Bringin' it Backwards

We had the pleasure of interviewing Bokassa over Zoom video! Over ten songs and 30 minutes, Bokassa is as diverse as ever on their new full length "All Out of Dreams". The power trio offers everything from riffy stoner metal in "Bradford Death Squadron", almost progressive skatepunk in "No More Good Days", 45 seconds of metallic hardcore in "Everyone Fails In The End" to laid-back Izzy Stradlin bottle neck-riffing on the desert rocker "Gung Ho". Not to mention the hooky and anthemic title track. In other words, the band has not become less fond of mixing genres over the years! In an age where everything sounds the same, it has also always been important to Bokassa that each record is sonically different from the previous one. Therefore, they have been very conscious of how this record should sound. Where, for example, the debut "Divide & Conquer" had a noisy soundscape and 2021's "Molotov Rocktail" had a more playful and bigger rock sound, "All Out Of Dreams" has a slightly more raw metallic sound. This can clearly be seen in the conscious choice to go for a snare drum sound that brings to mind 90s metal, rock and punk ala Clutch, Helmet, Therapy? Or The Vandals' "Live Fast Diarrhea", too name a few. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Tue Madsen (Meshuggah, BabyMetal, Madball, Sick Of It All, The Haunted) in Antfarm Studio in Denmark in June 2022. The band also has guest artists for the first time, in the form of Lou Koller from the NYHC legends Sick Of It All and Aaron Beam from the stoner rockers Red Fang. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #Bokassa #NewMusic #Zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod 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 Reconciler over Zoom video! Reconciler is a band from Atlanta, GA who first amplified in the summer of 2016. Harkening to a sound alternately Southeast and East Bay, they released their debut LP, Set Us Free, in February of 2019 to critical acclaim from punk and Americana outlets alike. The band spent 2019 playing often across the Southeast and East coast and announced their first European shows, slated for June 2020. Shortly After the first anniversary of Set Us Free, the world shut down and all plans were canceled indefinitely. Reconciler wouldn't see another stage for 18 months despite releasing a split 7 inch with the legendary Gainesville outfit, Ship Thieves in January of 2021 and offering another new track on the Grace vinyl comp alongside many noteworthy acts including Hot Water Music, Samiam, and Catbite the following October. Reconciler has been hard at work rebuilding and refining its focus and is beyond ready to return with their sophomore album, Art For Our Sake, via Smartpunk Records. This 13 track LP stands as a testament to the band's tenacity and work ethic and is certain to offer Reconciler's strongest output to date. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #Reconciler #NewMusic #Zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod 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 Keith Wallen over Zoom video! BREAKING BENJAMIN guitarist KEITH WALLEN will drop his latest solo album Infinity Now on May 3 via Rise Records. Wallen has shared the video for "The Wolf". " 'The Wolf' is a song and a concept that I felt a lot of us can identify with," Wallen says. "We've all known those people that for whatever reason we just can't break ourselves away from them. An addiction on every level, all the while knowing it's a toxic situation. You break all those promises to yourself that you'll stay away, but ultimately there you are again." Commenting on the video, he shares, "The video for 'The Wolf' was shot in a beautiful house in south Nashville. Directed by Courtney Dellafiora, we wanted an intimate look and setting that was reminiscent of waking from a dream in the middle of the night, and then grabbing the guitar and playing the song. The most exciting thing of all with getting to work with 'Bane,' the real live wolf actor and his amazing training staff for the shoot! That was a first for me, and I couldn't be happier how the video turned out." ABOUT KEITH WALLEN: Keith Wallen is a prolific songwriter responsible for soaring melodies and hypnotic hooks heard across modern rock radio. The West Virginia-born troubadour uses his solo work as a vehicle to explore his multifaceted passions, moving seamlessly from the smart pop of '80s favorites like The Police and Depeche Mode to the big moody riffs of '90s grunge heroes like Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, and Stone Temple Pilots. His co-writing collaborations include compositions with Saint Asonia, Fuel, We Came As Romans, Red, Dorothy, and Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch's Love And Death. Wallen bares his soul as a solo artist with earnest resolve, powering his honest anthems with commanding vocals. A former member of Adelitas Way, Keith was among his