Bringin' it Backwards

We had the pleasure of interviewing Ben Thatcher of Royal Blood over Zoom video! Royal Blood release their long-awaited third album Typhoons today via Warner Records. The four album singles and videos ("Trouble's Coming,""Typhoons," "Limbo," and "Boilermaker") leading up to the album have created an overwhelming global impact calling Typhoons the duo's best record to date. Upon the album's release, Royal Blood have already accrued over 50 million streams and the biggest US airplay of their career crashing into the Rock and ALT charts last fall and consistently raising for the past 30 weeks to the #1 position. When Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher sat down to talk about making a new album, they knew what they wanted to achieve. It involved a conscious return to their roots, back when they had made music that was influenced by Daft Punk, Justice, and Philippe Zdar of Cassius. It also called for a similar back-to-basics approach to what had made their self-titled debut album so thrilling, visceral and original. The album bursts into breathless attack when the fierce metallic grooves of "Who Needs Friends" hits an early visceral peak. Royal Blood further reference their fresh array of influences by deploying vocoder-effected vocals on "Million & One" and evoking the sound of a hyper aggressive, Prince influence on "Mad Visions." It ends with a final surprise in the shape of the stark piano ballad "All We Have Is Now," a vulnerable and revealing reminder to live in the moment. That new approach manifested itself in the duo's decision to produce the majority of Typhoons themselves. Already established as a fan favourite during their 2019 UK live shows, the studio version of "Boilermaker" was produced by Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme, the two bands having first connected when Royal Blood supported them on a massive North American tour. Meanwhile, the multiple Grammy Award-winner Paul Epworth produced "Who Needs Friends" and contributed additional production to "Trouble's Coming." We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #royalblood #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 Pistols At Dawn over Zoom video! Hard rock outfit PISTOLS AT DAWN have shared the second heavy-hitting single, "Crown," from their debut EP NOCTURNAL YOUTH which is out now. "'Crown' is about observing a majority of the world pursuing detrimental ways of life," jointly state PISTOLS AT DAWN. "It's about knowing better and seeing leadership continually fail those they lead. Too many in power are acting like foolish kings. 'Crown' is a push against apathy and ignorance and refusing to represent those ideologies. The video is a visual representation of the dystopian reality we find ourselves living in, a play on the pursuit of the 'golden idol,' and a rejection of the internal and external infrastructure that perpetuates this warped existence." PISTOLS AT DAWN recently spoke to their hometown daily paper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, about the band's reformation after a brief hiatus following the passing of original guitarist Mike Buffa and the chemistry between founders Adam Jaffe (drums), Devin White (guitars) and Billy Sullivan (bass) with new members Tommy Richardson (guitars) and VH1 Rockstar Supernova finalist Chris Pierson (vocals) while recording their new EP. NOCTURNAL YOUTH was recorded with producer Jeff Tomei (Smashing Pumpkins, Matchbox 20) and mastered by engineer Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More) and features four powerful and distinctive tracks which Outburn Magazine applaud for their "instantly catchy sing-along anthems and headbang inducing melodies." The EP's debut single "Voices" was released on March 5 and was revered by Indie Pulse Music for its "catchy and powerful chorus." We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #pistolsatdawn #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 Alannah McCready over Zoom video! Singer-songwriter Alannah McCready recently released her new single, "Something Like That." which was produced by Sterling "David" Gittens Jr., and written by McCready and Will Gittens. "Something Like That" offers a hopeful message of healing after a previous relationship while seeking a new partner that gives the love and respect that one deserves. McCready highlights the importance of holding romantic partners to higher standards and remembering self-love is key, "I'm stronger, and I know myself better, I'm not asking for too much." The new track showcases the versatility of McCready's voice and her ability to easily transition from her strong, rich lower vocal register to her effortless head voice. Relatable to anyone who has struggled after a break-up, McCready dives deeper into the message of the song, saying, "I feel like a lot of people, including myself, rattle off all of these outrageous things they 'want' and 'need' out of a relationship but in reality, we all just want the simple things that make us happy like spending quality time with each other and honesty," she continues touching on self-worth, "I am at a point in my life where anything less is just not going to work because I've had issues in past relationships.' " Nashville-based country musician Alannah McCready was born near Minneapolis, MN, and has loved a diverse range of music since a very young age. She attended the University of