Bringin' it Backwards

We had the pleasure of interviewing Matt Lutz, the founder and CEO of Music Benefactors over Zoom video! Music Benefactors is a brand new company, taking a whole new approach to SEC registered crowdfunding with a sole focus on the music industry. Recording artists and independent music businesses are able to raise capital for new projects and monetize catalogs by partnering with fans and investors. Recording artists, indie labels, music publishers, venues and other music businesses are able to use the platform to further connect with fans. Unlike traditional crowdfunding, fans and investors share the income that the projects generate. Independent businesses can raise up to $5 million per year. Today, Music Benefactors has officially announced and launched their first artist partnership with the band, The Latin Dead, a new band fusing the music of The Grateful Dead with Latin Jazz. On the launch of Music Benefactors, founder and CEO Matt Lutz shares, "Music Benefactors wants to be the go-to funding source for the music industry. We can structure favorable funding solutions for nearly any independent music business; recording artists, indie labels, music publishers, venues, producers and music technology businesses. "Music Benefactors gives artists the money needed to be truly independent. In the past, "independent" has meant not being signed to a major label and too poor to properly market music. We want artists to be well-funded independents with control of their music. Fans and investors help them accomplish this." He continues, "Fans have always driven the music business. Our platform enables them to take larger roles in helping artists make great music. Fans are providing the capital, which allows independent artists and music businesses to compete and thrive in an industry dominated by enormous corporations." For more information, please visit https://www.musicbenefactors.com/ 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 Mekka Don over Zoom video! Mekka Don makes his highly anticipated return to music today with "Still Dope," an anthem of unity and upliftment highlighting the brilliance of Black lives. Produced by Tha Audio Unit, Mekka Don captures a message of unapologetic self-love and a call-to-action of perseverance amid oppression and discrimination; racist systemic forces made to deter Black people from the light, love, and happiness that everyone has a human right to enjoy. Serving a music comeback filled with purpose and passion, Mekka Don cites the murder of George Floyd and other incidents as the watershed moments that sparked the creation of this exceptional anthem of Black excellence and exuberance. "Sill Dope" marks Mekka Don's first music release since his 2018's Nip and Tuck," which received undeniable success with 500,000 views across social media channels via the #NipAndTuckChallenge, over +100,000 adds across editorial playlists, and praise from CBS Atlanta, Source Magazine, Right This Minute, ThisIs50 and more. ABOUT MEKKA DON Mekka Don is an artist, consultant, lawyer, author, entrepreneur, and host who has pushed the boundaries in music and business. He has become a vocal leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and was recently selected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Big Ten Conference's Equality Coalition. Throughout his career(s), he has expanded the frontiers and sparked conversations about non-conventional ways to approach entrepreneurship, mentorship, and race relations. As a result, he has been featured in several media including MTV, ESPN, Bossip, New York Daily News, The American Bar Association Journal and many more. As an author, Mekka Don published a fiction novel entitled, "Grime and Glory," which is a fiction novel designed to dispel stereotypes about Black athletes. The book was inspired by Mekka Don's experiences as a college football player at The Ohio State University. He is currently working on a children's book as well. As a lawyer, Mekka Don has helped aspiring artists, celebrities, and athletes secure fair deals and just compensation. He has been a tireless advocate for his clients and has helped many of them avoid serious pitfalls. Some of his clients include SWV and Gareon Conley. Mekka Don is committed to making the world a better place for all citizens and has been a mentor to many young people. He is outspoken on social media with a substantial following and is committed to being a positive mouthpiece for social justice. 