first calls when Benjamin Burnley decided to reform and reconfigure his band. Dark Before Dawn, Breaking Benjamin's powerhouse comeback, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Ember followed in 2018. Keith's self-produced acoustic and piano-driven Allies EP arrived in 2014. His debut solo album, 2021'sThis World Or The Next, featured "Dream Away," a song streamed 1.4M times on Spotify alone. His second solo album, Infinity Now, includes production and co-writing contributions from Kevin Thrasher (RIVALS, Jelly Roll) and work with Dan Braunstein (Spiritbox, Dayseeker) and Andrew Baylis (Sleeping With Sirens, Jelly Roll, Brantley Gilbert). Produced by Kevin Thrasher (Jelly Roll, RIVALS) and mixed by Joel Wanasek (Rain City Drive, Scott Stapp), Keith's sophomore solo album, Infinity Now, extends a warm invitation into the singer/songwriter's heart and mind. Hard rock bombast meets intimate pensiveness via engaging songs like "Blackout," "Strings," and first single, "Headspace Holiday." As guitarist for Breaking Benjamin, a solo artist or songwriting collaborator, the common threads through Keith Wallen's work are honesty, authenticity, and heartfelt spirit. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #KeithWallen #BreakingBenjamin #NewMusic #Zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod 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 H3RIZON over Zoom video! With their dazzling harmonies and overwhelming chemistry, H3RIZON—Bernie, Gabby, and Tiara—are ready to inspire. The trio are the first Australian girl group, and the first Asian-Pacific girl group, to be signed to Epic via a joint venture with RZ3 Recordings. With the release of their first project for the label, due in 2024, they're ready to make waves around the world. Set to bring catchy, vibrant songs like "Naughty" and "Wanna Love You," alongside no-nonsense attitude, the music proves they're one of the best girl groups of a new generation. Gabby, Bernie, and Tiara grew up on the west side of Sydney. Their shared heritage and desire to pursue singing as a vocation led to them meeting backstage at local shows by Filipino artists, where they established the bonds that are immediately apparent when hearing their music. H3RIZON's version of "You Don't Know Nothin'" reintroduced them in 2023 as a harmonizing force, with Bernie, Gabby, and Tiara's voices intertwining in thrilling ways. They "made it H3RIZON" in the studio, dissecting the melodies and adding their own flourishes during a marathon session. Now, H3rizon are ready to command the spotlight while also galvanizing their audience to follow their dreams. "Being women of color, we can't wait to inspire a lot of young women, especially from our area, to just pursue what they want," says Bernie. "We want to show them that they can make it if they want to." We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #H3RIZON #NewMusic #Zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod 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 Lucy Walsh over Zoom video! American singer-songwriter, actress, writer, and daughter of The Eagles's Joe Walsh, Lucy Walsh, is excited to release her most significant project to date, her book 'Remember Me As Human' which is a tribute to her family and a book of passion and love. It includes her Grandparents' WWII love letters, her grandfather's battle with Alzheimer's and a deeper look into the familial relationship including excerpts of a life entangled in The Eagles success. During their three-day nursing home interview, what began for Lucy as finding out more about her grandparent's WWII love letters, becomes a much deeper journey of hard-to-ask questions and even harder-to-believe answers than Lucy could've ever imagined. It is a journey into her grandmother's offbeat world and her ancestors' tumultuous psyches, to the very vortex of her own self-discovery. Walsh is best known for her work as an actress in film and TV series' such as "Criminal Minds", "No Strings Attached", "Mother's Day", "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and more! Additionally, Lucy is a producer and singer who has toured internationally with Maroon 5 and sang the national anthem at Dodger Stadium as well as Bill Clinton, Tiger Woods, Eric Garcetti and more! We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #LucyWalsh #TheEagles #JoeWalsh #NewMusic #Zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod 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 Maya J over Zoom video! Maya J, the multi-talented artist, actor, songwriter, and musician, has released her latest single, "Chills." This melodic R&B-pop gem, enriched with jazz elements, showcases Maya J's unique songwriting prowess and smooth, sensual vocals. Written and co-produced by Maya J herself, "Chills" is a testament to her artistic evolution, bringing a fresh twist to her signature style. Maya J's background as a violinist and lifetime music study greatly