her New Zealand perspective6:04 - The armor she has made with creative director Keith Herron 7:51 - What is her song, “Cinnamon”, a metaphor for? 9:27 - “Underwater” song is about a depressive episode10:26 - Pinkpantheress collab, “Princess” 11:51 - What was the hardest song to create on “Ur an Angel I’m Just Particles” album12:36 - Where should someone listen to the new BENEE album for the first time 14:06 - How “Supalonely” became a hit 15:51 - Meeting Elton John16:47 - Writing “Supalonely”18:19 - BENEE”s favorite LA hot spots 19:29 - Kids don’t socialize anymore/playing Fortnite21:06 - Guessing BENEE’s zodiacs 23:01 - BENEE’S upcoming tour24:30 - Favorite American city to play inFollow me! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify LAComment below what music artist you think is next to take off! | |||
| Why Sabrina Carpenter Wrote the Two Lips a Letter | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:17:51 | |
The Two Lips—an indie-pop duo of best friends Jewlz and Andrea—are joining us in the Spotify Movie theater today for an exclusive interview on "Middle Row with Coco Mocoe." The two L.A. artists discuss their fast rise, including the crucial moment they met at a Lizzy McAlpine concert and the milestone of recently opening for Sabrina Carpenter. Catch the full conversation as we talk career, their music, and how they built their viral fan base. Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify for updated songs every Friday morning from artists that I think are about to break big next: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x...Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation PodcastPhotographer: Chase Hanssen Editor: Sammi SocialCreator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify LAComment below what music artist you think is next to take off! | |||
| Trevi Moran is Addicted to Going Viral | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:15:34 | |
Trevi Moran joins Coco Mocoe in the Middle Row of the Spotify theater to discuss her music video for "Digital Empathy". You can watch the full music video on YouTube here Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify here --> New music every Friday
Comment below what music artist you think is next to take off! | |||
| Watching Music Videos With Aidan Bissett | Middle Row | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:18:30 | |
WATCH AIDAN BISSETT'S MUSIC VIDEO FOR "ARE WE IN LOVE YET?" HEREFollow me! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify hereExecutive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco Mocoe Photographer: Chase HanssenFilming Location: Spotify LAComment below what music artist you think is next to take off! | |||
| Why Bonnie McKee's Label Didn't Let Her Release the Album (Until Now) | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:19:20 | |
WATCH BONNIE MCKEE'S MUSIC VIDEO FOR "FOREVER 21" HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKhkv2rIYv8&list=RDxKhkv2rIYv8&start_radio=1Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoePhotographer: Chase HanssenFilming Location: Spotify LAComment below what music artist you think is next to take off!#BonnieMcKee #KatyPerry #MusicVideo | |||
| How to get 200M streams before signing to a label (ft. Mad Tsai) | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:45:03 | |
WATCH MAD TSAI’S MUSIC VIDEO FOR “BITE”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GevLw6cqBI&list=RD2GevLw6cqBI&start_radio=1 How does a bedroom pop artist cross 200 million streams entirely on their own before signing to a major label? Today on Middle Row, we are joined by the artist Mad Tsai to break down his rise in music while finishing his degree at UCLA. From the viral, LGBTQ+ fan-edit momentum of "Boy Bi" to the 100-million-stream milestone of "Stacy’s Brother," Mad Tsai explains how activating niche fandoms can activate internet subcultures to pull an artist's music into their world. We dissect the fundamental shift in listener psychology; such as, contrasting traditional, forced record label marketing with the organic power of TikTok fan edits (ex. BookTok, anime edits, and viral Love Island clips). We also look at the data behind Alex Warren’s 134-post pivot for his hit "Ordinary," how Mad Tsai leaned into online friction and critics to fuel his rollouts for "DA DA DA" and "STRAYS," and the deep personal storytelling of culture and queerness that is a through line in his music. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 9:46 - Why his name is Mad Tsai 13:32 - Why artists have alter egos 15:20 - How to get 200-million+ streams before even signing to a record label 16:26 - Being a UCLA student while videos are going viral 17:57 - The personal challenge that made him viral 19:46 - The fan edits that made his songs viral 23:26 - The niche online that made his music viral 24:54 - Turning online drama into massive roll-out moments 25:46 - The online hate that kept him from posting music for 2+ years 33:13 - Mad’s ethnic background (Peruvian, Canto, Taiwanese) 36:18 - Mad’s queer identity 39:01 - Songs that explore his sexuality 41:20 - Where is the best spot to eat in LA 43:46 - Mad’s sun, moon and rising 44:31 - Mad’s upcoming tour Subscribe to get notified anytime a new podcast episode of “Middle Row w Coco Mocoe” drops every other Monday! Follow @ cocomocoe on socials: | |||