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 Rachel Baiman over Zoom video! In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, indie-folk artist Rachel Baiman spoke with Good Morning America about why she turns to music and art when her mental health is suffering and the five songs that make her feel better, here: instagram.com/p/CPIe_Y5LlaC On her forthcoming 'Cycles' album (6.11 via Signature Sounds), Baiman dissects and empathizes with the mental cycles of individuals and today (5.24), she illuminates what that looks like for her own self-worth with a performance of "Hope It Hurts." Watch here: youtu.be/NgVUIrzzYbU Filmed at Maison des Merveilles in Nashville, TN by Kaitlyn Raitz (Sarah Jarosz, Jillette Johnson), the "Hope It Hurts" is an expression of anger and rejection, fueled by a personal experience that many musicians face in the entertainment industry — being told their no longer a good investment. She explores how damaging this experience is for self-worth, esteem and overall mental health. "I wrote this song after being dropped by my first booking agent of over 5 years, out of virtually nowhere, with an extremely impersonal email," says Baiman. "Being told I was no longer a good investment was both a personal and artistic blow and also a realization of the viciousness of the music industry. I really believed that I was on the verge of reaching a new level of success, and when your team gives up on you, that can go away in an instant. That kind of raw rejection fuels a lot of existential questions about worthiness and self esteem." Fans can expect a plethora of these raw, emotional acoustic performances from Baiman on tour this summer. On Saturday, June 12, she'll celebrate the 'Cycles' album release in Nashville, TN at City Winery. Find tickets and more information, here: rachelbaiman.com/tour. 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 Major Murphy over Zoom audio! Today, Major Murphy — Jacob Bullard (guitar, vocals), Jacki Warren (bass, vocals), Brian Voortman (drums), and Chad Houseman (guitar, keys, percussion) — share Access, their second album for Winspear. Waxahatchee's Katie Crutchfield says Access is "an album to blast at an unruly volume to soundtrack an experience one might have standing at that crossroads," and it's a record that exudes melodic exhilaration and earnest feeling while tackling adult themes of parenting, accountability, and building a sustainable artistic life. Listen to and order Access here: http://smarturl.it/mm-access Recorded at Russian Recording in Bloomington, IN between late 2018 and early 2020 with Mike Bridavsky and Ben Lumsdaine, Access is a project built on Bullard's burgeoning songwriting prowess and a restless, childlike creative spirit informed by Bullard and Warren's newfound parenthood. In five years, Major Murphy has evolved from three jamming roommates into the four piece it is now. Bound by a love for bands from Wings to Junip, Bullard, Voortman and Warren plucked their band name out of an extraterrestrial themed book, and, with the help of Winspear, got off the ground releasing two home recorded EPs in 2015 and 2017. The band's debut LP No. 1 was soon to follow in 2018, and was praised for its "easy, gorgeous harmonies, shimmering production, and timeless subject matter" by Gorilla vs. Bear. Together, with the help of longtime collaborator but newly minted member, Chad Houseman, Access became the band's first attempt at a more deliberate and conceptual creation. 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 Exit 216 over Zoom video! Exit 216, the duo comprised of hit songwriter Steven Battey ("One Number Away" by Luke Combs, "Sugar" by Flo Rida, "Buzzin" by Mann) and Cole Burkett, has teamed up with songwriter and artist Nikki Williams on their new single, "Robbery". Produced by David Mescone and co-written by Steven Battey, Nikki Williams, and David Mescone, "Robbery" is about carrying the unique and unmistakable style of confidence. Williams, Battey, and Burkett sing of entering and commanding a room and being entirely unapologetic. Make heads turn, let them stare, and don't be sorry for it. Exit 216 and Williams want to spark inspiration for others to approach life in the same way. Exit 216's journey began in January 2020 when Battey was seeking a duo partner and was introduced to Cole Burkett. Battey had the idea of forming a duo that could incorporate and deliver a natural country soul sound without straying away from what country music listeners gravitate towards. After a few songwriting sessions together, the strength of the music was undeniable. Together, Battey and Burkett formed Exit 216 (a reference to the exit home to Nashville International Airport). Since their formation, the two have been writing and recording music that was set to be released in early 2020, but like so many other artists, due to the spread of COVID-19, release plans were halted. It wasn't until Battey co-wrote "Brother," and the two came together to record the track, that they felt compelled to release the new song to enforce positivity, encourage others, and stimulate change. While Steven was making his way in Music City, Cole Burkett was a high school student residing in Smyrna, Tenn. Burkett had an exceptional, raw musical talent for his age. Still, his sights were set on playing college baseball and continuing his education. The future of these two collaborating would seem highly unlikely. Burkett graduated high school in 2017 and turned down a baseball scholarship to put his energy into songwriting. By the time he was 19, he already had a robust catalog of songs and began to garner the attention that would lead him to work with some of Nashville's top writers and producers. Burkett started to earn a name for himself for the gift he had, not only as a natural songwriter but as a premier vocalist and player. For more information, visit WeAreExit216.