Bringin' it Backwards

What happens when an artist steps away from their craft, finds themselves again, and returns with a renewed sense of joy and creative purpose? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, host Adam Lisicky reconnects with the incomparable Gavin Turek, just weeks after the release of her brand-new album, Diva of the People.

It’s been three years since Gavin first joined the show to talk about her debut album, Madam Gold—a time shaped by struggle, transformation, and the challenges of releasing music during the pandemic. In this candid conversation, Gavin shares how that era left her ex...

On this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Sean Ulbs of The Eiffels sits down with Michael Fitzpatrick—better known as Fitz, frontman of the chart-topping band Fitz and the Tantrums. Fitz gets real about his long and winding road through the music industry, from years of rejection and heartbreak to risking it all—both emotionally and financially—on one more shot at his dream. He shares how a vintage organ and a single inspired rehearsal launched the band that would eventually bring us hits like “HandClap,” “The Walker,” and “Out of My League.”

Fitz opens up about the creative process...

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam sits down with the inspiring Britnee Kellogg for a candid look at her journey from a “non-musical” family in Vancouver, Washington, to viral success and a brand new album. Britnee shares how a life-changing Johnny Cash and June Carter concert at just six years old set her path, the realities of balancing motherhood with musical dreams, and the bumps along the road — from American Idol to a Taylor Swift contest that took her to Nashville. She opens up about her viral TikTok moments, the pressure of chasing the next big hit, and the...

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam sits down with Joshua Aubrey Jackson, the creative force behind the indie project Make Sure. Broadcasting from his hometown of Opelika, Alabama, Josh opens up about his journey from discovering music through his older siblings’ hand-picked mixes to teaching guitar to the next generation of musicians. He shares how his earliest experiments in home recording and high school band projects eventually led him to develop a more intentional, polished sound with Make Sure—a project that landed him a deal with Tooth & Nail Records.

Josh dives into the evolution of his...

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam sits down with TAVE—an acclaimed London-born producer and songwriter who’s now stepping boldly into the spotlight as a solo artist. You might recognize TAVE’s name from his Grammy-nominated work on Black’s album "Since I Have a Lover," but this episode is extra special—it's TAVE’s very first interview ever.

Adam leads TAVE through his story, from discovering the piano at age five thanks to an abandoned upright in his family’s London home, to working the church musician circuit, eventually landing gigs on world tours with acts...

What happens when a message meant for the wrong drummer leads to the right band? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Andres and Patrick of Stockholm’s own Self Deception to unravel a musical story packed with serendipity, stubborn determination, and fearless reinvention.

From awkward high school musicals to their earliest days hustling through Stockholm’s music scene, Andres and Patrick talk candidly about band origins, creative breakthroughs, and why they never fit neatly into Sweden’s rock landscape. It’s not all easy—Andres opens up about lonely beginnings, bold gestures for...

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera catch up with rising indie-pop artist Gigi Perez for a candid and inspiring conversation about her journey over the last two and a half years. When they first had Gigi on the show, she was just breaking out—she hadn’t yet released her debut EP, and she was still figuring out her sound. Since then, Gigi’s world has turned upside down: she’s experienced viral success, lost her record deal, moved back in with her parents, and—against the odds—taught herself how to engineer and record her own full-l...

Guests: 
Mikaila Delgado, singer, songwriter, and frontwoman of Yours Truly.Teddie Winder-Haron, lead guitar of Yours Truly.

Guest's Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Punk, Emo.

Episode Topic: Yours Truly’s Mikaila Delgado opens up about band transitions, finding her voice through vulnerability, and the honest evolution behind their latest album.

Key Themes Discussed:
Navigating the emotional and creative aftermath of losing founding band members and how that uncertainty shaped the band’s new chapter.The catharsis and honesty in songwriting—using music to process public and private breakups, professional splits, and the challen...

Guest: Elijah Woods, chart-topping singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.

Guest's Genre(s): Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Indie Pop.

Episode Topic: Elijah Woods returns to discuss his artistic evolution since going solo, building creative independence, and the freedom of running his own label while looking ahead to his most intentional album yet.


