Bringin' it Backwards

Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sam Nelson Harris of X Ambassadors over Zoom video! X Ambassadors premiered "skip.that.party," a collaboration between multi-platinum-selling rock band X Ambassadors and Los Angeles-bred singer/songwriter Jensen McRae. The moody and mesmerizing track is the latest release from X Ambassadors' (Eg) — a recently launched multi-part project featuring collaborations with an eclectic mix of emerging artists. "skip.that.party" by X Ambassadors with Jensen McRae is available now at all digital retailers via KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records. A detailed meditation on longing and regret, "skip.that.party" spotlights the sensitive yet incisive songwriting that McRae's previously shown on tracks like her unforgettable 2020 single "Wolves." As she and X Ambassadors lead singer Sam Nelson Harris trade off vocals, "skip.that.party" takes on an undeniable and immersive power, sharply contrasting its understated beauty. As with all of the artists featured on (Eg), X Ambassadors approached McRae out of deep admiration for her one-of-a-kind artistry. "My wife showed me 'Wolves,' and I was immediately devastated by how good it is," says Harris. "I hit Jensen up on Instagram and asked if we could write together, and everything took off from there. It blows my mind that more people don't know about her or any of the other artists on the project, and I'm so excited to share their music with our fans." "skip.that.party" arrives as the follow-up to "ultraviolet.tragedies" by X Ambassadors with Terrell Hines, the euphoric yet explosive lead single from (Eg). Also featuring a collaboration with Earl St. Clair, (Eg) is a natural progression for the hyper-creative band, whose output includes producing and writing for global superstars like Rihanna and working extensively with Lizzo on her massively successful 2019 album Cuz I Love You (including co-writing and producing tracks like "Jerome," winner of Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards). Like "ultraviolet.tragedies," "skip.that.party" is accompanied by a documentary-style visual that breaks convention by integrating elements of commentary and off-the-cuff conversation. To that end, the "skip.that.party" video finds Harris and McRae remotely discussing such topics as poetic realism, the struggle for presence in chaotic times, and McRae's experience growing up caught between the wild glamour of Los Angeles and the utter boredom of the suburbs. (Eg) came to life as X Ambassadors completed their third full-length effort, due out later this year. According to Harris, the project has already had an indelible impact on their evolution as creators. "All the artists we've worked with on (Eg) have reminded me how important it is to make what you love and not think twice about it," he says. "When people hear the project, I hope they come away with that same sense of freedom, and also just feel the pure joy that comes from the art of collaboration." ABOUT X AMBASSADORS X Ambassadors made their full-length debut with VHS, a 2015 release that saw the band transition from Ithaca alt-rockers and Brooklyn-indie-scene outsiders to Billboard stalwarts. Now certified platinum, VHS provided an intimate look at Sam Nelson Harris and his brother Casey Harris's youth, delivering the genre-defying hits "Unsteady" and "Renegades" and leading to a three-year global touring odyssey as well as a string of high-profile festival performances. VHS was followed by X Ambassadors' 2019 sophomore album ORION, which they supported with an extensive headline tour of the U.S. A project inspired by '60s and '70s soul and R&B, the band's Belong EP arrived in March 202 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 --- 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 Americans Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Brynn Elliott over Zoom video! Atlantic Records/Big Yellow Dog Music recording artist Brynn Elliott has announced recently released her new single. "Tell Me I'm Pretty" is available now at all DSPs and streaming services. Co-written with songwriter Michelle Buzz (Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue), the track is joined by an official music video filmed at a palatial estate on the Hudson River Palisades, directed by Los Angeles-based photographer, creative director, and director Lauren Dunn (The Weeknd, G-Eazy). "Tell Me I'm Pretty" heralds Elliott's breathtaking new EP, CAN I BE REAL?, due to arrive later this year. Recorded in Los Angeles and produced in large part by songwriting/production duo The Monarch (Kelly Clarkson, Nicki Minaj), CAN I BE REAL? sees Elliott expanding on the thoughtful yet emotionally potent lyricism of her 2018 debut EP, TIME OF OUR LIVES, infusing her vibrant pop with undeniable warmth, charm, and a uniquely contemplative focus on identity, self-image, and finding one's place in the world. TIME OF OUR LIVES proved a breakthrough debut for the Atlanta-born, Los Angeles-based Elliott upon its 2018 release, highlighted by the top 15 Hot AC single, "Might Not Like Me," The track – which has earned over 43 million global streams thus far – is joined by an equally popular official video, directed by Sarah McColgan (Kelly Clarkson, Charli XCX) and now boasting close to 4 million YouTube views. TIME OF OUR LIVES features a series of distinctive pop songs fueled in large part by Elliott's studies at Harvard University. Each of the five songs on the EP was inspired by a different philosopher or set of ideas, with "Time of Our Lives" drawing on Heidegger and existentialism and "Might Not Like Me" absorbing feminist critiques of Descartes into a buoyant and empowering pop anthem. In addition to studying philosophy as song inspiration, Elliott spent most of her weekends and summers on the road, playing over 200 shows both on her own and as special guest to such artists as Brandi Carlile, Grace Potter, and Alanis Morissette. 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/

Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Brian "Head" Welch over Zoom video! Love and Death harness soaring melodies and crushing riffs, weaponizing them like a supernatural dagger to strike at the blackened heart of disillusionment from both within and without. With an instantly recognizable relatability, for anyone who has felt discarded or without value, the band crafts invigorating anthems filled with earnest pleas for mercy and certainty amidst the chaos of an uncertain world. This is heavy music to vigorously confront depression, heartbreak, and pain. The band began with the similar raw, authentic emotional honesty that drove singer/guitarist Brian "Head" Welch to multiplatinum, Grammy Award winning heights as a cofounder of genre trailblazers Korn. Forged as an outlet for recovery and redemption in a season of change, the creation of Love and Death resulted in the powerful and dynamic 2013 debut Between Here & Lost. The album spoke plainly to the hearts of similarly disenfranchised fans all across the world. Love and Death return with Perfectly Preserved, a blistering but accessible full-length follow-up, driven by the spiritual resilience inherent in the first record, combined with an even starker depiction of real-life struggle. Anger, broken relationships, lowered self- worth, and the collision of optimistic values with oppressive systems are all on display, from the arresting refrains of "Tragedy," "Death of Us," and "Affliction," to the bold, conqueror driven anthem of "White Flag." Perfectly Preserved marks the introduction of guitarist, bassist and co-songwriter Jasen Rauch as a full-fledged member of the band, as well as second time producer for Love and Death (co-produced by Joe Rickard). Jasen, best known as an integral part of charttopping rockers Breaking Benjamin, produced Love and Death's first album in 2013. The duo first met a year or two after the release of Head's solo album, Save Me from Myself (2008). As Head experimented with synthesizers, it was Rauch who encouraged him to pick up his guitar and churn out new riffs. Love and Death charge into this new chapter with a definitive lineup, which sees Head and Jasen side by side with the band's original guitarist, JR Bareis, also on vocals and guitar, and powerhouse drummer Isaiah Perez. It was a perfect storm of friendship and creativity, as they all worked on the album in Nashville, Los Angeles, and Chicago, over several years. As with the "Lo Lamento" single released in 2016, Bareis steps up vocally, sharing frontman duties with Welch, whose own delivery draws on jaw-dropping life experience. From the heights of rock stardom to the depths of addiction, through an exciting resurrection to the daily battle to stay above water, every moment of truth is evident in his brutally honest screams. Bareis, by contrast, delivers anthemic and even haunting melodic vocals. "Everybody knows my foundation," says Welch, regarding the contrast in lyrical themes between Perfectly Preserved and the first Love and Death album. "I feel like what our world needs most in this very unique moment in time are real stories about overcoming struggle. These are honest songs co-written by our group of friends targeting depression/mental health, challenging relationships, trauma, loneliness, and related issues." As their fans have learned to expect, Love and Death is fearless in its open examination of contradictions and failure, making confessional music with an underlying anchor of purpose and hope. Like the band's very moniker suggests, both 'Love' and 'Death' are very present in all that they do. 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/

Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sally Boy over Zoom video! 21-year-old Erez Potok-Holmes decided to rewrite his own history by creating a musical alter-ego: Sally Boy. Born in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Erez was raised in a family of novelists (his grandfather was a particularly popular Jewish author.) Erez admits he must "have the writer gene in [his] bones" and cautiously credits his family for his penchant for songwriting. Put into piano lessons by the age of "like 2" and guitar by sixth grade, Erez found early inspiration from disparate sources, namely Ray Charles and John Mayer. When asked to pinpoint where he began to get serious about his music, he shrugs, "I have no clue. I just always did it, and there was no discussion about what I was going to do with my life. It just happened." Though the music came naturally to him throughout his life, Erez found himself becoming more and more concerned of what others thought of him. And according to him, that's what his new project Sally Boy is all about. "By re-naming myself 'Sally Boy,' I'm creating a version of me that I would have been if I didn't get social anxiety in high school, feeling the need to fit in with everyone else," he reflects. Sally Boy expands the possibilities of how Erez sees his own identity. He says that now that he's able to appreciate his full self –including any femininity or weirdness he used to suppress. His identity cannot be compartmentalized. This sense of self-assured freedom is reflected in the music he makes as well. Though his upcoming EP, due in October 2020, is thematically consistent, with each track centering around stories of coming-of-age, early love and personal identity, his songwriting is as eclectic as his personality and his influences, ranging anywhere from the pop-centric "Sippy Cup" to R&B. But before Erez Potok-Holmes became Sally Boy, he was a dedicated indie rocker, touring (mostly) the East Coast with his band during summer vacations and playing one-off gigs in the Philly basement scene. Though their shows grew to 500-cap rooms and the group was offered an indie label deal, Erez felt that the band was not supposed to be his career. "I learned a lot from the band. I learned how to record and that performing live is my shit," he remarked, but he ended up leaving the group around the time he released his first single under "Sally Boy." Looking back at it, he knew he had to leave at some point. "Some of the other guys in the group wanted to keep it together, but all of us moved to different places. It just wasn't easy anymore." A recent transplant to Los Angeles, his life is hectic enough as it is. Between the songwriting sessions with his friends, practicing guitar, going to school, and joking around on social media, he is constantly working. "I already have the next project going," he says. "It's pretty different. This first EP is focused on raw emotion, but this next project's going to be really detail-oriented. I'm really getting in there and doing the dirty work on every single element of the songs." He promises that everything in the future will come as a surprise... but that's the whole point. With Sally Boy, Erez Potok-Holmes refuses to hold anything back, and he is more than ready to show you what he's made of. 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/

Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Giant Rooks over Zoom video! They should be on tour with Milky Chance in the USA and they should be starting their own tour at the biggest venues in Europe. Of course, all of this has now been postponed. And when it comes to Giant Rooks, there really shouldn't be any shoulds. After all, the band has left nothing to chance in its meteoric rise over the last few years. Yet instead of standing on stage, Giant Rooks are probably sitting around their flats in Berlin in self-isolation and discussing in video conferences how they can put the finishing touches on their debut album "Rookery," which will be released on August 28th, 2020. Before then, their second single "What I Know Is All Quicksand" will be released – a piece of music that contrasts strongly with their first-released indie track "Watershed", but one that still stands up on its own. Having a deep respect for a debut album is wise. After all, there's often no shortage of impulsive decisions at the beginning or spontaneously made recordings that don't live up to expectations. One thing is clear: Giant Rooks won't be doing that with their debut album "Rookery." It's going to be a perfect debut. A debut that sets every note in the right place, a composed album with the right length and the right songs. "We feel ready for this album," says the band. "Our expectations for the debut were huge. We had to find our sound on stage and on the EPs (The Times Are Bursting The Lines 2015, New Estate 2017 and Wild Stare 2019)." With "Rookery", the band freed themselves from the idea of how things are "supposed" to be done. The result sounds unified and whole – sounds like 2020 – and spans a frame of reference that's at least unique in German-speaking countries. The beats always sound like Kanyesque hip hop and the song structures even occasionally bring Bob Dylan to mind. The soundscapes are influenced by Bon Iver. The band playfully combines modern influences with classical structures and classical sounds with modern song structures. When it comes to playing music, as well as listening to it, Giant Rooks aren't looking to fit into any one genre or emulate anyone. "You have so many opportunities to discover new music, artists like Celeste or Joy Crookes, not to mention soul. That's been a huge influence for us," says singer Frederik Rabe. In terms of content, it's an album that looks questioningly into a world of unrest and isn't looking to offer simple answers. Who am I? And how can I find my role in this world? The band sees "Rookery" as a space of opportunity and understands the music as a place that could become a home. It's about beginnings, a fresh start, which is accompanied by euphoria but still develops tentatively from a comforting familiarity. The title materialized suddenly… "It felt completely right after it was said for the first time. It was clear to everyone that this is the name of the album!" While the outside world stands still, work continues for Giant Rooks. There's so much to do despite the curfew. The album work needs finalization and the track list, too. It's set to be a perfect debut, this "Rookery". 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/

