

Bringin' it Backwards
Adam & Tera Lisicky
Bringin' It Backwards: podcast – giving driven musicians the invaluable insight they need to succeed in the music industry, by revealing how legendary musicians achieved stardom.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 8, 2021 • 45min
Interview with Joss Stone
Together with American Songwriter and Sean Ulbs of The Eiffels, we had the pleasure of interviewing Joss Stone over Zoom video! Platinum-selling and Grammy-winning UK soul singer and songwriter Joss Stone just released an empowering new gospel-tinged anthem "Walk With Me" via S-Curve Records/BMG. The song speaks to a different kind of love, one of love for thy neighbors, even complete strangers and anyone seeking togetherness at this time of uncertainty and ignites just in time to warm the souls and unite festive folks this holiday season after a tumultuous and divisive year. "The song started out as a romantic song asking someone to walk through life with you, kind of like a wedding song if you will," says Stone. "When we got to working on it so much had happened that I couldn't take my mind off. With the pandemic and what happened with George Floyd that unfortunately sparked so much violence it got me thinking that the problem is mostly with the us and them attitude. That is the biggest killer - separation and judgment. Everyone needs to come together in order to survive this life in peace. Without togetherness nothing is OK". Co-written and co-produced by Jonathan Shorten who has worked with Stone since 2004's platinum-selling Mind Body & Soul album, "Walk With Me" embraces the voices of Legato Vocal Ensemble in a heart-warming round of harmony and consolation. Originally penned as a love song, Stone did a rewrite in light of recent events over the year. "So I rewrote the song and I hope people take it in the way it was intended," says Stone. "When I speak of the 'heroes', I am speaking of the brave doctors and nurses that have given so much of their lives to help others have one. And when I speak of 'our brothers and sisters that cannot breathe', it is a reference to George Floyd and the many others who have suffered injustice and suffocation in any way, be that physical or emotional. When I say 'so take a hand', I mean any hand, love everyone, we are in this life together. The only way things will get better is if we throw the divides and lines away and love each other regardless of colour or job or health. The fix is not to make those lines thicker. Let's walk together. Through it all". The accompanying music video for "Walk With Me" also premieres today. Joss' glorious performance is visualized in the headlines of a newspaper among all the overwhelming news around the world. The often-barefoot performer has long portrayed an element of freedom and peace and Joss Stone further radiates these characteristics in her newly-launched "A Cuppa Happy" podcast which kicked off in July 2020. Stone's feel-good show goes beyond her life as an entertainer and digs deep into various perspectives with guests that range from British comedian Bill Bailey to sex therapist Laura Berman to recording artists Shaggy and Boy George. The first-time mom-to-be is also taking advantage of being at home cooking up something in the kitchen every Sunday on Facebook Live with "Cooking With Joss." The raw and humorous interactive cooking show with recipes that include everything from garlic soup to British macadamia flapjacks to deviled eggs. 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/

Jan 7, 2021 • 34min
Interview with Ryan Hemsworth
Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ryan Hemsworth over Zoom video! The genesis of Ryan Hemsworth's new project, Quarter-Life Crisis, can be traced all the way back to his childhood bedroom in Nova Scotia, where the producer spent the bulk of his high school years listening to emerging indie acts and playing guitar. Not loving the sound of his own voice and without a band, he eventually started making music on his laptop, which earned him accolades as he stepped out into electronic and club music scenes. His prolific output, paired with a voracious appetite for a wide range of genres and creation of his own label Secret Songs, has made Hemsworth a fixture since he released his debut solo album, Guilt Trips, in 2013. But now, Hemsworth's trying his hand at something unexpected that is nonetheless close to his heart and origin story as a musician. Quarter-Life Crisis is a collaboration with various artists who've come to prominence over the past couple of years, many of whom got their start playing scrappy DIY shows. The self-titled debut EP was released on December 4th, 2020 via Saddle Creek and features contributions from Frances Quinlan (Hop Along), Meg Duffy (Hand Habits), Charlie Martin (Hovvdy), Yohuna, and Claud. It showcases Hemsworth in a new phase of his career, one that is perhaps a bit less indebted to the nightclub dance floor. Collaboration is paramount to Hemsworth's process, and though he produced all of the instrumentation on the album, he left the lyrics and intention of the song up to the contributors. The resulting collection shape shifts from track-to-track, taking on new personalities as it moves between artists. Working with musicians who largely fall into the category of "indie" gave Hemsworth the opportunity to revisit some of the artists who inspired him to become a musician in the first place. He cites bands like the Cardigans, Grandaddy, Bright Eyes, and Sparkle horse as being foundational to his writing process this time around. Quarter-Life Crisis a sharp turn away from his last project, 2019's CIRCUS CIRCUS, which he made alongside the Japanese rap duo Yurufuwa Gang, but for Hemsworth, working in a wide array of genres and modes keeps him on his toes, and ultimately, keeps his career interesting. 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/

