Bringin' it Backwards

Frontman of The Maine, John O'Callaghan, discusses his solo project John the Ghost and the upcoming release of his debut solo album. They explore the origins of the project, the changing music industry, the importance of moving quickly as an artist, and their gratitude for fan support and collaboration.

Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Pell over Zoom video! New Orleans rapper Pell announces glbl wrmng vol. 1 — a new conceptual project out February 19th. GLBL WRMG is a new NOLA-centric collective launched by Pell and music professional Nate "Suave" Cameron of 20+ local artists and producers including Malik NinetyFive, Jzzle, Jelly of Tank and the Bangas, Lil Iceberg, Kr3wcial, and more. glbl wrmng vol. 1 is an ode to the strength and resilience of their beloved hometown and emphasizes the city's heroic survival. "I wanted to make records with all my hometown friends that didn't have to be just Pell records that could showcase the talent of New Orleans and what we had to offer," Pell says. "I wanted to executively produce this record and then give us all something to call back on whenever we were on the road or outside of the city so that we could keep connecting and building together." glbl wrmng vol. 1 aims to capture the beauty, vibrancy, and, most importantly, resiliency of New Orleans — a city that can attest to the harsh realities of climate change — while simultaneously showcasing the artists and producers who are reinventing (and heating up) the city's sound. GLBL WRMNG will be rolling out community initiatives involving recycling and gardens to give back to their local neighborhoods throughout the year. The collective's aptly titled debut "504" ft. Pell, Kr3wcial, and $leazy EZ is out today. The vibrant video is picture-perfect New Orleans and pays homage to local producer Niyo Davinci who passed away last year. An eclectic cast of characters dancing amidst beautifully colorful backdrops, the visual flaunts jovial, big band maximalism. As part of the "504" YouTube premiere, proceeds of the streaming will go toward Concerned Citizens of St. John Parish, a non-profit organization 30 minutes outside of New Orleans. The town has the third-highest COVID -19 death rate in the nation (among other shocking statistics) and the nonprofit's mission is to raise awareness about the high levels of Chloroprene in the atmosphere while providing solutions for the poor air quality. About Pell Growth is ingrained in Pell's nature. Since taking the industry by storm in 2014, the electric New Orleans native, born Jared Pellerin, has continued to expand his sound and musicality. His stellar Floating While Dreaming debut garnered attention and praise from press across the board, including FADER, Billboard, XXL, Complex, among others.. After touring with G-Eazy, in 2015 he released LIMBO, an EP produced by TV on The Radio's Dave Sitek, developing his "experimental soul" sound to set him apart from his peers. Pell released his next EP, girasoul (4.5 million streams to date) via Payday Records in December 2017. The project featured collaborations from Saba, Imad Royal, and Vérité. Later in 2019, Pell released his second full-length album "Gravity," an ode to his hometown of New Orleans, featuring performances by PJ Morton, VÉRITÉ, Ambré, and Malik Ninety Five. The album documents his growth and pulls inspiration from different life transitions such as heartbreak and longing. Pell has toured with Kehlani, PJ Morton, Doja Cat, Brasstracks, Tory Lanez, and has performed at prestigious festivals like Hangout, Firefly, Pemberton. 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 Annika Wells over Zoom video! Most people keep personal, embarrassing, and crazy thoughts to themselves. Annika Wells isn't one of those people. She doesn't just express these thoughts out loud either. She peppers them through her songs with the kind of honesty you expect from your childhood best friend. In her music, she'll rattle off bucket list ambitions, refer to herself phallically, or write about a doomed romance (with that same ex as her cowriter). After racking up over 100 million-plus streams, she welcomes everyone into her mind and heart on a series of 2021 singles and her forthcoming debut for Vol. 1/Epic Records. Born north of San Francisco in the town of Sleepy Hollow, CA, music grabbed her and never let go. Due to an extra neural pathway, she experiences sonic earworms—a rare phenomenon where a different melody remains stuck in her head at all times. "I have music in my ears 24/7," she elaborates. "Before I learned social graces as kid, I'd just sing the melodies in my head. I never shut up!" After watching her older brother play piano, she started taking classical lessons at the age of four. By third grade, she developed an obsession with poetry, carrying around