Key Themes Discussed:
Navigating the transition from successful duo (Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine) to forging his own solo path—musically, emotionally, and professionally.

The realities and rewards of owning his masters and running his own independent label after major label ex...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Lyn Lapid over Zoom video!

Gold-Certified singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Lyn Lapid releases her long-awaited debut album, BUZZKILL, via Mercury Records—listen HERE. The 12-track album features her recently released singles “death wish,” “i’ll be happy when,” “coraline” and “buttons,” as well as the new title track, “buzzkill,” which is unveiled today alongside the official music video—watch HERE. Known for marrying her honest and vulnerable storytelling through both lyrics and visuals, Lyn released mini-trailers for each of the songs on the album leading up to the release, which culminated into the official album trailer...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Elliot James Reay over Zoom video!

23-year-old singer, guitarist, and songwriter Elliot James Reay returns with the irrepressibly upbeat new single, “Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin.” The soulful cut is built on an old school premise: Reay’s partner fears he’s been unfaithful when really he was just out dancing the night away. The song’s music video brings that scenario to life and pays homage to the Northern Soul dancing scene still thriving in Reay’s hometown of Manchester, UK. “Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin” is available now at via Interscop...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Christian Hayes over Zoom video!

Capitol Records recording artist Christian Hayes has poetically drawn on his life experiences growing up in the foothills of Appalachia since his grandfather gifted him his first journal at seven years old. While his debut EP Last I Love You, released in September, followed Hayes’ journey navigating heartbreak and growing up, he’s now offering an upbeat new song underscoring the beauty of finding love in imperfection with “Wildflower,” available now.

Self-written by Hayes, the concept for “Wildflower” was born from Hayes’ observation of seeing beauty found i...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Highly Suspect over Zoom video! 

Never content to follow, Highly Suspect push rock music forward by trusting their instincts and raising a middle finger to everything else. The multi-GRAMMY® Award-nominated and gold-certified band - Johnny Stevens [vocals, guitar], Ryan Meyer [drums, vocals], Rich Meyer [bass, vocals], Matt Kofos [guitar] and Mark Schwartz [keyboards/guitars] - don’t just talk about burning the rules and breaking the mold; they actually do so.

The band’s chemically imbalanced mix of gritty guitars, haunting piano, off-kilter synths, hip-hop production, cinematic vision, and beautifully posses...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Bo Staloch over Zoom video! 

Capitol Records will release Bo Staloch’s The Garden, a stunning six-song showcase of visceral alt-folk and Americana. Family means everything to the Austin-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter – it was their unconditional love and support that encouraged him to pour his soul into music while he was still in high school. On the EP’s profound title track, released today, Staloch pays it forward, declaring to the next generation, “When the sky falls down give the pieces to me / I’ll hold you like the moon til you fall asleep.” Li...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Fastball over Zoom video!

Formed in 1994 in Austin, Texas, Fastball combined a fondness for melodic, Beatles-inspired pop with the alternative aesthetic of late-'90s mainstream rock. Guitarist/vocalist Miles Zuniga, bassist/vocalist Tony Scalzo, and drummer Joey Shuffield — all veterans of Austin's underground rock scene — originally banded together under the name Magneto U.S.A. After signing with Hollywood Records, the musicians changed their name to Fastball and released their debut album, Make Your Mama Proud, in 1996. The album demonstrated the band's synthesis of modern flavor and bygone pop hooks, a combination that...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Cali Tucker over Zoom video!

Daughter of renowned recording artist LaCosta Tucker and niece of the famed Tanya Tucker, Cali Tucker hails from Nashville, Tennessee and has been hitting full throttle throughout her career. She gained national recognition on Season 6 of The Voice after joining Team Blake and becoming a finalist. Since then, she has risen to prominence as a headlining act in Las Vegas, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent as a live performer. Cali’s self-designed solo show is highly interactive, featuring her rich vocals, infectious humor, and dynamic stage pr...

We had the pleasure of interviewing joan over Zoom video!