Kandle, BC-born singer-songwriter, discusses her journey into music, learning skills and overcoming sexism, building empowerment and freedom, release plans and advice for aspiring artists, and exploitative managers and unfair contracts in the music industry.

Rising singer/songwriter/producer Alexander 23 discusses his upbringing, the impact of choosing songwriting, the perception of artists and songs, rituals and addictions, John Mayer's influence, and his upcoming EP release in an entertaining and insightful interview.

Grammy-winning artist Joshua Henry discusses his debut EP 'Guarantee' and the process of creating music during the pandemic. He talks about his background, musical beginnings, and the challenges and excitement of releasing music without being able to tour. Henry shares insights about his creative process, collaborating with producer Neff-U, and developing a unique sound. He also mentions dropping a new song called 'Stand Up' and expresses excitement for the upcoming record.

Together with American Songwriter and Sean Ulbs of The Eiffels, we had the pleasure of interviewing Tom Higgenson over Zoom video! Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, IL, Tom Higgenson is best known as the lead singer of the Plain White T's, most famous for their acoustic hit, Hey There Delilah. The band received two Grammy nominations for the song, and quickly achieved notoriety around 2006. More recently, the T's released an independent record in 2015, American Nights, and a synth-heavy pop record in 2018, Parallel Universe. The latter album inspired Tom to branch out on his own in a solo project he named Million Miler. His 80's-inspired synth-pop tracks are straight out of Stranger Things or Back to the Future. Million Miler has released six singles so far, but keep an eye on him because big things are coming this spring…. Long before "Milly", though, Tom started a punk rock band with fellow Plain White T, Dave Tirio. They joined forces with their childhood pals, Darren and Eric Vorel, to form TLB, formerly known as That Lying Bitch. Now a trio, Higgenson and the Vorel brothers released TLB's sophomore album, Blood & Sand, on Halloween. Beyond TLB and Million Miler, the label also writes with Chicago-based dream pop duo Fairview and dance pop solo artist Jessica Jarrell, all of whom are signed to Tom's record label, Humans Were Here. Currently, Tom can be found hosting a weekly solo live stream on the Plain White T's Facebook page, a show he has dubbed "The Wednesday Club". Fans vote on a set list each week, from Grammy-nominated hits to no-longer-available deep tracks. Tom can be found on Instagram @higgypop. 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/

Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Tarriona 'Tank' Ball of Tank and The Bangas over Zoom audio! "Best New Artist" Grammy nominee and critically acclaimed band Tank and The Bangas' latest EP, Friend Goals, is out on Verve Forecast. The EP includes numerous musical contributions from various friends the band has made throughout their career including CHIKA, Duckwrth and PJ Morton as well as a number of New Orleans-based creatives. The record has receive praise—Teen Vogue proclaimed, "['Self Care' is] a fun, smooth, compelling tune that proves once again that Tank and the Bangas are some of the most interesting musicians creating right now. Plus that flute hook is seriously addictive," The AV Club added, "New Orleans gem Tank & The Bangas consistently deliver buttery grooves underneath some of the sharpest lyricism in the industry." "There are hair goals, body goals, but Tank and The Bangas are actual friend goals! This special EP is full of some of our favorite artists from New Orleans and around the globe. The fun, creative, energy is put into every track and each one is sure to have you dancing your quarantine blues away. We made this one just for you," says frontwomen Tarriona 'Tank' Ball. In conjunction with the release, the band debuts the video for their track "To Be Real," which was directed by Ball and features New Orleans-based artists Hasizzle, Keedy Black and Big Choo. The EP follows the release of the New Orleans-based band's major label debut, Green Balloon, which arrived in 2019 to widespread critical praise. 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/