Madison, WI, on a full athletic scholarship for women's hockey. Her passion for music never left completely, yet her involvement with the college and pro sports worlds did not allow a great deal of time to pursue other interests. Upon graduating, McCready took a job doing PR for a sports management company in New York and began writing music again. Her uncle, a recording artist in Los Angeles, gave her a connection to a music producer in Nashville, who urged her to come to visit and test out a few songs. To her delight, she was told by professionals that, yes, she should be pursuing a professional musical path. She packed up her bags and moved south and has been honing her craft ever since. McCready is taking her can-do attitude and confidence learned from playing a primarily male dominated sport to her music career. She takes her creativity seriously but with a healthy dose of fun and playfulness for her craft. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #AlannahMcCready #Nashville #TN #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 Chantal Kreviazuk of Moon Vs Sun over Zoom video! Husband and wife duo Moon Vs Sun, who are GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and artist Chantal Kreviazuk and Our Lady Peace frontman, Raine Maida, has released "I'm Going To Break Your Heart," their brand new album and documentary of the same name. "This project is about how we came together and continue to grow together – through challenges and all, we are committed to cracking the love code. Even with that said, we know that no matter how much we love each other or how well we've learned how to love each other, one of us will inevitably die before the other and will leave the other with a broken heart, thus the title 'I'm Going to Break Your Heart,'" said Chantal Kreviazuk. Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Raine founded and fronts platinum-selling alternative rock stalwarts Our Lady Peace and has garnered four Juno Awards. Meanwhile, Chantal has received a GRAMMY® Award and three Juno Awards and released eight critically acclaimed solo albums. Behind the scenes, Chantal has worked with acts like Kendrick Lamar and Drake, while together the couple has penned hits for everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Carrie Underwood. In recognition of their contributions to charity and the arts, Raine and Chantal were both appointed to the Order of Canada in 2014. The documentary, I'm Going to Break Your Heart, captures the raw and wrenching journey these renowned singer-songwriters took to find their way back to each other. Filmed on France's isolated but romantic Saint Pierre et Miquelon island in the dead of winter, the documentary immerses viewers in their musical relationship, even as it exposes long-standing wounds and unresolved heartache. Ultimately, I'm Going to Break Your Heart is the true story of rediscovering love through creativity, in which music plays the lead role. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #ChantalKreviazuk #OurLadyPeace #RaineMaida #moonvssun #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 Small Black over Zoom video! Formed in 2009 as a bedroom recording project, Small Black first made waves with their eponymous debut EP. Recorded in the attic of singer Josh Kolenik's uncle's remote Long Island beach house/surfboard workshop, the EP served as an introduction to the group, with its pulsing patchwork of vintage synths and casio beats culminating in the breakthrough single "Despicable Dogs." This track cemented them as pioneers of Chillwave, the sound of which seemed to get its hooks into so much music across the 2010s. The project evolved into a fully-fledged touring act, consisting of Kolenik (vox/keyboards), Ryan Heyner (guitar/keyboards), Juan Pieczanski (bass/guitar), and Jeff Curtin (drums), and this live influence showed up in their debut LP on Jagjaguwar, 2010's New Chain. The loopy, weeded-out album found the band messing around with hip hop drums & samples, which they further explored on 2011's Moon Killer mixtape, collaborating with rapper Heems & remixing their own material through this kaleidoscopic lens. Years of hitting the road hard sent the band after a brand new sound & aesthetic with 2013's beloved Limits of Desire. Chasing the 80s pastiche of The Blue Nile & Talk Talk, SB upped their production chops, writing, recording & mixing the record from scratch, with the anthemic "No Stranger" & "Breathless" leading the way. Punctuated by the incredible visuals of directors Nick Bentgen and Yoonha Park, it was a huge step forward for the project. 2015's Best Blues, led by "Boys Life," followed further down this sophisti-pop path, adding more organic flourishes, choral samples & a little goth energy into the mix. 2020 finds Small Black back in the game with a brand new label, the vaporwave upstart 100% Electronica. Working again with mixer Nicolas Vernhes, the band's new record, Cheap Dreams is out now! 