Jan 7, 2021 • 37min
Interview with Sophie Simmons
Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sophie Simmons over Zoom video! Sophie Simmons is a multi-faceted singer, songwriter and now author of the poetry book "Secrets I Would Never Say, but I Would Sing". The book was released digitally on November 27, 2020. The beautifully written collection of short poems serves as an expansion of Sophie's ever-growing artist palette, along with her widely popular music. Her eclectic music catalog includes both indie-pop lovesick ballads and electronically-infused dance tracks. Sophie has released chart-topping single after single – including "Black Mirror," "Paper Cut," "Burn Me Down," "sabotage," "If I Could," "Selfish," "Bigger Than Yours," "Courage for Xmas," etc. Her music has graced the worldwide charts of Billboard, Apple Music, Spotify, and picked up airplay on numerous Top 40 radio stations nationwide. She has been featured in publications such as Harper's Bazaar, Billboard, and Vanity Fair Italia. Over the years, Sophie has racked up several achievements when it comes to writing and performing dance music as well. She's released a variety of hit singles within the dance industry pairing up with Kidswaste for "Beautiful Life", The Galaxy for "Dangerous", Rytmeklubben for "Orbit", Cesqeaux for "Private Time", Different Heaven for "Live at Night", Yellow Claw for "Home", and DOLF and Yellow Claw for "Cry Wolf". She currently has a dozen tracks released as either a co-writer or vocalist with various global headlining names. Sophie's most recent dance music collaboration "Mine" with Felix Cartel has amassed over 10-Million streams on Spotify alone, paired with a widely circulated music video. Aside from music and writing, Sophie heads a child abuse advocacy center called 'Sophie's Place' in her second home of Vancouver, Canada. Her ultimate goal is to impact and connect people through her music, art and philanthropic pursuits. 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/

Jan 7, 2021 • 24min
Interview with Miko
Together with American Songwriter and Sean Ulbs of The Eiffels, we had the pleasure of interviewing Miko over Zoom video! 21-year-old singer-songwriter Miko likes to bring an abundance of sleek pop and 90's rugged vibes. The Montreal-raised popstar continues to showcase his poetically gritty blend of alt-pop and rock in his newest single and video for "I Wasn't Made To Fall In Love", out now via AWAL. Co-produced with Mathieu Sénéchal (Charlotte Cardin), "I Wasn't Made To Fall In Love" offers a first glimpse into Miko's beautifully raw and vulnerable universe, inspired by artists including Dominic Fike, Role Model and Yeek. The single is also accompanied by Miko's first music visual, following him and his friends as they wreak havoc all across Montreal. Discussing the new release, MIKO added: "I wrote 'I Wasn't Made to Fall in Love' last summer with my homie Mat (Mathieu Sénéchal). It was the first time we ever made music together and we came up with this song. Mat is the master of not overthinking shit and that's what I like the most about him. It's also my first song for which there is a video clip! My favourite shots didn't make the cut because we could've been in trouble, but we had a lot of fun making it." When post-secondary education didn't catch his attention, Miko poured his time into co-writing with rising artists such as Soran, Mike Clay (Clay & Friends) and Geoffroy. Now focusing on his own music, he is honing in on his musical style while catching the attention of both youth figures and tastemakers including YouTuber Hannah Meloche and Iconic Canadian music journalist Alan Cross. His first single "Crushes" was championed by Spotify (Lorem, Outlier, Bedroom Pop and Fresh Finds) and has already cracked a million streams as well. Miko has since been invited to be a part of the SOCAN Incubator Program, an opportunity to connect with music industry mentors from Canada and was selected for the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Residency taking place in Toronto this year. He also continues to collaborate with some of the industry's best, co-writing and performing on Robotaki's latest single "Dreamcatcher" 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/

