Bringin' it Backwards

On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, host Adam Lisicky reconnects with Caroline Grace Vein (Blondestandard) for an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and the journey of an artist. Nearly three years after her breakthrough debut "Blue Eyes," Caroline opens up about navigating health challenges—including a diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma just after graduating college—and how they shaped her music and perspective.

She shares how those experiences led to a deeper, more authentic songwriting process, the evolution of her sound from bubblegum pop to alternative rock, and the impact of community and collaboration in her work...

Welcome back to Bringin' It Backwards, the podcast where we dig deep into the journeys that turned aspiring artists into legends—and where you get the inside story, straight from the source. On this episode, host Adam Lisicky sits down with Waylon Reavis of A Killer's Confession, a voice you might recognize from his iconic run fronting Mushroomhead.

Waylon opens up about growing up in rural North Carolina, where the dream of becoming a musician seemed out of reach—until a jam session with friends at 15 changed everything. He walks us through the hard-earned steps from garage band...

If you've ever wondered what happens when an artist goes all-in—risking comfort for creativity, clarity for chaos, and ultimately, artistic evolution—this episode of Bringin' It Backwards is for you.

Adam Lisicky sits down for a long-awaited catch-up with Hannah Fairlight, the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and actor whose journey takes us from her small-town roots to international adventures, reality TV twists, and standing ovations at iconic venues like CBGB's. Three years since her last visit (and the release of Muscle and Skin), Hannah returns to share what she's discovered since: motherhood, sobriety, and most importantly, a brand new...

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam sits down with Zahna—a resilient rock artist whose journey is anything but typical. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Zahna moved with her family to Ohio before spending a pivotal year in Mexico to reconnect with her roots. After settling in Texas, music quickly became her passion, from musical theater to high school battle of the bands.

But Zahna’s story goes much deeper than band stages and studio sessions. She opens up about facing—and overcoming—a serious genetic kidney disease, receiving a life-saving transplant from her mom, and navigating...

On this episode of "Bringin' it Backwards," Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Gannon Fremin of Gannon Fremin and CCREV for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about chasing dreams, building a band from the ground up, and the realities of making it in the music industry. Gannon shares how growing up in a tight-knit, musical family in South Oklahoma shaped his early love for music—he didn’t even realize playing guitar wasn’t something every kid did! We dive into the roots of the band, from impromptu jams at family reunions to forming Cross County Revenue (the original CCREV...

What does it take to turn a love of music into a thriving band, and why do some artists find their truest path only when they let go of what they thought they wanted? On this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam sits down with Oliver Pierce and Isaac Midleton from New Translations—a rising Nashville band whose journey defies convention and expectations.

Oliver grew up in Kentucky, Isaac in Chihuahua, Mexico (where he met bandmate Ben), but fate brought them together on orientation day at Western Kentucky University. Both came from religious upbringings and backgrounds in mu...

Welcome back to Bringin’ It Backwards, the podcast where rising and legendary artists share their real stories and spill the secrets behind their journeys to stardom. In this episode, Adam welcomes back singer-songwriter Cate Turner for an unprecedented fourth appearance—making her the reigning record holder for most visits to the show!

Cate first joined us in 2021, and since then, her story has been anything but stagnant. We pick right up where we left off, diving into the whirlwind of the last few years: the release of her two-part EP, the deeply personal aftermath of losing her fath...

From writing diss tracks in high school to racking up over 150 million streams on Spotify, Chri$tian Gate$ has carved out a lane of his own in the music world—powered by authenticity and a bit of bravado. On this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky take you backstage with Chri$tian as he shares how a childhood surrounded by music transformed into a songwriting obsession, and why building drama in school actually helped get his music heard.

Chri$tian gets real about creating viral moments on TikTok, the keys to turning fleeting attention into...

From viral TikTok moments at Coachella to a billboard stunt that had the internet talking, IZZA's been turning heads with her creative, bold approach to pop music—and storytelling. In this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Los Angeles-born IZZA as she shares her journey from growing up in Encino surrounded by music-loving parents, to diving into songwriting at age thirteen and studying music business at USC.

IZZA opens up about the challenges of finding her feet as an independent artist, from teaching herself music production so she could make her own demos, to n...

What happens when a teenage metalhead from a quiet Swedish suburb grabs a guitar, jumps on a local bus with his friends—and some of the biggest names in Scandinavian metal—and decides to rewrite the soundtrack of modern metal? On today’s episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Mikael Stanne of legendary band Dark Tranquility for a candid, unfiltered look at three-plus decades in the scene, from cassette tape trading and fighting over synth vs. metal in the schoolyard, to accidentally inventing the “Gothenburg Sound” alongside fellow icons At the Gates and In Flames.<...

What does it really take to leave home, risk it all, and start over in the heart of country music? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with rising country artist Charly Reynolds for a candid look at her journey from growing up in Orlando, Florida—where Disney magic and country music mixed in unexpected ways—to hustling her way onto Nashville’s famed Broadway stages.