contributes to her harmonious compositions, while her eloquence shines through in her unique lyricism. Executive produced by Glitter Rain Entertainment, Maya J's RIAA-member record label that she has been operating since 2014, "Chills" came to life under the guidance of engineering producer Jacob McCaslin. The collaboration emerged just months after their initial meeting, resulting in a track that stands out in the contemporary music landscape. "Chills" draws comparisons to the works of acclaimed artists such as Sabrina Claudio, SZA, Lana Del Rey, and Billie Eilish. The song is poised to find a home on playlists curated for night drives, date nights, relaxation, or even hot yoga and pilates classes. Maya Jenkins has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence in her craft, both in music and acting. A product of a New York/Los Angeles acting conservatory and training at renowned LA studios, Maya J's dedication to her artistry is evident in every project she undertakes. Her musical journey began with the debut single "Symptoms of You" in 2016, followed by a series of successful releases. Maya J's artistic achievements include the well-received "Come Find Me" and "Like You," with the latter showcasing her skills not only as a songwriter but also as a director and co-producer of the accompanying music video. Maya J's creative contributions extend beyond her solo career; her song "Tell Me" was selected for the season 2 promotional trailer of ABC Family's hit series, "Famous in Love" in 2018. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #MayaJ #NewMusic #Zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod 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 Dela Kay over Zoom video! Alt-Pop sensation Dela Kay recently released her latest single, "IDWTAY" (I don't wanna think about you) – an anthem delving into the complexities of modern dating. The track explores the relatable concept of a "situationship," where one decides to move forward with a new connection, yet the lingering thoughts of a past flame persist. It's that powerful girl anthem about moving on but also still leaning into your toxic tendencies, wanting the old person to feel a little jealous while you do it. With a mix of fun, sexiness, and upbeat aggression, "IDWTAY" is poised to become the go-to song for those navigating the delicate balance between moving on and embracing lingering feelings. Dela Kay, who hails from the vibrant music scene of Nashville, TN, describes "IDWTAY" as one of her personal favorites among the new songs she plans to release in 2024. Drawing inspiration from artists such as The Maine, Maggie Lindemann, Paramore, and Avril Lavigne, Dela Kay continues to embrace her Alternative roots while crafting music that is both authentic and edgy. The track follows the success of her previous single, "Let You Down," which has amassed over 125K streams and secured a spot on Shazam's Best New Music Apple Playlist. "Let You Down" explored the intricate dynamics of modern relationships, showcasing Dela Kay's ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners on a deep, emotional level. Dela Kay, who identifies as a songwriter first and foremost, believes that this phase of her career is her most authentic to date. With a commitment to releasing a series of singles throughout 2024, she is determined to leave a lasting impression and make her mark on the music industry with her unique voice and perspective. "I hope to make a lasting impression, making my artistic mark with authenticity and edginess. I think women have a voice and I intend to use mine and don't plan on stopping until I have everyone's attention," passionately expresses Dela Kay. MORE INFO: Hailing from Nashville, TN, music was always a big part of the household for Dela Kay. Seeing the emotional connection a personal song could make fueled her desire to write and to be a storyteller. She studied musical theater at The Chicago College of Performing Arts at the Theatre Conservatory of Roosevelt University, where she grew creatively in many ways, but ultimately felt a strong call back to her roots of songwriting. In 2014, her electro-pop style began to emerge through a collaboration with Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and producer, Femke Weidema; which eventually led to her first electro-pop/European-infused single release, "9 out of 10," as Dela Kay in 2016. Named by Earmilk as an artist who was gifted "with a rich, distinctive vocal style" for her 2018 release of "Make You Mine," Dela Kay went on to continue releasing singles and garnering hundreds of thousands of streams. In 2019 Dela Kay released "All My Love" through Sony Music, which ended up charting 49 on the top 150 global artist charts for Digital Radio Tracker as well as in the top ten for the Top Independent Charts. The release of "Think About You" shortly followed, which ended up becoming Dela's highest-streamed song to date with almost 800k streams and