Bringin' it Backwards

We had the pleasure of interviewing Tim Lopez aka Timothy Howls over Zoom video! Santa Barbara-born, Austin-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Tim Lopez is excited to unveil his new solo project under the moniker Timothy Howls. After writing dozens of songs, performing thousands of sold-out gigs, igniting several multiplatinum anthems and receiving two GRAMMY Award nominations with Plain White T's, the artist has uncovered another side of himself with his remarkable independent debut EP, The Rubble (out May 21st). Today, he introduces this body of work with the Adrian Quesada-produced (Black Pumas) and Jim Eno-mixed (Spoon) single, "Lightning From The Blue Sky." A snappy guitar riff strikes in tandem with the punchy beat before giving way to jazz-y piano as the artist sings with swagger and style. Pair that with a trippy, sci-fi, attack-of-the-fishman-style visual and you've got yourself a good look into the inner psyche of Timothy Howls – PRESS HERE to watch the official video and H ERE to read American Songwriter's "first look." The songs on The Rubble came to life in the middle of the pandemic while Tim took advantage of the time at home to record demos on Garage Band without any expectations. He penned tunes straight from the heart in search of a classic sound and inspired by some of his personal favorites including: Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Jeff Lynne, Traveling Wilburys, and Elliott Smith. Looking for a local collaborator during quarantine, he teamed up with Black Pumas guitarist and producer Adrian Quesada. They bonded over the direction and seventies-style musicianship and recorded a handful of tracks together. Tim personally handled guitar, bass, and some keys, and he eventually finished the EP with producer Sam Kearney before Jim Eno of Spoon handled mixing. "Timothy Howls is the best version of myself," says Tim Lopez. "The etymology of 'Lopez' is Latin for 'Wolf'. That's where Howls came from. This moniker has no expectations. This is a chance for me to get on stage, embody a new persona, and say, 'screw it'." In the end, Timothy Howls empowers Tim Lopez to shine like never before. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #timlopez #timothyhowls #plainwhitets #togetherathome #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwork Listen & Subscribe to BiB Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bringinbackpod/support Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/

We had the pleasure of interviewing Leo The Kind over Zoom video! Leo The Kindsure as hell is not wasting any time or energy on any "fake love" and neither should you. Showcasing the first single off his forthcoming album, 'Sorry Mrs. Jackson,' Leo Demands serious listeners in "Fake Love". Leo sets the scene with an upbeat, soulful rap song that will leave you no choice but to vibe and belt out how you are "not with the fake love". The chorus, verse, lyrics, and sound reveal Leo's journey to establishing his sound and honing his craft, allowing nothing to stop him from reaching his goals. He shows us the power and integrity within ourselves to pursue our passions without any distractions or transparencies. It is a powerful masterpiece that reminds us: if you want something, go out and get it. The sound and beat throughout the entire track is the epitome of authenticity and intoxication to match the drive in his lyrics. The song opens with a high-pitched synthetic beat and an electric xylophone accompanied by a strong electric percussion building throughout the entire song. Leo sings about his defiance of fake relationships in order to focus on his future, the beat and sound create a deep, passionate feeling to push forward and never look back. Not only will you be belting the chorus in the car but you may find yourself speeding down the highway as the beat strengthens and voices echo behind Leo's lyrics. "Fake Love" is Leo The Kind's first release of 2021 and the opening single to 'Sorry Mrs. Jackson'. After kick-starting his music career back in 2016, he is excited to continue pursuing his passion for making music that makes people feel good and shaping the way for other like-minded, independent talent. About Leo The Kind: Massachusetts native, Leo The Kind is a self-taught singer, songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist. Leo first discovered his musical prowess at the age of 9, making beats on his Playstation 2. He caught the attention of Grammy Award Winning producer and songwriter Swagg R' Celious (H.E.R., Kehlani) and his Grammy Nominated production partner Keithen "Bassman" Foster. Leo's sound is described as alternative hip-hop driven by playful harmonies and lyrically touching upon modern urban culture. Debut EP, out Summer 2020, is a distributive discography dedicated to Leo's way of living, staying true to himself as a one of a kind artist. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #leothekind #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwork Listen & Subscribe to BiB Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bringinbackpod/support Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/