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 Jake Wesley Rogers over Zoom video! After quietly stirring up buzz as an independent pop phenomenon, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jake Wesley Rogers signs to Facet Records—the label founded by powerhouse mega songwriter Justin Tranter—in partnership with iconic Warner Records. To celebrate the news, Jake shares his major label debut single and music video "Middle of Love" today. This morning, Zane Lowe personally premiered the tune on his Apple Music 1 radio show. About Jake, Zane described him as "wildly talented" and "sometimes people are just born into it." About "Middle of Love," he called it a "fantastic song" and "songwriting at its finest." "Middle of Love" lives up to that high praise. Powered by propulsive piano and a stadium-size beat, the track leaps forward towards a massive refrain as he confesses, "I'm in the middle of love…in the middle of loving you." The visual echoes this energy, while Jake tells his own story punctuated by vivid nostalgic lyrics and undeniable delivery. Though the bulk of his music was written before the pandemic, several were finished in lockdown, with "Middle of Love" showcasing the power of Justin's mentorship and collaboration. He continues to pour out his heart on his forthcoming EP—coming soon. Born in Kansas City, MO, Jake Wesley Rogers combines skyscraping vocals, eloquent songcraft, and driving instrumentation to give pop a jolt of infectious integrity and soaring spirit. Generating 20 million-plus streams independently, he captivated a growing fanbase with various singles and the Evergreen EP [2017] and Spiritual EP [2019]. Attracting widespread acclaim, Atwood Magazine described "Little Queen" as "a triumphant anthem," while Ones To Watch raved, "What was once a young man finding his way through solitary expression, now emerges an artist embracing a new future standing on the shoulders of his own younger self with his phenomenal new EP, Spiritual." Eventually, Justin Tranter heard the powerful and poetic "Jacob From The Bible," fell in love with Jake's music, and signed him to Facet Records/Warner Records in 2020. Now, he kicks off his biggest, boldest, and brightest chapter yet with the single "Middle of Love" and more to come. Jake Wesley Rogers' bold music is queer storytelling refracted through a universal lens; it's inspired by the authenticity and artistry of his heroes like Adele, Regina Spektor, and Florence + the Machine. His songs are for everyone, but they're special treats for those who know and share his experiences. Jake has turned his most formative years into some of the most stunning and evocative music you'll hear this year. 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 Leo Black over Zoom video! Leo's introduction to hip-hop was picking up traction featuring artists like Joe Moses and Jay Rock on mixtapes. Leo subsequently took on dubstep, inking single deals with Never Say Die Records "Buss It" debuting #1 on Beatport and was followed by co-headlining a 61 date tour around the country. Leo produced sounds parallel to Travis Scott, Childish Gambino, and Skrillex. Leo's latest music producer credits are with OG Parker "Heard About Ya" on Four Vibes ep. Recently, Leo Black partnered with hip-hop mogul Dame Dash, completing the first season of his self titled show "The Leo Black Show" starring guests like Soulja boy and Trina. 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 K.Flay over Zoom video! Alt-rock's artful enigma K.Flay (the stage name of Kristine Flaherty) hurls fistfulls of theoretical paint at the modern music landscape by announcing her forthcoming EP 'Inside Voices', dropping June 11th via BMG. The GRAMMY-nominated musical changeling throws caution to the wind on the forthcoming collection, instead choosing to scream a primal roar of self-confidence across five tracks of fresh, biting self-expression. Kicking off this next phase in her already varied & exciting discography is the first single "Four Letter Words" - birthed from a very real moment in her life (cue the first line "I drank a liter of tequila in my bedroom, it's taking every ounce of power not to text you"), the song kicks off with a chugging guitar before erupting into a cathartic sonic explosion that evolves the manic loneliness felt post-breakup into finding the strength to confidentially say "FUCK YOU" to the one that didn't doesn't deserve you. In a fitting visual accompaniment, the artist rages out in her bedroom while two cartoon characters, IV (representing the 'id') and OV (representing the 'superego') wreak havoc on her psyche. It's a shape-shifter of a song that perfectly encapsulates the forthcoming EP's sonic variety and expression. Throughout the collection, K.Flay offers up a smorgasbord of colorful alternative art-pop -- unexpected, exhilarating, and truly one-of-kind, be it via "Dating My Dad" that features Barker on drums and examines how we repeat the same tired behaviors of those who raised us, or via the snarling "TGIF" that asks the listener to rethink society's tendency to "tune out" the bullshit going on in the world and boasts a heaven-sent solo from Tom Morello. The EP also features the clever and irreverent rap closer "My Name Isn't Katherine" (a comical reference to her issue with constantly being misnamed), and "Good Girl", a co-writing collaboration with Dan Reynolds and an infectious punk-tinged singalong about reaching your breaking point when it comes to politeness and finding the courage to not give a fuck anymore. The Chicago-born K.Flay's near-undefinable amalgamation of dark-electro soundscapes, art-pop sensibilities, spitfire rhymes, industrial rock backbone and versatile chameleon-like vocals has led the songwriter/artist/multi-instrumentalist to two GRAMMY nominations (Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for 'Every Where Is Some Where', and Best Rock Song for "Blood in the Cut"), tours alongside Grouplove, Imagine Dragons & Thirty Seconds To Mars, and festival spots at ACL Fest, Bonnaroo, Coachella, Treefort, and Riot Fest. She most recently dropped the three-song cover collection 'Don't Judge A Song By Its Cover' that included off-the-wall remakes of songs by Limp Bizkit, The Offspring & Green Day, and appeared on songs by Arkelles and Jax Anderson. 