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 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 TWO LANES and Panama over Zoom video! We invite you to watch the official music video for 'Rolling Back,' the intercontinental collab between Berlin's TWO LANES and Australia's Panama. Directed by filmmaker Matthew Thorne, the film adds a striking visual narrative to the song's smooth and classy musical groove. The film is about the many artists who have performed in Berlin and perhaps even called it home for a while. It was shot during a time when those performances and that life of the city hasn't been possible. When it comes to the story behind the song, being huge fans of Panama's music, it was an easy decision for TWO LANES to include him on this unbelievable track. Leo, Rafa, and Jarrah share very similar backgrounds which helped them all to work together to create this soothing and delicate piece. This is just the start of TWO LANES and Panama's collaborative journey. "Rolling Back" has opened the doors to an endless amount of possibilities and provides creative freedom that the three are ready to pursue and explore for the years to come. Be on the lookout for TWO LANES forthcoming 'Reflections EP" - released June 18 on bitbird. About TWO LANES Perfectly balancing live instruments, analog synthesizers and electronic sounds, Berlin-based siblings TWO LANES started making indie-electronic music in 2018 as their outlet of an always evolving stream of ideas and their love for music. While Rafa has always been more into electronic music and music production, Leo was classically trained at The Juilliard School in New York City, which can be both heard and seen back in the live versions they make of their songs, their music, and the wide variety genres they produce. When graduating, the brothers decided to move to Berlin because of the city's dynamic and young art scene. TWO LANES released their latest EP 'Lights' in 2020 on bitbird, which was highly successful, garnering over 25 million streams and counting across platforms. About Panama Warmth, nostalgia, and melody: that's the sound of Panama. As a singer, songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist, Jarrah McCleary has the rare ability to blend both live and electronic sounds in his music. It's also a skill that allows him to paint every element in his songs, from the moment he first sits down at the piano to the final touches in the studio. 2021 has seen Jarrah work on collaborations with a number of artists across genres and all over the world. Most recently working with Ben Bohmer, Ta-ku, Satin Jackets, Pluko, Petit Biscuit, Poolside, and Bag Raiders. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com 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 Casey Conroy over Zoom video! Looking toward the future, Casey Conroy knows if music doesn't tell the truth - it's not worth making, noting of her process, "I'm not interested in glamorizing myself just for the sake of being glamorous. It's really important for me to reflect and make music about real people and real things." With this vision in tow, as well as Earmilk and OnesToWatch features, Conroy is continuing her glowy indie pop journey after well received single "Say It" dropped late 2020. Produced and written alongside collaborator, Willy Colón, her upcoming EP, coming spring 2021, is introspective, yet bright, and speaks to the risks and rewards that come with life's push and pull. Exposed to music at a young age, the Orlando native spent time singing old Irish folk songs and honing her songwriting skills with her father. After finding her home at the piano, she found power in emotional ballads and began writing under the influence of Depeche Mode, Frank Ocean, Kimbra, and Coldplay, always gravitating towards artists that were "great songwriters first." Ups and downs followed as Conroy pushed through an industry that looked to make her over, ultimately strengthening her determination to produce and write. With an eye towards uplifting and collaborating with artists of similar mindset, Conroy is defiant in her will to bring like-minded fans together through her music. After months of preparation, homegrown from hours in her bedroom, Casey Conroy offers a glimpse into how trusting and expressing oneself naturally is inherent in pure pop joy. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #foryou #Casey Conroy #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 Juna N Joey over Zoom video! Juna N Joey are a brother/sister Country Pop Duo from West Palm Beach, FL, singer/songwriters (Think Modern Day Carpenters meets Lady A/Dan + Shay). The duo's popularity exploded organically by posting covers on YouTube with over 7 million collective views. The attention has provided a steady stream of inquiries for collaborations from MattyBRaps, Sky Katz (Disney Star), German star Sina-Drums. The offers keep pouring in from industry executives and major record labels alike. One producer was quoted as saying, "NBC loves these kids", DreamworksTV, Nickelodeon's AMMF, America's Got Talent, and a tour with American Idol alum Cade Foehner was to follow. To say 2019 was a busy year, is an understatement, and "We've Only Just Begun." Their popularity still remains stronger than ever in 2020 with a recent viral video of 6.4 million views on Tik Tok. They are now officially influencers. Juna at 16, is an attractive and charismatic singer/songwriter with the confidence of a seasoned pro and the voice of an angel. She also plays acoustic guitar/piano/keyboard in her band. She has developed her writing abilities from the tender age of 11. Joey at 18, is also a singer/songwriter, with heartthrob looks and beautiful harmonies. He is also the lead guitarist/sax and piano player with the band. They not only write by themselves, they also co-write with top songwriters in Nashville, NYC and LA. Juna N Joey are releasing their new self titled EP produced by Ken Royster of the Luke Combs "Hurricane" fame and many others which will be released in 2021. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #junanjoey #siblings #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 John Roberts over Zoom video! EMMY nominated TV star, LGBTQ icon, comedian and nu-disco electronic artist John Roberts, best known as the voice of the lovable Linda Belcher on the hit TV show Bob's Burgers, released his debut album, Lights Out (via X-Bop). Produced by Junior Sanchez, it features guest appearances from Debbie Harry, Beth Ditto and babydaddy (Scissor Sisters). John previously released two singles off Lights Out with accompanying music videos. Featuring Debbie Harry of Blondie, "Lights Out", also has a trippy animated video directed and animated by Kris Baldwin (Birds of Prey, Cartoon Networks DC Super Hero Girls) and secondly, the lead single "Freaks" with a video directed and choreographed by Nina McNeely (Rihanna, Bjork, Banks). John also released a "Freaks" (Remixes) album with tracks featuring Harry Romero, Tommie Sunshine & On Deck and Ant LaRock. The Harry Romero reached #1 on the Tech House Charts. About John Roberts: Hailing from Edison, NJ, John Roberts' deep-rooted love for music can be traced back to his youth. At the onset of the 90's he fell in love with the New York City rave scene and frequented the storied warehouse parties mythologized in movies like "Go." He visited Other Music in the city's fashion forward Village neighborhood on a weekly basis to buy new releases from Orbital, Moby and more.Going from music lover to being in a band was a no-brainer and Roberts found himself the front-man for Opti-Grab. The group released one album and toured relentlessly. Bringing things full circle, former tour-mates Blondie tapped him to drop some lyrical fire on "Love Level" from their critically acclaimed 2017 chart-topper Pollinator. "Looking," a wild anthem produced by Big Black Delta, followed in 2019, marked his solo debut with remixes by Tensnake, Junior Sanchez and Gerd Janson. The song—which landed at #19 on UK club charts--along with "Dirty Little Secrets" and "Lonely Boys Have Fun Too" appeared on his self-titled EP released last summer. Flashforward to 2020, Roberts entered the studio with longtime club friend Junior Sanchez for its follow-up. "Freaks"—out now—is one of the many songs the two collaborated which appear on Roberts' Lights Out album. On the acting front, John Roberts has gone from viral YouTube clips like "The Christmas Tree," "My Son is Gay" and "Jackie & Debra" (generating more than 40 million views) to appearances on "The Tonight Show," "Archer" and more in addition to multiple tours alongside Margaret Cho. He went on to join the cast of the EMMY Award-winning "Bob's Burgers" as lovable & loud matriarch Linda Belcher which landed him first EMMY nod in the category of "Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance" (2015). The show is now in its 11th season with a feature film to be released spring 2022. We want to hear from you! Please email Tera@BringinitBackwards.com. www.BringinitBackwards.com 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 Montana Tucker over Zoom video! Recognized for sharing the stage with the likes of Ciara, Lil Wayne, Flo Rida to JLo, Montana is taking the industry by storm with hits of her own. Following the success of her recent singles like "Hola" & "Sunday Funday," Montana recently dropped "DooWop' via Universal Music Group, which will be followed by "Be Myself" featuring social media mega-star Todrick Hall on May 17th! It will also be Zumba's anthem for their Pride Campaign, with each video made to the song with hashtag, #Zumba to donate $1 to It Gets Better organization. Renowned social media star & recording artist, Montana Tucker is adored not only for her music but for creating viral dances on TikTok with well-known stars, as a beauty and fashion inspiration, and as a highly respected philanthropist who uses her platform for good. Widely recognized as JLo's protégé… (even getting love from the queen herself!) Montana Tucker is no stranger to pushing the limits. Last year the social media mega-star used her platform to pave her way into the music industry – her skill in social media marketing and entrepreneurial success alone set her apart from the millions of other talented musicians out there – and drove international megastar Pitbull himself to sign her to his record label to back her music. She took 2020 to release new music, regroup, and reinvent ways to give back to a cause that is near to her heart. This year, she signed with UMG and will be releasing new music through them! We want to hear from you! www.BringinitBackwards.com 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/