Charly opens up about the real struggles (and not-so-glamorous jobs at Chick-fil-A) that paved the road from high school release shows to playing the Wildhorse Saloon...

Ever wondered what it takes to bridge the worlds of punk, literature, rock climbing, and cinematic music videos? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam sits down with Nik Leuthold of the band NONEXISTER for an honest conversation that pulls back the curtain on an extraordinary artistic journey. Growing up in Zurich with a feminist author as a mother, Nik was a published co-author by age 12, and soon found himself immersed in the gritty, heart-driven world of DIY punk and hardcore scenes. But his story didn’t stop there—rock climbing and running a venue in the Spanish mounta...

From a babysitter spinning New Found Glory records in South Florida to sharing stages with Simple Plan and State Champs, Jonathon Fraser—better known as Northbound—has crafted a story of indie grit, pop-punk spirit, and relentless drive. In this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Jonathon to trace his journey from anxious high schooler in Fort Lauderdale’s DIY scene to full-time solo artist in Los Angeles.

Jonathon opens up about the early days: burning CDs of bedroom-recorded singles, DIY touring in borrowed vans as a teenager, and navigating the uncertai...

What happens when a small-town kid with a love for the stage dares to dream big? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera sit down with Jay, the creative force behind Vienna Vienna, to unravel his incredible journey from a tiny mountain town near Fresno to landing a record deal with Pete Wentz and hitting the road with K.Flay.

Jay opens up about his artistic roots—growing up surrounded by music, breaking into local open mics in middle school, and finding his real home on stage. He shares what it was like studying song...

On this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Henry Cox, frontman of Boston Manor, for an honest, no-frills conversation about how a kid from Blackpool, England went from drumming in jazz band and playing school musicals to leading one of modern rock’s most dynamic acts. Henry opens up about his unlikely entry into music—being the kid without a musical family, drawn into the world of drums and early 2000s hip hop via grainy basketball highlight reels. From there, he shares stories of forming Boston Manor, roughing it on early UK tours, and that surrea...

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Jake from In Hearts Wake for a raw, insightful look at his unusual journey from the creative beaches of Byron Bay to the international heavy music scene. Jake opens up about growing up surrounded by artists—his mom, a tarot card reader; his “bonus dad,” a hardcore punk frontman—and how the wild energy of side-stage moments at legendary shows set him on the path to forming In Hearts Wake, his first and only band.

From recording DIY demos for school art projects to traveli...

Aaron Fink is back—and he's bringing a fresh chapter to his already multi-faceted music journey. On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky catch up with Aaron over Zoom in his third appearance on the podcast. This time, it's all about his new solo album, The Invisible Line, and the creative process behind it.

Aaron pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to juggle projects—from his time with Breaking Benjamin, to reuniting with Lifer, recording with Earshot, and finding his artistic voice as a solo act. He dives into the realit...

On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with rising R&B artist Twin Hector for a candid, inspiring conversation about his journey from Dayton, Ohio to Atlanta—and into the national spotlight. Twin Hector opens up about his lifelong connection to music, sharing how he and his twin brother wrote their first school anthem as kids, which led to early recognition and support from teachers and classmates.

From those grassroots beginnings, Twin and his brother took social media by storm in high school, eventually notching a platinum record and hundreds of mi...

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, hosts Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with the rising Greek-American pop sensation Evangelia for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation straight from the Greek islands. Born in New Jersey but raised between the US and Crete, Evangelia shares how a childhood spent split between two worlds—and summers on her grandmother’s farm—ignited her love for music and culture. She opens up about her journey from teaching special education in New Jersey to making the full leap into music after an unexpected layoff.

Evangelia gives us a front-row seat to her t...

On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Ivy and Mabel, the sister duo behind the stunning folk act Charm of Finches. Hailing from the heart of Melbourne, Australia, these two share what it was like growing up in a musical family—complete with a mom who led choirs and once performed electronic music standing on her head! From busking as kids outside their dad’s veggie shop to recording their very first EP at just 12 and 14, and then emerging as one of Australia’s most beloved new folk acts, Ivy and Mabel walk u...

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with fast-rising singer-songwriter Avery Lynch for an open and honest conversation about her remarkable journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to the heart of LA’s music scene. Avery opens up about how her musical gift was discovered at just five years old, when she could play songs by ear on her childhood keyboard, and how those early talents eventually led her to the Berklee College of Music—and some unconventional ways of making the most out of her college experience.

Avery reveals how hi...

What does it take to grow up loving music in a non-musical household—and still carve your way onto one of heavy music’s most respected labels? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Joe from Lightworker for a no-holds-barred conversation about humble roots in Redwood City, navigating sketchy Bay Area venues as a teenager, and learning to channel creative urges through violin and guitar—even if it meant skipping lunch to buy new CDs.

Joe opens up about his evolution from writing songs alone to forming Lightworker, grinding through DIY rele...

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—watch HERE...

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 Interscope / Isl...

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 in imperfections and embracing...

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...