counting. After a brief hiatus, Dela Kay marked her return by debuting a new, more alternative sound in 2021 with the release of "The Worst Part," via Wonderland Magazine. Encouraged by the positive feedback, Dela Kay delved deeper into this new sound with the release of "Old News," a collaboration with Ryan Dulude and Rikki Jo Randall. Closing out 2022, Dela Kay touched hearts with "Daughter," a poignant song dedicated to her father. This track marked a departure from her usual upbeat style, embracing a more folk-driven alternative sound, rich in vulnerability and cinematic storytelling. With the release of "Let You Down" in 2023, Dela Kay began her new journey with a wave of fresh content continuing throughout 2024. Looking ahead, Dela Kay plans to embark on a West Coast tour in the spring and summer, bringing her music and unique brand of storytelling to audiences far and wide. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #DelaKay #NewMusic #Zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod 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 William Elliott Whitmore over Zoom video! William Elliott Whitmore is taking things into his own hands with Silently, The Mind Breaks, his first album released through his newly formed Whitmore Records. He had the following to say of his new venture: "I'm proud to be sharing this with the world through our literal mom and pop shop. I'm excited for people to hear what I've been working on the last few years." When asked what to expect from Silently, The Mind Breaks, Whitmore said, "Imagine a large expansive landscape. In the distance, you see what looks like a house. You walk for a long time, and as you get closer, it seems more and more like the house is abandoned. The front door is locked, so you go around the back and enter. Sunlight pours into the otherwise dark space, illuminating a staircase. You walk up, taking notice of a stillness in the air. There are several rooms, you enter the last one in the hallway. In the room there is a closet. You open the closet and see an old chest of drawers. In the bottom drawer is an envelope. You open the envelope and inside there is a note. It says 'You are loved.' You are very tired, but you can't help but smile slightly. I hope this album is that for you." ABOUT WILLIAM ELLIOTT WHITMORE Born and raised on a small farm in Lee County, Iowa, a love of the land has always been an important part of William Elliott Whitmore's life. An appreciation for nature and its cycles being taught from an early age. That awareness of birth and death is a constant theme in the songwriting, through a lens of hopefulness and acceptance. These things unify us as people, a theme that is often explored in the music. With a banjo, guitar and kick drum, Whitmore seeks to convey these ideas. For over 20 years, he has traveled the world, performing everywhere from Rome, Italy to Rome, Georgia. He's played basements, backyards, festival stages, and Carnegie Hall, and has no plans to stop anytime soon. "Life is hard, nasty, and unforgiving at times," Whitmore says. "But it's beautiful, too, and music can be a reminder of what we all have in common, a desire to keep putting one foot in front of the other." We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #WilliamElliottWhitmore #NewMusic #Zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod 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 Nelson Freitas over Zoom video! After teasing us with two sensational singles, the Cape Verdean icon Nelson Freitas has released his long-awaited seventh album Black Butterfly via AWAL. A revelatory new record featuring a star-studded line-up of producers and songwriters, Black Butterfly is a masterful fusion of the signature sounds Nelson has built a legacy on during his multi-decade long career as a sonic boundary pusher, while also pushing forward with an experimental new sound for the star. While the Dutch artist of Cape Verdean heritage is no stranger to the scene, Nelson's new music reintroduces him with an evolution of his previous output. As a legend in the scene, Nelson has amassed a global fanbase over the years for his unique sound fusing Kizomba and Zouk with R&B and hip-hop – all of which are elements of the 'mainstream' Afrobeats sound audiences of today have become familiar with, which is something Nelson heavily leans into on Black Butterfly. As the follow-up to Nelson's 2021 album Dpos D' Quarentena – home to his Mr Eazi assisted hit "Tellin' Me Something" – Nelson has assembled an impressive team of some of the most prominent producers in the Afrobeats scene for Black Butterfly. With a clear vision in mind for his record to create a 'new sound', Nelson worked with in-demand hitmakers like Blaisebeatz (BNXN, Davido, Victony, CKay) and Nigerian super-producer Ozedikus (Rema, Oxlade) to deliver a body of work that sonically shows him in his true form. A record several years in the making, Black Butterfly also hears Nelson