| Eli Wants to be Your Dream Girl | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:18:18 | |
WATCH "'GIRL OF YOUR DREAMS" MUSIC VIDEO BY ELI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9tLOIKcyAgFollow me! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoeEditor: Sammi | Comfort CreatorPhotographer: Chase Hanssen Filming Location: Spotify LAComment below what music artist you think is next to take off!#girlofyourdreams #eli #marianne | |||
| Baby Nova Was Too Pretty for Her Hometown | 03 Aug 2025 | 00:16:11 | |
WATCH BABY NOVA'S "TOO PRETTY FOR BUFFALO" MUSIC VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMvw4fKlCSQ WATCH BABY NOVA'S "KILLED FOR SPORT" MUSIC VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t2ZtNCiqsQ Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoe TikTok | @cocomocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com Follow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95 Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation Podcast Editor: Coco Mocoe Creator: Coco Mocoe Photographer: Chase Hanssen Filming Location: Spotify LA Comment below what music artist you think is next to take off! | |||
| Rose Gray Wants to be Free | 20 Jul 2025 | 00:17:32 | |
WATCH THE "WET & WILD" VISUALIZER HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLvatAQlHBI&list=RDTLvatAQlHBI&start_radio=1WATCH THE "ANGEL OF SATISFACTION" MUSIC VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrWMlcYry0o&list=RDyrWMlcYry0o&start_radio=1 🎤 Rose Gray sits down with Coco Mocoe for an exclusive interview inside Spotify’s movie theater in LA. The rising dance-pop star opens up about finding her sound, working with Kesha, and the visual world behind her debut album Louder, Please — where every song is tied to a color. From musical theatre roots to Pride performances and touring with Kesha, Rose shares her journey, creative process, and behind-the-scenes stories from her viral music videos like “Angel of Satisfaction” and “Wet & Wild.” Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoePhotographer: Chase Hanssen Filming Location: Spotify LAComment below what music artist you think is next to take off! | |||
| Why Kylie Cantrall is Grateful for Disney | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:24:20 | |
WATCH "BOY FOR A DAY" MUSIC VIDEO HEREWATCH "DENIM" MUSIC VIDEO HEREKylie Cantrall talks about going from Disney Channel to pop star, her viral “Hollywood Hair Theory,” and the stories behind her music videos like “Denim,” “Boy for a Day,” and “Raised by Rihanna.” She shares hidden easter eggs, growing up in LA, and what it’s like creating music for Gen Z.Watch the full interview on Middle Row with Coco Mocoe now.Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on SpotifyExecutive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Sammi Social | Comfort Creator Photographer: Chase HanssenCreator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify LAComment below what music artist you think is next to take off!#KylieCantrall #DisneyChannel #PopStar #DenimMusicVideo #BoyForADay #MiddleRow #HollywoodHairTheory #GenZMusic | |||
| Rhea Raj Wants to Bring Bollywood to Hollywood | 30 Mar 2025 | 00:35:39 | |
WATCH THE OFFICIAL "PRAY ON IT" MUSIC VIDEO BY RHEA RAJ HERE In this exclusive interview, rising pop star Rhea Raj joins Coco Mocoe on "Middle Row" to talk all things music, culture, and creativity! From her viral hit "Haute Couture" to her connection with KATSEYE’s Lara Raj (yes, they’re sisters!), Rhea shares her journey through the music industry, the power of social media, and the importance of South Asian representation in global pop culture.Watch now to hear how she broke into music, her collab with AliyahsInterlude, and how Reels users in India helped her gain major momentum. @RheaRaj 📍 Filmed at Spotify Studios For an easier viewing experience, here are the time stamps + topics: 00:00 – Intro01:00 – Rhea’s go-to snacks 🍿 06:00 – How she & her sister Lara (KATSEYE) got into the music industry 🎶 10:18 – Social media’s impact on making music 📲 11:45 – Did fans know they’re sisters? 👯♀️ 13:50 – Bollywood’s influence on Rhea’s sound 🎬✨ 16:36 – Collab with AliyahsInterlude & the making of Haute Couture 💅 22:39 – How Reels users in India fueled her rise 🇮🇳 23:16 – Behind the Pray On It music video 🎥 25:45 – Her trip to Cuba 🇨🇺✈️ 28:49 – What new fans should know about Rhea 🧠❤️ 31:46 – Rhea's sun, moon & rising signs 🔮 Know a rising artist I should interview next? Comment below to make it happen ⬇️ 📢 🔗 Follow Rhea Raj: instagram.com/rhearaj🎧 Listen to “Haute Couture”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2_T0745AvQ Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoe TikTok | @cocomocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com Follow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95 Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation Podcast Editor: Coco Mocoe Creator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify LA | |||
