Bringin' it Backwards

What happens when you tell the world you're going to be a singer at age five—and then actually make it happen? In this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Alexandra (Lexi Norton) of Echos to uncover the story behind her music journey that started in a small town outside Portland, Oregon, and has taken her all the way to millions of streams and a dedicated global fanbase. Lexi opens up about the early validation she received from family and strangers in her hometown, the importance of delusional belief on the path to becoming an artist, and how Echos was literally started through a Twitter DM—a connection that would put them on the map with chart-topping tracks on Hype Machine. We talk about finding her voice as a shy kid, why songwriting has always felt like her diary, and how she navigated Echos' evolution from a viral online duo to a full-fledged band, especially after her original partner amicably left the project. If you've ever wondered what it feels like to see your music on a show like Love Island, or why letting vulnerability drive your lyrics matters, this conversation is full of honest, grounded insight that will resonate with anyone chasing a creative dream. Make sure to follow and subscribe to Bringin' it Backwards for more stories straight from the artists themselves!

Get ready to see a side of OK Go you've never heard before. On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Damian Kulash, frontman of the Grammy-winning icons behind some of the most creative music videos ever made. From growing up in the DC punk scene, finding his voice at Interlochen camp, to building OK Go's signature blend of jaw-dropping visuals and infectious pop hooks, Damian Kulash brings you into the heart of what makes the band tick. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting to know OK Go, this episode goes deep: how a love of visual art became part of OK Go's DNA, why "Love" and its mirror-and-robot video nearly took years to piece together, and what it feels like to hear your own songs in a whole new way once the world gets a hold of them. It's not just about music— it's about connection, creativity, and trusting that "the thing only you can do" is the path worth walking. If you want insight on career longevity, balancing parenthood with creative ambition, and tips for aspiring artists straight from Damian Kulash himself, you can't miss this conversation. Welcome to Bringin' It Backwards—the podcast that takes you behind the scenes with legendary and rising artists, and shows you how stardom is really made. Don't forget to listen, subscribe, and join the conversation!

What if your entire journey as a musician started with a Lindsay Lohan movie? On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Chris Kelly of Hillhaven, who opens up about growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, finding inspiration in the unlikeliest places (think Freaky Friday), and the rocky path from bedroom guitarist to fronting his own band. Chris Kelly shares how music was always swirling around his family—even if it wasn't always encouraged as a career—and how a chance at the original School of Rock set him on a path that took him from playing Pink Floyd covers as a kid to headlining real venues in Philly before the age of 14. You'll hear how he built his skills through countless bands that fizzled, what it takes to assemble a dream team of seasoned musicians when you're starting a new project in your thirties, and his honest, sometimes vulnerable take on stepping into the spotlight as a lead vocalist for the first time. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of launching a new band, navigating creative insecurities, and the lessons Chris Kelly learned the hard way, you'll want to stick around for this episode. Don't forget to subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards for more unfiltered stories from the artists shaping tomorrow's music.

What happens when you're the first in your family to chase a dream everyone else kept secret? On this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Indian singer-songwriter and producer Nikitaa—an artist who grew up in Mumbai surrounded by music, yet never saw anyone actually turn their passion into a career. That is, until she decided to break the mold. From early poetry scribbled in a black diary, to piano lessons she begged her mom for, Nikitaa opens up about leaving home for Los Angeles with more ambition than a plan, stepping into LA's music scene wide-eyed, and debuting music that unexpectedly racked up thousands of streams and editorial playlist placements. Hear her talk about weathering cultural expectations, why she learned to produce and engineer her own tracks during the pandemic, and the deeply personal, vulnerable stories behind her upcoming album—including the healing power she found in telling her own truth through songwriting. This is not just a conversation about music. It's about risk, being your own advocate, the joy (and terror) of finally being seen, and learning to trust your voice—especially when you're the very first one in your family to use it. If you're someone looking for road-tested insight on finding authenticity in your music career, hit play and subscribe to Bringin' it Backwards wherever you get your podcasts.

On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Doobie, an artist whose raw blend of rock and hip hop—and brutally honest storytelling—has built a dedicated fanbase. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Doobie shares how a childhood filled with his mom's eclectic music—from Metallica to Tupac—sparked his love for genre-bending sounds. He opens up about writing poetry as a kid, turning those words into rap verses, and eventually teaching himself beat-making and engineering in high school. The conversation digs deep into how one chance encounter with a local DJ completely changed his career, how touring with Jelly Roll and Yelawolf shaped him as an artist, and the wild, almost-derailed journey behind his breakout track "When the Drugs Don't Work"—a song that exploded on YouTube and changed his life overnight. Doobie gets vulnerable about his battles with addiction, finding purpose in recovery, and pushing his music head-first into a bold, rock-driven direction ("Early Bird Gets the Whiskey" is just the beginning). If you're an aspiring musician (or just love real stories from artists on the rise), you'll find plenty of inspiration—and unfiltered truth—right here. Stick around to hear advice you won't get anywhere else, and don't forget to subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards for more backstage stories from today's most compelling artists.