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 Madeline the Person over Zoom video! Imagine a world where pain dissolves into pops of color and trauma transforms into art meant to be passed along like a smile. Alt-Pop wunderkind Madeline the Person unlocks that world on her debut EP, CHAPTER 1: The Longing, out today on Warner Records. Sonically and visually, "I Talk To The Sky" brings listeners right into the heart of Personville—her rainbow-colored art emporium where all humans and all feelings are welcome to express themselves. In the clip, she bounces on a trampoline against a clear cloud-less blue sky. The video jumps from her in a valley ensconced by mountains to sitting on a bed in the middle of a field, clutching her teddy bear as she sings. The earthy beat underscores an emotionally charged elegy as she confesses, "I write down the things I wish I could say to you. I talk to the sky." Of the song, she recalls, "I wrote 'I Talk To The Sky' a couple of weeks after my dad passed away when I was 15. It felt really weird to want to talk to him about the fact that he had died, but he was the only person I actually couldn't talk to. So, at night, I told the sky everything I wanted to tell him, and I imagined the sky as the perfect messenger. The sky became my really good friend. Talking to the sky got me through the hardest point in my life, so I hope this song encourages others to try their own version of it. Talk to anything or anyone about your feelings, and you will be set free." Elsewhere on the EP, soft acoustic guitar wraps around her warm delivery on "Going Home." The project concludes with the standout "Gladly." As strings uphold delicate piano, she reveals, "So I'll tell you the secrets to survive, you just laugh and cry harder and scream to survive." Madeline the Person feels everything at once. Bright and colorful on the outside, the Houston, Texas native uses her music to express the more painful aspects of her world. Having built a substantial following on TikTok (nearly 500k followers) with covers of Frank Ocean, Phoebe Bridgers, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Joni Mitchell, Queen and more, the 19-year-old makes her first foray into original music with the release of her EP, 'CHAPTER 1: The Longing,' which includes the somber & evocative "As a Child," as well as "I Talk to the Sky," both deep reflections on grief & the loss of her father. With several more heartfelt releases in store for 2021, Madeline the Person is already shining as bright as the future that lies ahead. Now, Madeline The Person speaks for countless fans with CHAPTER 1 and much more to come… We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #foryou #foryoupage #stayhome #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 Parker Matthews over Zoom video! A powerful voice, wrapped in a sensual empathy. An empathy that draws from a tough childhood punctuated by physical and mental abuse, relentless bullying through school and a sexual assault at 14. For Parker Matthew's, music was his only escape from the experiences he endured. Raised in Pittsburgh, Matthews trained as a classical musician but followed his parents' desire to go to business school and get a job. So he did. But it didn't take long for music to whisper his name. He quit his job and booked a one-way ticket to LA to launch his career as a pop artist. He hasn't looked back. The intrinsic belief he has in himself to follow his dreams is a strong theme for brand Parker Matthews, as he explains; "I'm not your boy next door and I don't sing about easy themes. I firmly believe that self-belief is the most important ingredient you need if you want to succeed in life. But it is one of the most difficult states to achieve - especially if you are faced with adversity. I want my music to inspire and connect with people. To share the message that there is always hope and you can find and believe in your true self, no matter the circumstances." A highly empathetic artist, Parker Matthew's deeply vulnerable sound is reflective of his desire to bring people together and connect on a higher level. Inspired by the likes of Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Adele, Jennifer Hudson and Jessie J, his lyrics speak to those who are struggling in love and life. He wants to use his rapidly growing platform to advocate for suicide prevention and anti-bullying by supporting organizations such as The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and LGBTQ+ - spreading positivity and fortitude through his music. "I love making people feel good through music. My hope is that people leave my concerts feeling better about themselves than when they arrived - because there is always light despite the darkness that exists." Produced by Donnie Scantz & Danny Solano, The Ain't No Regular Love EP is a departure from a bigger, bolder sound - a sound that has matured into a more sensual, grounded and powerful one. 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/