| Hannah Lux Davis is Making Your Favorite Music Videos | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:32:37 | |
Hannah Lux Davis is your favorite pop star (and rapper)'s favorite music video director. A few of her music videos include: - "thank u, next" by Ariana Grande - "Bang Bang" by Jesse J, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande- "it's ok i'm ok" by Tate McRae- "Say So" by Doja Cat - "Agora Hills" by Doja Cat- "Good Ones" by Charli XCX - "23" by Miley Cyrus She was a dream guest for me on "Middle Row" because I wanted a show that celebrated music videos and who better a fit than the person behind some of the biggest music videos of the 21st century. I was so lucky to sit down with her for the latest episode where we broke down the behind-the-scenes stories and reveal new information about working with some of the biggest pop stars. To make it an easier viewing experience for you, here are the time stamps for the episode:0:54 - Popcorn 1:45 - How she got Drake, Lil Wayne and Future for her first music video3:33 - Are viral moments pre-planned or unexpected?5:24 - Working with Miley Cyrus for “23”6:06 - Tate McRae it’s ok I’m ok outfit9:30 - Commercial work10:48 - How fast is the turn around of a music video 12L14 - Working with Addison Rae, Charli XCX and Beabadoobea on set in 2021 15:42 - Directing “Bang Bang” with Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj16:54 - Is there a difference in how artists approach videos once they have stronger branding? (Ex. Doja Cat & Ariana Grande)20:07 - The filming of “Thank U Next” by Ariana Grande21:52 - Having Jennifer Coolidge on set with Ariana Grande23:29 - Gabi DeMartino contribution to the music video 24:19 - Filming “it’s ok I’m ok” with Tate McRae 27:17 - Filming “Good Ones” with Charli XCX29:39 - Filming “Nightmare” with Halsey 30:55 - Sun, moon and risingWhere you can find more of Hannah Lux Davis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahluxdavis/ https://londonalley.com/Where you can find more of Coco Mocoe:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocomocoe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cocomocoeFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify LAComment below what music artist you think is next to take off! | |||
| Why Remy Bond Doesn't Want to be Compared | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:18:57 | |
WATCH THE "SIMPLE GIRL" MUSIC VIDEO BY REMY BOND HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COwr8Ns1c9k In this episode of "Middle Row w Coco Mocoe", we are joined by Remy Bond as she breaks down her music video for "Simple Girl". She has experienced a huge rise in the last 6 months after the release of songs like "Benzo Queen" and "Summer Song". She even got a shout-out from Elton John on his radio show last week. We discuss her background growing up in NYC, her sister, Olivia Bond's, artistic direction, her influences from ABBA to Elvis and her hacks for finding new song titles and lyrical inspirations. Remy Bond is such a force. She is not only an artist, musically, but creating a world for her audience to escape to when reality seems grim. Something we don't see from even the most seasoned artists, if ever. She has a clear vision and a love for old technology that makes her art unique from the cookie cutter videos and songs we hear now-a-days. I am such a fan of Remy Bond and I am so lucky I get to say I got one of the first of many interviews to come for her! ❤️ To make it an easier viewing experience, here are the topics + time stamps: 0:30 - Makeup names1:57 - Trying snacks 4:09 - Growing up in NYC 5:04 - Early music influences (Sean Lennon, ABBA, Mamma Mia) 5:57 - Her grandpa had a small role in The Godfather 6:25 - Babylon got too much flack 8:02 - Where did the hair and flower come from 8:32 - Hollywood Hair Theory 9:10 - How did fans find her (Summer Song) 11:55 - Her sister’s involvement (Olivia Bond) 12:30 - Breaking down the “Simple Girl” music video 14:22 - Remy’s parents got married in the Vegas chapel in the music video 15:40 - Using the lipstick of old Hollywood stars 16:10 - Planning a tour 17:18 - Sun, moon and rising 18:10 - Her fascination with Elvis Where you can find more of Remy Bond: Remy Bond's YouTube Channel: @remylovesu Remy Bond's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remylovesu/Remy Bond's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@remylovesu Remy Bond's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2voadhFGdduSYHDvsVqyXo?si=JuOcfYzbR0GsYa4hubD0Hg Where you can find more of Coco Mocoe:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocomocoe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cocomocoeEmail: middlerowshow@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify LAComment below what music artist you think is next to take off! | |||