We had the pleasure of interviewing Nashvillains over Zoom video! Nashvillains, a powerhouse trio of musicians began in the mind of Brett Boyett. From the band's inception Brett, Troy Johnson, and Scott Lindsey have sought to create a new musical landscape by blurring lines between genres, bending the rules of convention and expanding the boundaries of country music. The Nashvillains hail from Katy Texas, Beaver Damn Kentucky and Evergreen Colorado. All 3 of these guys earned their stripes by playing honky-tonks, festivals and major stages through out The United States. They have all separately left their stamp in the music industry in different ways. They have written songs for country music royalty, feature films, and television shows, while individually pursing successful artist careers. Being fans of country music, pop, R & B, and rock the trio decided to approach this project from a different creative angle by pulling from their individual influences and diverse experience. When asked to describe their sound in an interview after a packed performance they quickly responded, "dark country with ingredients of cinematic music, while at the same time invoking the sounds trail blazed by the legendary bands, Pink Floyd, The Eagles and Johnny Cash." This group from flyover America is unleashing their unique brand of music for fans who are eagerly craving something unique that parallels the contemporary sounds of country music radio. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #BrettBoyett #TroyJohnson #ScottLindsey #Nashvillains #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwork Listen & Subscribe to BiB Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bringinbackpod/support Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/

We had the pleasure of interviewing Mob Rich over Zoom video! As much as the alt-pop duo's sound owes to the specific otherworldly chemistry shared by Los Angeles transplants Maxwell Joseph and Connor Pledger, the charming melancholy, adventurous soundscapes, and big hooks they conjure are built for everyone. MOB RICH makes intimate and bold music destined to build a broader community with kindred spirits. These are new anthems for the outcast. The band's full-length debut, Why No Why, is a collection of conversations in musical form, draped in an effervescent atmosphere. Careening between wry observations and sharply optimistic affirmations, MOB RICH demonstrates a commitment to artistic authenticity on the record, on the stage, and screens big and small. Straightforward hooks, with flourishes of grand theatricality, collide with existential themes and joyful whimsy. As people and musicians, Connor and Maxwell examine humankind's inherent need for belonging, the seemingly overwhelming obstacles of anxiety and depression, and feelings of ostracization and "otherness." The confessional nature of MOB RICH's songs, combined with darkly comedic self-awareness, is immersive and pure. Substream Magazine observed, "there's both a carefree attitude and some serious life discussions peppered in." Emotional honesty and a keen sense of humor are vital pieces of the MOB RICH puzzle. The duo draws favorable comparisons to Tame Impala and early MGMT. A rhythmic punch like TØP and a swagger akin to Oasis intermingle in MOB RICH. They count Grandson, Broods, and Bishop Briggs among their collaborators and comrades. Already a staple of tastemaker playlists and radio formats with buzzing singles "Get High" and "Yoko Ono," MOB RICH joined the Republic Records roster via the seasoned A&R maverick behind Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. Big bass and bigger drums are almost always part of the soundscape, with rich diversity built over the top of it. It was inevitable that, given the bond forged by Maxwell and Connor, MOB RICH would explore duality. They're optimistic that the comfort and confidence they've found in shared strengths and complementary differences will provoke and inspire. It's a phenomenon they've already witnessed in their short career and hope to expand. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #mobrich #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwork Listen & Subscribe to BiB Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bringinbackpod/support Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/

We had the pleasure of interviewing Brooklyn Michelle over Zoom video! Multi-talented recording artist and producer Brooklyn Michelle recently released her highly successful single and music video, 'Come Here,'. Originally released five years ago as a sample, via Soundcloud, the track quickly took off amongst listeners and Brooklyn's growing fan base. Unexpected of the song's massive success, Brooklyn quickly pulled the song, knowing all too well it deserved a proper release and instrumentals to accompany it. After months of perfecting the quality of the track, Brookly gave a proper release, accompanied by a music video. About Brooklyn Michelle Using her music as a coping mechanism, this San Antonio, Texas-based musician started writing her own songs and performing at the young age of 12. After years of struggling with undiagnosed diseases that led to mental illness, Brooklyn quickly put pen to paper and used music as the expressive outlet she needed to move forward in life. This was the creative process to her debut album, Lithium, which was a "beautifully chaotic" seven-year testimony to living with untreated Bipolar disorder. Currently, Brooklyn is set to release her long-awaited second album, Placebo, in the Fall of 2021. Continuing to use her music as a creative outlet based on personal experience, the album will focus on the struggles of falling flat on one's face and growing after a fallen relationship while dealing with the everyday struggle of a very serious mental illness. Contrary to her first album's contrasting moods, this album will follow the story through its tracks, providing a harsh reality at the start that eventually blossoms. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #BrooklynMichelle #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwork Listen & Subscribe to BiB Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bringinbackpod/support Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/