Jan 6, 2021 • 24min
Interview with Izzy Heltai
Together with American Songwriter and Sean Ulbs of The Eiffels, we had the pleasure of interviewing Izzy Heltai over Zoom video! With brutal honesty towards himself and forgiveness for those around him, Izzy Heltai's music walks the elusive line between confessional and relatable. On his debut album, "Father," the 23-year-old singer/songwriter dives deep into his fascination with human relationships, and specifically the way that those relationships change and reorganize themselves over time. Originally from Brookline, Massachusetts, Heltai is the child of two mathematicians and first-generation European immigrants. Heltai moved from Boston to the small town of North Adams, Massachusetts at the age of eighteen, and took up residence in his friend's closet for one hundred dollars a month rent. Now, at twenty- three years old, Heltai sees his own coming of age reflected in the album, which includes songs written over the past four years.Throughout the record, Heltai braves the exploration of not only interpersonal and societal relationships but also his own relationship to himself. Father was recorded by Heltai's longtime friend Andy Cass and produced by Sophie Buskin, whom Heltai met at the legendary Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. The production is raw and full, with subtle harmonies and guitar lines weaving their way unexpectedly through the mix almost as if they were grown in the song. There is no sign of musical overthought, allowing Heltai's emotional vocals to shine organically. At a time when any conversation with a stranger can quickly become a sociopolitical battle, Heltai's introspective and thought out songs are a breath of fresh air. With an overwhelming empathy for humanity, and willingness to search for personal responsibility, Heltai's "Father", will not leave your heart or your ears unchanged. 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/

Jan 6, 2021 • 49min
Interview with Within Temptation
Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation over Zoom video! Within Temptation have come a long way in the last fifteen years. From their humble beginnings, the Dutch band has now sold over 3.0 million CDs and DVDs world-wide, making them not only Holland's biggest selling musical export but also one of the biggest rock acts internationally. Formed in 1996 around the nucleus of guitarist Robert Westerholt and vocalist Sharon den Adel, Within Temptation released their debut album "Enter". Fourteen years later they've released seven studio albums with an eighth record in the works. The band's brand new single "The Purge" is available now on all platforms "'The Purge' revolves around self-reflection and a search for redemption," singer Sharon den Adel states. "No one gets through life without scars or without inflicting them on others, and there will always be moments in your life you start questioning your choices. You start realizing you've made mistakes, causing harm to not only others, but also to yourself. To confess, to acknowledge, and to accept these mistakes can be a very painful process and unescapable when the burden becomes too heavy." "The Purge" follows "Entertain You," which was released this spring and kicked off a series of digital releases that are exceeding all expectations. "Entertain You" was the #1 Most Added Song on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Indicator Chart with airplay on at least 40 radio stations in the US including Music Choice, SiriusXM/Octane, WZOR, and KQXR, and #5 in the Contraband Metal Chart, and at #18 in the Billboard Mainstream Rock Indicator Chart in USA. 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/

Jan 6, 2021 • 29min
Interview with Willow Raye
Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Willow Raye over Zoom video! Willow Raye began writing poetry and songs from her early years until she eventually stumbled into the music world, and with the help of her producer friends began singing and writing songs that came alive to trancey dance beats. The inception of her first song, "Deja Vu", happened on her bedroom floor and within an hour it was written. One year later in 2020, she's making waves in pop by bringing a new edgy and sultry sound with her all emotionally charged lyrics. She considers herself an ethereal yet, in your face type of writer. A girl trying to make sense of the ups and downs in romantic relationships, and turn them into something beautiful and relatable; yet never taking the subject matter too seriously so that the crowds' emotions stay light and energetic. Willow's main message is that we are multidimensional creatures, and it's okay to feel different emotions during different stages of life. Looking forward to her debut EP, there's a lot in store for fans of Willow Raye. 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/

Jan 6, 2021 • 55min
Interview with Mabes
Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Mabes over Zoom video! British singer-songwriter Mabes shares a delightfully witty double release out now via The Other Songs. The two tracks featured include her original tongue-in-cheek single "Alone On Christmas Eve" plus a rendition of the iconic hit "Let It Snow" (originally by Frank Sinatra and later covered by Dean Martin). With dazzling brass melodies and heartening live piano and strings, Mabes serves up the perfect tunes for you to drink and dance your sorrows away as we approach an unprecedented holiday season. On "Alone On Christmas Eve" Mabes notes, "Thinking of all the potential lonely people this 'Covid' Christmas, it was too sad not to write a song about it... however, I wanted the song to have a playful bounce, so people could dance and twirl in their living rooms at the same time. In the song I talk about my lover who, for whatever reason, is not with me on Christmas Eve. Because the feeling of loneliness is overwhelming, I am drinking my sorrows away, which is making me giddy and satirical throughout the song. By the end of it I'm almost mocking Christmas…" On "Let It Snow" she adds, "I wanted to include 'Let It Snow' too. It's a beautifully written song and warms my heart. Dean Martin's warm tones take me back to my childhood when I played it every Christmas. The key change in the middle always fascinated me too. It's a staple Christmas song and I hope I've done it justice." Mabes is currently gearing up for her Too Young To Love EP due out December 4th. Tracks on the EP include her latest release "Caught Up," the title track "Too Young To Love," "Danny," and the final single to be revealed entitled "Catch 22." The new music arrives exactly one year after her debut album Wait & See and follows her Keeping The Noise Down EP (RD May 22, 2020 via Amuse), together amassing critical acclaim from the likes of 1883 Magazine, American Songwriter, Clash, Culture Collide, Earmilk, Euphoria, Ones To Watch, Sounds Like Nashville, and The Independent to name a few. To date, Mabes' songs have been featured on Spotify's official playlists such as New Music Friday, Hot Acoustics, Mellow Pop, No Stress, Very Nearly Nashville, and Sad Songs, among others. Likewise on Apple Music, she has landed on New Music Daily, Acoustic Chill, Breaking Singer-Songwriter, Mellow Days, Today's Acoustic, Today's Easy Hits, Today's Acoustic, and more. The quickly rising singer-songwriter's listenership has peaked at 1 million on Spotify while her collective streams across DSPs have surpassed 30 million. Describing her sound as "honest" with "a country twang influenced by pop," Mabes first picked up the guitar at just 15 years old and learned to write as her fascination for British act Laura Marling's folk-poetry developed. Though oceans away in the UK, Mabes also developed an admiration for American artists and credits Carole King, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer, and The Smiths as some of her influences. Mabes' forward-thinking, emotionally raw songwriting style, and driven ambition has led to relatable, cutting-edge intelligent folk and pop that makes her stand out of the pack. With her dreamy vocals and an air of timeless authenticity, there's no doubt Mabes is leveling up as a global entity and artist to watch in 2020 and beyond. 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/