| Adéla Wants to be Polarizing | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:41:22 | |
WATCH THE "SUPERSCAR" MUSIC VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn6ey6HOkP4 In this episode of "Middle Row w Coco Mocoe", we are joined by Adéla as she breaks down her music video for "Superscar". This was her second single, ever, and it already has over 1 million views on YouTube and she is building a cult-like fandom, as a result. We discuss her background growing up Slovakia, her USSR ballet training, her time on "Pop Star Academy" on Netflix, her current relationships with castmates (including the KATSEYE girls), how she found her producer, Liam Benayon, how Grimes discovered her and more. Adéla is going to be a huge star! I am so lucky to say that I got the first-ever, sit down interview with her. Her music, vision, athleticism and artistry is something huge labels would pay for even their biggest artists to have even a slice of. To make it an easier viewing experience for you, here are the time stamps for the episode:
Where you can find more of Adéla:
Where you can find more of Coco Mocoe:
Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation Podcast Editor: Coco Mocoe Creator: Coco Mocoe Filming Location: Spotify LAEmail: middlerowshow@gmail.com | |||
| Jade Wants to Break Through America | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:35:30 | |
Jade breaks down her music video for "Angel of my Dreams" 📺 Watch the full music video here Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoe YouTube | Coco Mocoe Follow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify to hear new music and artists right before they break big hereExecutive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation Podcast | Matthew DunehooEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco Mocoe Join Coco Mocoe and a special guest in the "Middle Row" every episode to break down the behind-the-scenes of iconic music videos while sitting in a movie theater and eating their favorite movie snacks 🍿 We will save you a seat! Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com | |||
| Towa Bird is Making Music for Lesbians | 17 Nov 2024 | 00:24:05 | |
Watch Towa Bird's music video for "Wild Heart" here. In the first episode of "The Middle Row", Towa Bird talks about being discovered by Olivia Rodrigo on TikTok, her debut album "American Hero" and more. Get your popcorn and enjoy 🍿 Follow Coco Mocoe! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify hereExecutive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Trinna TracyEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco Mocoe Join Coco Mocoe and a special guest in the "Middle Row" every episode to break down the behind-the-scenes of iconic music videos while sitting in a movie theater and eating their favorite movie snacks 🍿 We will save you a seat! | |||
| The Katseye Kurse: The Marketing Strengths & Blind Spots of the World's Biggest Girl Group | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:35:42 | |
KATSEYE got Grammy nominations, a viral Gap campaign, a sold-out tour, and one of the best-selling albums in America, all in under two years. So why can't the girls escape criticism? In this episode of "Middle Row with Coco Mocoe", I break down what I'm calling the "Katseye Kurse," the collision between HYBE and Geffen's K-pop machine and a Western fandom that plays by completely different rules. I get into the Manon hiatus and the silence that followed, the Dream Academy contestants who got recycled into HYBE's next global group, Saint Satine, the Mickey Mouse Club blueprint with dropped artists being launched into stardom, and why the label's biggest marketing win might also explain its biggest blind spot.This isn't bad luck. It's a system that was built for impact. But who pays the price of the whiplash? Chapters 0:00 - Introduction 7:54 - Pop Star Academy on Netflix12:03 - Mickey Mouse Club14:12 - Who didn't make Katseye but have since launched music careers?16:08 - The Introduction of Saint Satine aka Prelude17:48 - The moment KATSEYE became a household name19:32 - The Manon Hiatus20:24 - Why doesn't Hybe address the Manon rumors?21:33 - The importance of fan accounts24:26 - Why the K-Pop infrastructure failed in western media26:48 - The Gen-Z Vs. Gen Alpha Dilemma30:03 - Can the "Katseye Kurse" be broken?If you want a real deep dive into KATSEYE, the Manon situation, the HYBE x Geffen strategy, and where this is all heading, this is the one.🎧 New episodes of Middle Row every other Monday. If you made it this far, you're already a Coconut — so make it official. 🥥 Subscribe to the channel and drop a comment below telling me which artist you think is about to take off. I read them all and it might just land them in the Middle Row seat.Follow me for more:Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail | cocomocoe@gmail.comAdd the official Middle Row playlist to your library on Spotify to hear what songs and artists I think are going to break big next:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna TracyVideographer: Operation PodcastEditor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoeFilming Location: Spotify Theater, Los Angeles | |||