What does it really mean to grow up in a household where songwriting isn't just a passion—it's the family business? On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with rising Nashville artist Cecilia Castleman for a raw, insightful look into her journey from Franklin, Tennessee's cow fields to the brink of her debut album release. From picking up a guitar at age six (instead of a twenty-dollar bill for the mall) to landing a publishing deal at eighteen, Cecilia Castleman and Cecilia Castleman share how a musical family, relentless work ethic, and a willingness to keep her art sacred shaped not only her sound, but the way she moves through the industry. She opens up about backseat sessions with her songwriter mom and philosophical kitchen-writing with her dad, the years-long process of choosing which "secrets and thoughts" would finally make it onto her first record, and even what it felt like to work with legendary producer Don Was after years of dreaming. In this conversation, you'll hear stories of fighting perfectionism, the struggle to stay true when comparison sneaks in, and the vulnerable process of turning personal experience into shareable art. Whether you're an aspiring musician or just a fan of great storytelling, this episode peels back the layers on what it takes to forge a musical career when "making it" means being both tough and totally yourself. Tune in to hear Cecilia Castleman's advice for artists learning to "hold your ground," her reflections on the highs and lows of chasing the dream, and why sometimes the right guitar riff and an honest lyric is all you need. Don't forget to subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards on your favorite platform and follow @BringinBackPOD for more inspiring interviews!

On this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Calvin Langman of The Happy Fits for a candid, electric conversation about growth, vulnerability, and the wild ride from local family jams to viral indie stardom. Calvin—who grew up on a DIY farm in West Jersey surrounded by musical siblings—shares how he went from goofing off with parody songs inspired by Weird Al to writing the band's breakout EP during high school. What started as a passion project quickly skyrocketed as their DIY artwork accidentally landed them on Spotify's US Viral charts and brought offers from major labels. Calvin opens up about the pressure of early success, taking the leap to leave school for music, and how the band found a new sound after pivotal lineup changes. The episode dives into the making of The Happy Fits' newest album "Love Sick," revealing the creative process behind integrating female vocals and chasing honest, personal stories in songwriting. Calvin is vulnerable about navigating big life transitions—from sobriety to heartbreak and moving to Brooklyn—showing how all those moments fueled his songwriting and the band's explosive chemistry. Whether you're an aspiring musician or a fan, this episode is packed with advice on building a supportive team, embracing change, and staying true to your passion for music. Hit play and discover how The Happy Fits are stronger than ever—ready to kick off their new tour and share their next chapter with the world. Don't forget to subscribe to Bringin' it Backwards for more authentic stories from your favorite artists!

What happens when everything you thought your music career would be takes a sharp left turn—not once, but over and over again? On this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with the wildly talented Alexandra Savior for an honest, vulnerable conversation about reinvention, resilience, and staying true to her creative self through the ups and downs of the music industry. Alexandra opens up about her journey from rainy Vancouver, Washington to New York Fashion Week as a teenager—thanks to an unexpected shoutout from Courtney Love—and the whirlwind that followed: signing with Columbia, writing sessions in London, and nearly missing her high school graduation due to flights to L.A. and New York. She tells us what it was like to nearly become the "pop star" execs wanted, only to realize she needed to find her own path. Alexandra reflects on the challenges following her debut, riding the waves of being dropped by her label, and how a chance call from Danger Mouse and a creative partnership helped spark her next chapter. We dive deep into her latest project, Beneath the Lily Pad, where her songwriting explores personal themes like mental health, isolation, and searching for identity, all crafted in the most DIY way imaginable. From painting album covers in her kitchen to building a direct connection with fans through handwritten letters and custom merchandise, Alexandra's story is one of artistic integrity, vulnerability, and never giving up—even when the world shuts down. Get ready for an episode filled with music industry real talk, behind-the-scenes moments, and advice you won't find on TikTok. Hit subscribe, lean in, and listen to Alexandra Savior's incredible journey—only on Bringin' it Backwards.

Welcome back to Bringin' It Backwards, the podcast where legendary and rising artists share their stories before the stardom. In this episode, Adam Lisicky sits down with Elliot—better known as M.A.G.S.—to talk about reinvention, collaboration, and finding new creative life in familiar songs. A couple years after his album Destroyer made waves, M.A.G.S. returns to discuss his latest project, Creator—a reimagined record featuring ambient, genre-crossing versions of the original tracks. For the first time, he opened up his process to collaborators and crafted the entire album in just nine days, with each song emerging from a blend of spontaneous inspiration and experimentation in Chicago. Adam and M.A.G.S. dig into the impact of growing up in a musical family, the challenges of band life, and the transformation that comes with letting go of creative control. The conversation is packed with insights on collaboration, personal growth, and the delicate balance between career and passion. Plus, M.A.G.S. shares personal advice for aspiring artists and the excitement about opening for indie legends American Football. If you're hungry for real stories about artistic reinvention and chasing your creative spark, don't miss this episode. Be sure to subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards for more conversations that go way deeper than the music.

On this episode of "Bringin' It Backwards," Adam Lisicky sits down with Wesko, a country artist whose music journey is anything but typical. Growing up in a tiny town in eastern North Carolina with no musical lineage, Wesko didn't even pick up a guitar until he was 19—and that was just to find some therapy during a stressful period in his life. What started as late-night YouTube tutorials in his parents' backyard quickly turned into songwriting sessions, local gigs, and, eventually, viral TikTok moments that would help launch his career. Wesko shares how he went from working blue-collar jobs and going to college to signing with Warner Records—all while battling self-doubt and a literal hand injury right before signing his first big deal. He chats openly about building a fanbase from scratch through social media, playing to empty dive bars, and what it's like moving from home studios to recording with major producers in Nashville. Plus, you'll hear the stories behind his "Lost Boys" EP and his upcoming project, revealing why his music is all about real-life struggles, sacrifices, and the power of holding on even when life gets tough. If you're an aspiring artist looking for inspiration—or just a fan of honest, rootsy storytelling—you won't want to miss this conversation. Stick around to hear Wesko's best advice for breaking through, staying true, and never giving up.