the works of Robert Frost in her pocket. At the same time, she religiously listened to Avril Lavigne and Kelly Clarkson "on a beat up Walkman." She eventually ended up at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Before dropping out, she linked up with producer Giulio Cercato and wrote and recorded what would become her first single "Break" in 2016. It caught fire around the world, catapulted onto the Spotify Global Viral Chart, and eventually eclipsed 15 million Spotify streams. On its heels, she wrote and featured on "Crawl Outta Love" for Illenium, amassing 58 million Spotify streams, reaching the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot/Dance Electronic Songs Chart, and notching the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Grand Prize. Between performing in sold out arenas across North America with Illenium throughout 2019, she landed a string of major placements as a writer, including "Like It's Christmas" for Jonas Brothers, "Phases" for Pretty Much, and "The Truth Untold" for BTS & Steve Aoki" in addition to Illenium's "Nightlight" and "Sad Songs" with Said The Sky. Along the way, she signed to Vol. 1 and Epic Records and wholeheartedly pursued her artistry. "I just decided to start chasing my dreams," she confesses. "I felt like, 'Fuck it. If I fail, at least I know I tried'. I had to give it a chance. I felt like I couldn't possibly hold this in anymore, so I'm letting it out and going all out." That's exactly what she does on her single "Fuck Being Sober." Over creaky guitar, she admits, "A couple kids from my town already got hitched, I still got daddy issues I ain't fixed, think I'm gonna drink all my money." As the production ramps up, it culminates on something of a mission statement as she croons, "I just want to do my own thing." In the end, this energy is precisely what makes Annika so special. 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 Dead Poet Society over Zoom video! L.A.-based alt-rock band DEAD POET SOCIETY will release their debut full-length -!- (said as "The Exclamation Album") on February 12th, 2021. The album is available for pre-order here. The band has also shared the music video for their current single ".CoDA." Watch it here. ".CoDA." was originally recorded in 2018, landing as an instant fan-favorite. This brand new, reworked album version sees the song blown up and realized to its full potential. "More fighting, more screaming matches, another day walking out the door with a sick feeling in your stomach. Fuck them. You don't need them. They need YOU… but still… you love them. Love? More like you're addicted to them and they're addicted to you. Talk shit bitch, say it like you want to leave. You love me like cocaine," the band says cryptically about the song. The four-piece formed while attending college in Boston and have already amassed a dedicated following with millions of streams. Insanely catchy and unable to be pigeonholed by genre, Dead Poet Society's musical landscape runs from heavy, riff-driven songs to stunningly beautiful ballads. With fretless guitars and the extraordinary vocals of lead singer Jack Underkofler at the forefront, they have cultivated a signature sound that's unique as a fingerprint. 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 CC Clarke over Zoom video! London based singer songwriter/ beauty influencer CC Clarke released her new single "Boys Do Cry" on January 21st with Hollywood Life. This new single follows the success CC has had with previous singles 'A Little More' and 'Not Playing' both charting in the UK Top 40 iTunes Pop Chart. In addition, to her music CC has continued to organically grow her Instagram following to over 2 Million from her relevant, on-point and revolutionary beauty content, which resulted in CC being named the most influential online beauty influencer by The Sunday Times. This last year has not only been busy for Clarke professionally in music and beauty but also personally as she welcomed the birth of her first child in 2020. This new personal milestone is something that has influenced CC's music specifically the message she wants to present on her new single "Boys Do Cry". When asked about the importance of her new single CC said, "'Boys Do Cry' is about not being afraid to break down your barriers and show your emotions in order to feel and heal - and that goes for not just 'boys' but all of us! There is such a stigma around men not talking about their mental health though and especially after the year we have had I felt it was a really important message. Relationships break down when we don't express how we feel and actually *talk* to each other so I hope people can feel a sense of reassurance and determination when they listen to this. Have a dance, have a cry and live life to the fullest!" As a mother, as a musician and as a