We had the pleasure of interviewing Valley over Zoom video! Valley is a Canadian indie pop group based in Toronto built up of Rob Laska on vocals, Michael (Mickey) Brandolino on guitar, Alex Dimauro on bass and Karah James on drums and vocals. "Like 1999" follows the smash EP, sucks to see you doing better, which Valley released last year and includes the honest banger, "hiccup" (which gathered 200,000 streams in the first 48 hours) and "nevermind." With only two other self-written, self-produced, debut releases under their belt (including their EP This Room Is White and full-length MAYBE), the band has collected nearly 71 million streams on Spotify alone, a 2020 JUNO Award Nomination, support slots with Lennon Stella and The Band Camino on sold out North American tours in 2019, and a confirmed support billing with LovelyTheBand once the tour world reopens. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwork Listen & Subscribe to BiB Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bringinbackpod/support Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/

We had the pleasure of interviewing Merk over Zoom video! Merk is the musical moniker of Auckland, New Zealand artist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Mark Perkins who began his career as a touring member of Tom Lark and Fazerdaze. Merk's recent singles "H.N.Y.B" and "GOD" have already earned critical acclaim spanning SPIN Magazine and BBC Radio 6. Today, he reveals new single/video "Laps Around The Sun'' alongside the announcement of his debut globally released album Infinite Youth due out April 9 on Humblebrag Records. This is a record that thrives on a certain simplicity of rhythm, melody, and lyric, and is compelled by contrast: pop songs influenced by art music, an album about adulthood that reflects heavily on what it is to be young, and a sonic world that is both expansive and deeply intimate. Pop songs that transcend the basic, disregard the complex, and zero in on the simple: Merk seeks to find where ABBA, The Beach Boys, The Carpenters, the Japanese City Pop of the late 70s and 80s meet. An album that will capture you on first listen and then reward your every repetition, Infinite Youth reintroduces Merk and invites you, warmly, into his orbit. Perkins learned the craft of recording and producing under the stewardship of Crowded House's (and now Fleetwood Mac's!) Neil Finn while working at Roundhead Studios. His debut album Swordfish went on to win Best Debut Album at the Taite Music Prize (New Zealand's equivalent of the Mercury or Polaris Prize), and led to tours with Cub Sport, Marlon Williams and Julia Jacklin in Australia and New Zealand. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #merk #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwork Listen & Subscribe to BiB Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bringinbackpod/support Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/

We had the pleasure of interviewing Wuh Oh over Zoom video! Scottish breakout composer, producer, performer, Wuh Oh has been creating a storm with his eccentric blend of pop, electronic, piano riffs and keyboard clicks coupled with his irreverent, in your face vocal delivery. With over a decade of classical flute and piano training, Wuh Oh has built a reputation around the oddities of his avant-garde, left-field productions, and collaborations with the likes of The Magician, Myd, Hudson Mohawke and more. Wuh Oh has gained recognition for singles including 'Saxy Beast', 'Softstyle', 'Zita', 'How Do You Do It', and 'Pretty Boy' (remixed by no other than Hudson Mohawke) as well as his remix of Myd's single 'Together We Stand' released via Ed Banger. The producer has recently been working on a plethora of remixes for the likes of Nothing But Thieves, Everyone You Know, Howl & Hum and more, with 2021 also set to bring in some exciting collaborations. The rising artist has already received unwavering support from some of the biggest names in the industry including Annie Mac, Pete Tong, Sega Bodega, Jamz Supernova, Dance System, Busy P, Ed Banger and key tastemaker platforms including i-D Magazine, Wonderland, Dummy, Crack, The Fader, Colors and Mixmag where he was named a 'One To Watch' artist for 2020. Wuh Oh has become renowned for his hyper-energetic live sets which see him merge DJing, prodigious keyboard playing and self-styled interpretive dance whilst performing in flamboyant custom-made outfits. Last year, the Glaswegian artist was set to perform at the likes of Glastonbury, Lovebox, Reading & Leeds, The Great Escape and more which have now been postponed due to current circumstances. Most recently he delivered 'Life', a collaboration alongside Belgian modern house selector, The Magician. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #wuhoh #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwork Listen & Subscribe to BiB Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bringinbackpod/support Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/