Beloved alt-pop duo joan, who have garnered over 200 million global streams and more than one million monthly listeners across streaming platforms, have unveiled their latest single "face" via Photo Finish Records. Co-written with Cris Stayton and co-written/produced by joan—Alan Benjamin Thomas and Steven Rutherford—"face" began as an experimental writing session on Zoom. The collaboration quickly turned into something much more personal, capturing an honest and poignant reflection on the passage of time and the longing for lost moments.

"This song is about time and...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Sofía Valdés over Zoom video!

Acclaimed Panamanian singer-songwriter Sofía Valdés unveils her anxiously awaited self-titled debut album, Sofía Valdés, out now via Warner Records.

In bringing the 10-track album to life, Sofía worked extensively with producers Michael Uzowuru (known for his work on groundbreaking albums like Rosalía’s Motomami and SZA’s Ctrl), Alex Goose (Vince Staples, Childish Gambino) and Carter Lang (SZA, Lykke Li), as well as in-demand musicians like Local Natives guitarist Ryan Hahn and Diana Gordon.

From the epic “Ta...

We had the pleasure of interviewing sym fera over Zoom video!

Los Angeles-based sym fera are a duo that make atmospheric electronic rock music (reminiscent of early Nine Inch Nails) with an interesting twist - nobody knew who was in the band. This mysterious nature and captivating melodies had intrigued listeners, with their single 11/8 amassing over 400,000 streams. The song was also placed within the hit television series, Ozark, creating further interest in the band. The group recently released a remix package of 11/8 (orchestral and electronic remixes). sym fera recently  drop their newest single, ‘Beg’. At the same time as th...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Hudson Thames over Zoom video!

Prolific songwriter, performer, and actor Hudson Thames has shared his soul-soothing debut album BAMBINO, available to stream now on all DSPs worldwide via Loaded Dice Entertainment. The album is laced with moody pop anthems, deeply emotional ballads, and genuinely timeless songwriting, paying homage to icons like Elton John, Billy Joel, and Paul McCartney. It features standout tracks “Wrong,” “Cold Summer,” “Weight” (feat. Kelsey Karter) and “Man of the World,” which features Jamie Cullum and was produced by Stephan Moccio (The Weeknd, Miley Cyrus). 

“BAMBINO is an Italian term of...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Ziggy Alberts over Zoom video!

Ziggy Alberts is no stranger to success, having built a dedicated global following through a combination of steadfast touring, captivating songwriting, and an independent ethos that has seen him thrive without the backing of a major label. An artist who has mastered the acoustic charm of busking and intimate venues to the electrifying energy of sold-out world stages - all as a solo act - Alberts is now entering a new phase of his artistic journey with his seventh studio album, ‘New Love’.

From his earl...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Liang Lawrence over Zoom video! 

London-based singer-songwriter Liang Lawrence shares her new single “Kiss My Apocalypse” via The Other Songs. Featuring fuzzy, serotonin-boosting electric guitars, the new song is an unabashed declaration of love and commitment.

Lawrence said of the song: “‘Kiss My Apocalypse’ is probably the least casual way you could tell someone that you want to spend the rest of your life with them. I found it refreshing to write a love song that just simply puts my cards on the table and lets someone know how I feel.”

We had the pleasure of interviewing BØRNS over Zoom video!

Chart-topping, platinum recording artist BØRNS has shared his timeless new EP Honeybee, available to stream now on all DSPs worldwide. The release puts BØRNS’ full spectrum of songwriting on display, paying homage to 60s and 70s icons like Elton John, The Beach Boys, and ELO. Honeybee serves as a continuation of his journey from 2023’s Suddenly, but with a much warmer, uplifting energy after exploring the 6 stages of grief.

“This project is about finding love in new places, and it was incredibly exciting to create...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Slow Joy over Zoom video!

Slow Joy, the solo project of Dallas based, New Mexican born Chicano artist Esteban Flores, is thrilled to announce his first official US headline tour. The February 2025 run has Flores out supporting his Mi Amigo Slow Joy EP, which was released June 7th, 2024 via Mick Music. Produced by Mike Sapone (Oso Oso, The Front Bottoms), the EP earned Slow Joy the “Best New Band” designation in the Dallas Observer’s Annual “Best of Dallas” roundup and drew comparisons to The Pixies, Modest Mouse and Smashing Pumpkins.