strong voice in several key industries, CC wants to use the power of her following to push the conversation about mental health forward for both men and women. Even though CC Clarke is most famously known as a beautify influencer, CC has been writing music since she was a small child. At first her parents would find her hand-written lyrics, and were convinced that she was copying poems. And while she was eventually supported by friends and family on the journey to where she is today, song-writing was something that remained something of a side hustle, until she appeared on a Maybelline advert as part of their Color Sensational campaign. The ad was featured in Piccadilly Circus and when they asked to provide a song for the advert, she knew that something had finally, emphatically clicked. She gave them the sultry pop song 'Solo', which was influenced by one of CC's idols Rihanna. While some may say "you never want to meet your hero's", that cannot be said for CC as she had an amazing experience when she was handpicked to spend the day with Rhianna while the platinum selling artists was in London. "We drank tequila and sang The Spice Girls together," CC grins. "It was insane, so crazy. And afterwards it made me realise, 'I've got to follow in her footsteps!" Balancing bold brand ambition and the formative sparks of an emerging music career as well as a young family isn't easy: but then CC Clarke never wanted her life to be a walk in the park. For those in the beauty and lifestyle space, CC isn't an easy name you could have missed these past few years: she's a highly influential fashion, lifestyle and Instagram sensation. With popular influencers like KSI making the transition from gaming to music, there is no better time for Clarke to bring her 2 million followers into her music world. Stay tuned to CC's socials (below) for more information on what CC Clarke has planned for 2021 in her music career. 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 Daniel Mertzlufft over Zoom video! Daniel Mertzlufft is a classically trained composer, arranger, music director, songwriter and TikTok influencer based in New York City. He is most known for his viral sensations The Thanksgiving Musical on The Late Late Show with James Corden featuring Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, Josh Gad, Josh Groban, and Kristin Chenoweth, as well as his arrangement of "Remy The Ratatouille" by Emily Jacobson that launched the TikTok Ratatouille musical movement, and The Grocery Store Musical, featured on ABC's Good Morning America among other outlets, which is an arrangement of Lousia Melcher's "New York Summer." Daniel was also recently a creative leader for Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical, a live streamed concert produced by Tony-winning Seaview Productions that raised over $2 million for The Actor's Fund. Daniel served as music supervisor, songwriter, and arranger of the 10 song performance, which was praised by critics worldwide including the LA Times and New York Times, and starred Tituss Burgess, Wayne Brady, André De Shields, Adam Lambert, Andrew Barth Feldman, and Kevin Chamberlin. 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 Genevieve Goings over Zoom video! Genevieve Goings is one of the most recognizable voices in children's entertainment and one of the first artists signed to 8 Pound Gorilla Records. Genevieve just released her very timely EP of original songs called Great Indoors. With over a decade as the star of Disney Junior's "Choo Choo Soul," an upbeat, urban music video show, Genevieve's career has grown and is now reaching a second generation of fans. Combined, content featuring Genevieve on YouTube has surpassed 250 million views. Appearing on and writing for various projects, Goings earned GRAMMY nominations for her work in children's music in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Genevieve has become a beloved fixture in homes worldwide after her (Parents' Choice) award-winning music video show on Disney Junior, "Choo Choo Soul," which won the hearts of millions with Genevieve's unique brand of "kids music with Soul." Over the past 15 years, Genevieve has been touring across the country, while writing, recording, and producing music for Disney, Fisher-Price, and other top kids media brands. Genevieve's new EP won't disappoint as it brings the urban/pop sensibilities that her fans have come to love! 