| Why Daniel Seavey is Going Solo | 16 Jul 2024 | 00:32:25 | |
Watch "The Older You Get" music video • Daniel Seavey - The Older You Get (Officia... Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoeTikTok | @cocomocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.comFollow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x...Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation Podcast Editor: Coco MocoeCreator: Coco MocoeFilmed at Spotify HQ in DTLA 📍 Comment below what music artist you think is next to take off!#DanielSeavey #WhyDontWe #TheOlderYouGet | |||
| Why You Have To Win Over This Country First to Become a Pop Star (ft. flowerovlove) | 25 May 2026 | 00:31:46 | |
The blueprint for breaking a global music act has completely changed. In this episode of Middle Row, trend forecaster Coco Mocoe reveals how Southeast Asian "Trigger Cities"—specifically Manila, Philippines—have become the most powerful, unwritten launchpads for international chart success. Joining the Middle Row theater is London pop powerhouse flowerovlove, fresh off her debut Coachella performance. We break down the masterclass behind her hit track "Breaking News," which bypassed traditional Western media gates to spawn over 4.5 million user-generated videos on TikTok by captivating the world's most online fandom. From her DIY roots in a home garage to bringing out history-making P-pop sensation BINI on the Coachella stage, flowerovlove pulls back the curtain on running her own creative business engine. We discuss why she completely gatekeeps her visual branding, the unfair musical categorization of Black British artists, her predictive intuition for spotting superstars like Chappell Roan before they blow up, and the exact release timeline for her highly anticipated debut album. If you want to understand where the global creator economy and music business are heading next, this breakdown is essential listening. Rate, review, and subscribe to Middle Row on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for new episodes every other Monday. | |||
| How Holly Humberstone Got Noticed by Taylor Swift | 04 May 2026 | 00:39:04 | |
WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR "BEAUTY PAGENT" BY HOLLY HUMBERSTONE HERE 📺 Holly Humberstone grew up doing ballet in a small English town and somehow ended up walking the runway at Wembley Stadium in front of thousands of people while nearly having a wardrobe crisis in real time. She is telling us everything. In this episode of Middle Row, I sit down with BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone fresh off her Coachella return and the release of her sophomore album Cruel World. This conversation goes deep. We cover family grief, childhood nostalgia, and why this album era feels so different from everything she has done before. Holly breaks down the exact cinematic references shaping her new visual world, the vocal production tricks behind tracks like Blue Dream, and what creative burnout actually looks like when you are a rising indie-pop artist with the whole industry watching. Plus the Taylor Swift Eras Tour call. She tells us what it was really like getting that surprise invite to open for Taylor, and the split-second decision she had to make while walking the Wembley runway that nobody knew about until now. We also do a full birth chart breakdown because obviously we do. And if you are someone who studies music marketing, artist branding, or the business of going from bedroom pop to festival headliner, this episode is genuinely essential listening. Holly Humberstone is one of the most interesting artists in music right now. This is the episode that explains why. Time Stamps:
Thank you coconuts for making it this far! Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts with a recommendation for what artists or topics you want next on the show ⭐️ Instagram: @cocomocoe TikTok: @cocomocoe YouTube: Coco Mocoe | |||
| How to create a visual universe with your music (ft. Tiffany Stringer) | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:21:51 | |