team up with the Grammy-nominated Afrobeats pioneer Kel-P on standout track "Satisfy You," as well as the likes of Daecolm Holland (Adekunle Gold) who appears on "Don't Let Me Go" and co-wrote the title track with Nelson alongside Arrow Benjamin (Beyoncé), J.Sol and Mohombi. Elsewhere, the dark and mysterious "Nightcrawler" takes place as another major highlight from Black Butterfly, with Nelson smoothly gliding over the Masterkraft helmed beat and treating us to his signature vocal tones. Black Butterfly is preceded by the single "Hero" (watch), racking up over 3M views with its stunning music video which stars the Angolan-Portuguese international supermodel Sharam Diniz and emphasizes those moments in life when we must let go of even those we hold the closest. "Hero" has seen major airplay via DJ Edu on BBC Radio 1Xtra and was also selected by UK tastemaker VIPER Magazine as one of their 'Essential' picks. As the title track and second single of Black Butterfly, "Black Butterfly" was originally conceived by Nelson whilst at a writing camp hosted by the legendary producer Teddy Riley (Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson) in Cabo Verde. Relaying a story of a sweet love affair, the swaying Afro rhythms of "Black Butterfly" are elevated by lush strings arranged by Portuguese musician Tiago Machado and has seen radio airplay across the UK including BBC 1Xtra and Wizard Radio, as well as playlisted by Noctis Magazine for their 'Best of the Week' selects. Meanwhile, the luxurious "Black Butterfly" music video was directed by André Caniços and pictures a suavely styled Nelson against a backdrop of dancers and futuristic architecture amongst epic Cape Verdean greenery – a stunning juxtaposition between the modern and the classic, surely serving as the perfect representation of Nelson's forward-thinking yet timeless sounds. Speaking about his album, Nelson Freitas said the following: "I've been waiting for this album for ten years and it's a project where I truly found myself. It's something I've been working on for a long time and I believe the time has finally come. I looked for the best Afrobeats producers and composers in the world, and only with them did I feel complete enough to take this leap." During his award-winning and Platinum-selling career, Nelson's energetic and dynamic stage performances have taken him to all corners of the globe, such as: the United States (including the Dunkin Donuts Center in Boston and AfroNation in Miami), the United Kingdom, Holland, Switzerland, France, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Angola and Portugal, where Nelson has sold out prestigious venues like the Coliseu dos Recreios and Campo Pequeno.Exhibiting a legendary artist at creative highs, the Black Butterfly record will surely see Nelson reach new heights in his already illustrious career and penetrate a wider audience through his fresh new sounds and lyrical perspectives. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #NelsonFreitas #NewMusic #Zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod 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 Hunter Metts over Zoom video! Hunter recently released his new single, "Somehow You're Always There", via Position Music. It will be featured on his upcoming album, out this year. Hunter says on the track, "I was able to pour my heart into 'Somehow You're Always There', finding therapy in crafting a tribute to my best friend's mom lost to the Covid 19 pandemic. The song became a canvas for my grief, and tells the journey of losing a loved one through memories and emotions. Each note and lyric carried the weight of loss, yet the act of creating offered solace, allowing me to navigate the pain and cherish the enduring connection in the midst of loss." Growing up in a musical family, Hunter Metts began playing the piano at a young age, and eventually started playing guitar and writing his own songs. He produces solely out of a spare room and has a close circle of creators that help with the projects. Hunter's music is characterized by his soulful and emotive vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and acoustic guitar-driven melodies. He cites artists such as Paper Kites, Bon Iver, and Novo Amor as key musical inspirations. Hunter has released several songs independently, including "Nothing to Lose" and "Paper Moon," which showcase his ability to blend personal storytelling with catchy melodies. Some of his notable collaborations include Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Henry Brill, Tristan Bushman, Chandler Leighton, Dave Thomas Jr, Caleb Hearn, Cody Lovaas, Luke Niccoli, Jonah Kagen, and more. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #HunterMetts #NewMusic #Zoom Listen & Subscribe to BiB https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/follow Follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bringinbackpod Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/