Jan 6, 2021 • 39min
Interview with Wade MacNeil of Alexisonfire/Gallows
Together with American Songwriter and Sean Ulbs of The Eiffels, we had the pleasure of interviewing Wade MacNeil of Alexisonfire and Gallows over Zoom video! Dine Alone Records released the original score for the Jay Baruchel-directed horror film Random Acts of Violence by Wade MacNeil (Alexisonfire, Gallows) and Andrew "Ango" Macpherson (Goon: Last of the Enforcers, Dark Side of the Ring). Having lent their talents to the Far Cry video game series, Starlink: Battle for Atlas, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Siege, and horror films like The Ranger (Shudder), MacNeil and Macpherson have created an ominous yet understated and unsettling style of electronica. Characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes and a pulsating, hypnotic edge, the score perfectly echoes the themes depicted in an uncompromising, visually stunning film. "When you're scoring a film, you are creating a soundtrack for a world that doesn't exist," explains MacNeil. "Finding the sounds and melodies for that bleak stretch of rust belt highway in Random Acts was exhilarating. Making music to frighten people is such a unique way to spend your time in a studio. I love it." 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/

Jan 5, 2021 • 25min
Interview with CAROLINE
Together with American Songwriter, we had the pleasure of interviewing CAROLINE over Zoom video! CAROLINE is a breath of fresh air. Her soaring vocals, relatable songwriting, and inspiring image is what today needs. CAROLINE is a teen pop singer based in Los Angeles with Southern roots in North Carolina. CAROLINE has been singing, writing songs, and performing her whole life! After going viral with her cover of Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball' hitting over 30 million views, rising pop sensation CAROLINE shares her hugely anticipated single 'Already There' January 29th. Taking her cues from the likes of Hailee Steinfeld, Britney Spears and Madonna, the young singer-songwriter has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Following the release of her hugely successful electro-pop single 'I Know Better' CAROLINE instantly established herself as one to watch out for in mainstream pop. Produced by Dan Book (Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Miley Cyrus) – 'I Know Better' was an instant fan favorite racking over 2.4 million streams in under two months. The single was also a radio hit, picked up by over 80 radio stations such as STOREVER and Xenox. Produced and written by Space Primates (David Guetta, Ciara, Flo Rida) with co-writers Allie Kaplan (BTS, David Guetta) and Grammy award-winning David Brook (Stevie Wonder, Eminem, Keith Urban, Charlie Puth, One Republic), 'Already There' is a dancefloor-ready pop anthem complete with a must-hear drop and powerful vocals from young starlet. CAROLINE has a literal army that supports her. The "CAROLINE Army" is made up of fans who share their everyday struggles of being teenagers and have mutual respect, love, and support for one another. With over 100,000 followers on Instagram, the CAROLINE Army grows greater and stronger with every release. Using her music as a platform to open up a conversation about mental health, CAROLINE is working hard to spread awareness of this problem that often goes unnoticed and hopes to inspire more young people to open up about their issues. CAROLINE is creating relatable pop anthems with purpose. She inspires young people to be confident and not care what others think. It's just the beginning for young starlet CAROLINE and we look forward to seeing what the future holds. 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/