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 The Neverlutionaries' over Zoom video/audio! The Neverlutionaries' self-titled debut LP album is an unfiltered expression of the heart that seamlessly straddles moods and genres. The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist songwriter Christopher Harold Wells and bound by his distinctively soulful timbre, the eponymous eight-song release tints hook-laden alternative rock with psychedelia, shoegaze-y jazz, and subtle funk. Having originally made his name in the vibrant North Carolina music scene (notably with Peasants of the Apocalypse), Wells has been performing, recording and producing in San Francisco for the last few years. As well as songwriter, he‟s also an exceptional melodic rock vocalist, bassist and guitarist. Wells currently divides his time between SF and Nashville. Testament to Wells‟ stylistic versatility and open-mindedness is a resume that includes playing in The All Time Low Stars with Peter Keys of Lynyrd Skynyrd; working with everyone from Lauryn Hill to Bubba Sparxxx; and opening for the diverse likes of Metallica, Aquarium Rescue Unit and Def Leppard. Not one to chase trends, his music has always been hard to pigeonhole. His influences include everything from the church choirs of his youth, to Rush and Tool; Kaskade and The Cure, to The Mars Volta, Massive Attack, and even Joy Division. But he reserves perhaps most respect for artists like Prince and Jimmy Page, who‟ve mingled multiple genres while maintaining the essence of their expression. The Neverlutionaries comprises a core line-up of regulars at San Fran‟s legendary Hyde Street Studios, augmented by an all-star cast of guest players. Constants are SF staple and frequent Wells collaborator Chris McGrew of Pamela Parker‟s Fantastic Machine on drums; fellow Fantastic Machiner Ryan Hickey on keys; and former Psychefunkapus guitarist Jonnie Axtell. For future touring, blazing Nashville six-stringer Kenny Olson (Bootsy Collins, Sheryl Crow etc.) and original Brian Jonestown Massacre member Ricky Maymi are tapped to join them. Helmed by #1 Billboard charting producer Jaimeson Durr (Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani etc.), The Neverlutionaries was recorded in Hyde Street‟s storied Studio C, where classic albums by the Grateful Dead, Santana, and Creedence Clearwater Revival were cut. The LP is preceded by otherworldly balladin-waiting, "Ariana". In a modern music landscape choked with bands making music to match commercial expectations, The Neverlutionaries mark a refreshing return to simply, yet expertly, just doing what feels and sounds right, free of creative margins. "Ariana" will be accompanied by a music video in late October, with Neverlutionaries live-stream events and – once safe to do so – touring planned to further support their debut LP. The Neverlutionaries‟ selftitled debut was just released by Polychromatic Records on January 21, 2021 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 Kendra Erika over Zoom video! South Florida recording artist Kendra Erika is set to release her new single "Song Of Hope" to kick off the new year on January 22nd. This song is perfect for the start of 2021 and gives fans hope for all the new possibilities' in the New Year. "Song Of Hope" follows the success of Kendra's recent singles "So Fly," and "Avalanche" whose music videos boast Kendra's highest numbers to date with over a Million views on YouTube collectively! The success of her recent singles follow a path Kendra started at the beginning of 2020 with her single "Break the Wheel" that peaked in the Top Ten on the Billboard Dance Chart which was Kendra's fifth track to do so, following her 2019 #1 hit single "Self-Control!" "Song Of Hope" which was co-written by Kendra alongside Charlie Midnight (Billy Joel, James Brown, Joni Mitchell) & Jan Fairchild (Mary J. Blige, Most Def, N.E.R.D), and co-produced by Midnight and Fairchild, is the perfect song to bring people into 2021 after a chaotic 2020. When asked about her new single Kendra said, "'Song of Hope' was the first song I wrote when we shut down initially. Of course, Charlie Midnight, Jan Fairchild, and I wrote this one virtually. But the one thing about this song is that it's that beacon of light at the end of the tunnel during these trying times. It's a call to action for the world to be restored and for power to be given to the people." Given the message of "Song of Hope" Kendra chose to align herself with world renowned charity War Child. War Child is a humanitarian organization that has been empowering children, women, and families across the globe to overcome the brutal impact of war and violence for over 20 years. Through this partnership Kendra will be donating a percentage of her profits of "Song of Hope" to War Child, in addition to bringing awareness to the important work the charity does throughout the promotion of her new single. Around the release of "Song of Hope" War Child will be using the single on their social and promotional tools as the song's message speaks perfectly to the mission on the charity. When asked about this new partnership with Kendra Erika for her new single "Song of Hope", War Child Director Barbara Harmer said, "We are thrilled to