Singer-songwriter Tiffany Stringer joins Coco Mocoe in the Middle Row, recorded live at the Spotify Theater. The Texas-born, Atlantic Records artist opens up about the making of The Lone Starlet — her debut major-label EP dropping May 8th — a five-part cinematic concept project inspired by Babylon and Singin' in the Rain that follows a fictional actress through the highs and lows of fame. Tiffany talks about how she convinced Atlantic to greenlight high-budget music videos straight out of the gate, what it was actually like touring as a Kidz Bop kid at 15, the odd jobs she worked when she first moved to LA (including babysitting a tortoise), and the TikTok commitment in 2023 that changed everything. She also gets into the philosophy behind her visual branding, the real-life inspiration behind her songs, and the emotional tension at the heart of The Lone Starlet — performing a version of yourself while figuring out who you actually are offstage. Co-signs from Halsey, Addison Rae, Tate McRae, and Dove Cameron. This one's a great one. If this episode made you feel something, the best thing you can do is leave a review on Apple or Spotify — it takes 30 seconds and it genuinely helps Middle Row reach more people. And if you have a friend who's obsessed with finding artists before they blow up, send this one their way. Follow along between episodes: Instagram | @cocomocoe TikTok | @cocomocoe Add the official Middle Row playlist on Spotify and stay in the world: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9 Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation Podcast Editor: Comfort Creator | Sammi Social Creator: Coco Mocoe Filming Location: Spotify Theater, Los Angeles Email | cocomocoe@gmail.com | |||
| Why Slayyyter Doesn't Want to be a Main Pop Girl | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:19:44 | |
Slayyyter almost quit music. Now she's headlining Coachella with a live band, a major label deal, and an album she made purely for herself. The moment she stopped trying to go mainstream, the mainstream came to her. In this episode of Middle Row with Coco Mocoe, Slayyyter gets honest about the moment she decided to stop chasing commercial success and just make something she'd be proud of. They talk about the Saturn Return that stripped everything back, the Bunny Man lurking in her visuals, and how "Daddy AF" quietly became a good luck charm for indie cinema; such as, showing up in both Anora and Bodies Bodies Bodies before soundtracks. Plus: writing "Crank" in 30 minutes, the social climbing culture that inspired Starfucker, and why she'd rather drink at an old man biker bar than anywhere near Silver Lake 🍿 If this episode made you feel something, the best thing you can do is leave a review on Apple or Spotify — it takes 30 seconds and it genuinely helps Middle Row reach more people. And if you have a friend who's obsessed with finding artists before they blow up, send this one their way. Follow along between episodes: Instagram | @cocomocoe TikTok | @cocomocoe Add the official Middle Row playlist on Spotify and stay in the world: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9 Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation Podcast Editor: Comfort Creator | Sammi Social Creator: Coco Mocoe Filming Location: Spotify Theater, Los Angeles Email | cocomocoe@gmail.com | |||
| How a Janitor Became Croatia's Biggest Hope at Creating a Global Pop Star | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:19:39 | |
This week on Middle Row, Coco Mocoe sits down with alt-pop artist Seb Torgus, and his story might be the most unexpected come-up in music right now. Before releasing music, Seb was working as a janitor in Chicago. Now he's based in LA, rocking iconic red hair, and building friendships with some of the biggest names in the alt and rock world including Yungblud and Jessie from The Neighbourhood. In this episode, Seb also talks about collaborating with Jesse Jo Stark, the daughter of Chrome Hearts founders Laurie Lynn and Richard Stark, and what it means to carry his Croatian heritage into his artistry as he sets his sights on becoming the first Croatian pop star. Filmed in the Spotify theater 📍 Follow Seb Torgus on Instagram: @sebtorgus Follow Coco Mocoe on Instagram: @cocomocoe Subscribe to the Middle Row YouTube channel for full video episodes. | |||
| How KATSEYE Turned Haiden Henderson Into a Dancer | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:28:35 | |
WATCH HAIDEN HENDERSON'S MUSIC VIDEO FOR "tension" HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6DblInZjEs&list=RDx6DblInZjEs&start_radio=1 Haiden Henderson went from studying aerospace engineering at USC to becoming one of gen-Z's top rising rock stars with over 100-million streams on Spotify. He is friends with KATSEYE and Tarayummy, is the muse of celebrity photographer Maxamillion Polo and just got back from his tour for his recent EP, "tension", and will be opening for 5 Seconds of Summer on their UK leg of tour in 2026. Follow me! Instagram | @cocomocoe TikTok | @cocomocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com Follow the official "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9?si=e4dc55829d754ad0&nd=1&dlsi=d97fc2d2e8c64f95 Executive Producers: Coco Mocoe & Trinna Tracy Videographer: Operation Podcast Editor: Creator Comfort | Sammi Social Creator: Coco Mocoe Filming Location: Spotify LA Comment below what music artist you think is next to take off! | |||