Together with American Songwriter and Sean Ulbs of The Eiffels, we had the pleasure of interviewing John Splithoff over Zoom video! John Splithoff recently self-released his debut album, All In. The long-awaited record is one that Splithoff has wanted to make since he first started writing music, and while the 11 songs were all created and completed before the arrival of COVID-19, their collective sense of love, longing and loneliness resonates even more personally and profoundly after this past year. Largely built from demos conceived alone in his apartment, Splithoff self-produced All In both at home in New York City, and in Los Angeles through a series of sessions with producers Aalias and Likeminds (Andy Grammer, Allen Stone, Emily King). Pairing deep revelations with arrangements that are "irresistibly smooth" (UPROXX), and vocal performances both "soaring and sensual" (American Songwriter), All In finds John Splithoff turning doubt into determination and self-reflection into celebration. Watch the video for "WGYG," a high point of the album's "pure infatuated joy" (Under the Radar), full of magnetic hooks, vocoder riffs and funk guitar rhythms that nod to formative influences like Daft Punk and Prince: https://found.ee/WGYGVideo For nearly a decade, John Splithoff has paved his own path to breakout indie pop and soul success, surpassing 100 million streams, cracking the Top 10 at AC radio, playing Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, and growing a cult following among fellow musicians (just earlier this month his song "Raye" was covered on American Idol). We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #johnsplithoff #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwork Listen & Subscribe to BiB Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bringinbackpod/support Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/

We had the pleasure of interviewing Pom Pom Squad over Zoom video! Pom Pom Squad (the Brooklyn-based four-piece led by the powerhouse Mia Berrin) announces the new album 'Death Of a Cheerleader' set to drop June 25th. A sonic collage of deeply personal odes to self-identity, raucous lashings against society's BS, and snapshots of messy, complicated and fraying love affairs, 'Death Of a Cheerleader' will be their first record following their recent signing to City Slang Records. Produced by Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties and co-produced by Berrin herself, it's a record that plays out like an exorcism in front of your bathroom mirror -- confronting the dark we've had planted within us and then ripping it out, all while watching every second of it. Equal parts grimy garage rock authenticity and swirling cinematic flourishes, 'Death Of a Cheerleader' explores the terrifying yet liberating topics of independent self-acceptance, smashing the white male patriarchy, being okay with not being okay, and fully embracing your own skin for the first time in your life — in a way, learning to become your own special kind of cheerleader. With Berrin at the creative helm, 'Death Of a Cheerleader' is a record for those struggling to find themselves and then shouting from the rooftops when they finally do. Mia Berrin spent her childhood trying to find where she fit right in the world, looking to the pop culture icons on TV in hopes of finding an image she connected to. She connected with the films of John Waters and David Lynch, loved the dark campiness found in Heathers, was in awe of the power of women like Courtney Love and Kathleen Hanna. Growing up as a female of color who would later in her life unearth and embrace her queerness, discussing and reconciling who she is with the perception of who people think she should be, has become a lifelong mission for Mia. But with the COVID pandemic changing the rules of how we all live, followed by the wave of protests against systemic racism and police brutality in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, Mia's world became more solitary, and she took this time of reflection to pay respect and homage to the people of color who helped lay the groundwork for the musician she is today. The likes of Sade, Billie Holiday, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, all ring a bell. All of these components throughout Mia's life have bonded together, fortifying a talent that for years has shaken NYC venues, and now is set to shake the world. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #pompomsquad #zoom #aspn #americansongwriter #americansongwriterpodcastnetwork Listen & Subscribe to BiB Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bringinbackpod/support Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/