partner with Kendra for the release of her new single. The message in her song speaks so clearly to War Child's work empowering vulnerable children and families around the world. Partnerships like this one help us to continue to provide war-affected children with essential programs that allow them to have hope and look towards brighter futures." Helping children/ young people is something that Kendra sees as one of the most important things to the future success of our society, so when the opportunity to connect with War Child came about, Kendra knew it was the perfect charity to align with for "Song Of Hope." Kendra Erika is a spicy, bold, artist with a touch of vintage Hollywood complemented by the desire to help others. It's fitting that Hollywood Life dubbed her "the queen of hearts," and that she has attracted musical collaborations with the creme de la crème in the industry. She has worked with a bevy of Grammy winning producers such as Charlie Midnight; Jan Fairchild (Elton John, Mary J Blige); John DeNicola (Hungry Eyes and Time of my Life from Dirty Dancing); Damon Sharpe (Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez); Ned Cameron (Kid Ink, Lil Wayne); Mark Mangold (Cher, Michael Bolton); Luigie "LUGO" Gonzalez (Janet Jackson, Madonna, Barbra Streisand); and Ronnie "CHICO" DeCicco (JLo, Kistine W, Rihanna, Britney Spears)" Fans will get the opportunity to hear more of these collaborations with these amazing producers when Kendra releases her forthcoming album scheduled for release later this year on her own label Oystershell Music via a new distribution deal with industry leader Symphonic distribution. We want to hear from --- 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 The Johnson Party over Zoom video! Their artistic connection and collective love for nature bonds this band of brothers as they deliver musical diversity that fuses elements of reggae, rock, americana, and soul while advocating for a vibrant outdoor lifestyle and a deep respect for nature and the environment. When not playing music and kicking the door open for social change, you can find The Johnson Party skiing mountain slopes, hiking in river canyons, or involved in environmental projects The Johnson Party is currently in the studio recording songs for release in 2021. In 2020 the band released the song and video for "Can't let the Bastards Win" a relevant modern-day protest song, a celebration of love and the positive forward paths for the world, an acoustic punk-folk-pop message of defiance, resilience and hope for those seeking a better planet and fist-pumping, fun, rocking anthems. While protest songs never went away, a worldwide awakening has created a need for more voices to rise, enter The Johnson Party a musical collective based out of the mountain ski town of Truckee, CA. At the height of the 2020 global pandemic and social unrest, while millions of people are risking their health and safety by waiting in long lines to cast their vote, The Johnson Party are delivering a simple yet powerful message by way of their new song and video "Can't let the Bastards Win" out digitally and on all streaming platforms. The Johnson Party is Erik Johnson (guitar, vocals, harmonica, percussion,) Jeremy Thomas (guitars, vocals, mandolin,) Matt Reiter (bass, guitar, vocals,) and Mike Jacob (drums). "We wrote this song because we believe in the underdog, in the possibility of a better future, and that it's not over till it's over. It is not inevitable that we destroy the planet. It is not inevitable that the bad guys win. We believe in love over money. We believe that getting outside into the wonders of nature is a path to understanding the things that are more important than materialism, things such as community, fresh air, dancing, music, family, and good friends. While we believe and celebrate honored traditions, festive customs, and honored culture in general, we believe there is always a potential for a better way forward than going back. It is not inevitable that the bastards win." --explains Erik Johnson Their artistic connection and collective love for nature bonds this band of brothers as they deliver musical diversity that fuses elements of reggae, rock, americana, and soul while advocating for a vibrant outdoor lifestyle and a deep respect for nature and the environment. When not playing music and kicking the door open for social change, you can find The Johnson Party skiing mountain slopes, hiking in river canyons, or involved in environmental projects. Their debut album, Random Rooms, out now, was recorded in western barns, dirty apartments, midnight parking lots, deep southern forests, and world class studios during road trips throughout the country. The band is currently recording their sophomore album due out in 2021. 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/