Slow...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Hinder over Zoom video!

Lately, Hinder are feeling the intensity of a new energy. Nearly two decades into their career, the multiplatinum band hasn’t just endured as a fixture of modern rock—it’s evolved. The versatile Oklahoma City-based quartet creates emotionally compelling rock, from hard-hitting anthems to subdued, contemplative ballads. 

Now, the band is looking to the future. With the new single “Live Without It,” a soulful showstopper about letting go and moving on, taking the lead. Hinder’s story begins in 2001, when Cody Hanson (drums), Joe “Blower” Garvey (lead guit...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Grace Davies over Zoom video!

Grace Davies unveils her latest single 'Another Night,' a masterfully crafted, feel-good pop anthem which showcases her remarkable vocals and creative talent within songwriting & music production. The track's infectious energy immediately captivates listeners, creating an irresistible and timeless soundscape that will leave you instantly hooked.

Crafted in collaboration with producer Paul Whalley & topliner Ben Lythe, 'Another Night' draws inspiration from Grace's childhood musical influences, notably ABBA, infusing the track with a nostalgic, warm, fuzzy feeling that resonates deeply with us all. The production masterfully...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Haven Madison over Zoom video!

American Idol star, praised as the “next big Pop star” by one of the best-selling music artists in history, Katy Perry, Haven Madison recently released her latest single ‘Obsessed’ via 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group. The song follows the release of Madison’s label-debut EP, Turn Off All The Lights.

Most recently teasing the song in her live set, while on tour with New Hope Club, Madison is currently on the Young & Out of Love Tour with fellow American Idol fan-favorites Blake Proehl, Kaibrienne, and KAYKO - hitting...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Atlas Genius over Zoom video!

Australian-based brothers, Atlas Genius are thrilled to release their new album End of the Tunnel. The band has put together a special recipe for the new collection of songs. Album ingredients: Lost love, guilt, passion, a dash of social commentary, existential crises, reckless abandon, and honest self-criticism. May contain traces of lust.

2024 also marks the 11-year anniversary of the band’s debut album When It Was Now, which features top charting songs including the certified platinum “Trojans” which hit #3 on the US Alternative charts and “If So” w...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Ira Dean over Zoom video!

Ira Dean, is a multifaceted musician and acclaimed songwriter. Dean’s musical talent became widely recognized when he joined the dynamic country music trio Trick Pony in the late 1990s. Serving as the bassist and contributing vocalist for the group, Dean played a pivotal role in shaping Trick Pony's signature sound.

During his time with Trick Pony, Dean co-wrote some of their most successful songs, including "Pour Me," "On a Mission," and "Just What I Do." The trio's achievements, including winning the American Music Award for...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Lindsay Ell over Zoom video!

Platinum-selling singer, songwriter and musician Lindsay Ell releases her most personal and inspired music to date with her eagerly awaited EP, love myself, out now via Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company.  

The first project that Lindsay Ell has co-produced, love myself marks an artistic evolution in her sound and an awakening in her songwriting. Recorded in Brooklyn with producer Doug Schadt (Maggie Rogers), love myself is a collection of emotive alt-pop songs that cut deep with their vulnerability.  

“This project...

We had the pleasure of interviewing Amythyst Kiah over Zoom video!

GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah shares her new album, Still + Bright via Rounder Records. Produced by Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, Green Day and Weezer) and recorded at his Nashville studio, the 12-track album is a vital new addition to Kiah’s body of work, one largely dedicated to exploring the struggle and joy of true self-discovery. While her 2021 Wary + Strange details her grief, anger, and abandonment, Still + Bright is her liberation from the events of her earlier life, examining the vast expanse of her inner world, passions, self-exploration an...

We had the pleasure of interviewing BabyJake over Zoom video!

Florida-born Jake Herring, known professionally as BabyJake, may have appeared to be an overnight success, but his journey to the spotlight was anything but instantaneous. His hit single Cigarettes on Patios took off in 2019, garnering 200M+ streams and earning him a certified gold record and a major label deal. He would release two albums from the same vine, until the upheaval of the pandemic saw him splitting with his label and at a pivotal turning point.

But giving up...