Bringin' it Backwards

We had the pleasure of interviewing Mike Mains & The Branches over Zoom video! Mike Mains & The Branches have always bottled complex emotions and relatable stories within hummable homegrown anthems. They have organically progressed over the course of Home [2012], Calm Down, Everything Is Fine [2014], and When We Were In Love [2019]. Billboard hailed the "buoyant pop" of the latter, while Atwood Magazine praised its "upbeat, energetic, feel-good pop-rock." Among many standouts, "Briggs" generated north of 4.8 million Spotify streams as "Breathing Underwater" and "Live Forever" each surpassed the 1 million-mark. After trading his native Michigan for Nashville, Mike underwent another era of transformation. Stuck at home mid-Pandemic, he retreated inward and began to understand his past and, ultimately, himself a bit more. "Once COVID hit, I finally had the opportunity to allow some things to start boiling over," he elaborates. "I got serious about therapy, my mental health, and my well-being. I acknowledged wounds that had been on the backburner for my entire life. I've been on my own since I was 16, and I come from a family of physical and mental abuse. By living alone and crashing on couches over the years, I've cobbled together a wonderful surrogate family. Growing up, my dad was like, 'You'll never make it'.' Part of me was pleased to find success, move to Nashville, buy a home, and support myself and my wife off rock 'n' roll. Nevertheless, all of this pain came up. So, these songs are little vignettes and snapshots of not only the relationship between my wife and I but what was happening in the world with George Floyd and America's heartbreaking response." We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #MikeMains&TheBranches #MikeMainsandTheBranches #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 Within Temptation over Zoom video! Dutch metallers Within Temptation recently released their brand-new studio album Bleed Out with a provocative, zombie-vampire-gore-fest-splatter-horror video for their current single "Ritual". Brutal and brilliantly comedic, whilst calling to mind the work of legendary animator Ralph Bakshi and the Rotoscope school of animation, the video for "Ritual" calls out the behaviour of male sexual predators in the workplace, the street, the sports field, and more. What if women behaved as aggressively as the men who seek to take advantage of them, and what if they fought back to exact a terrible revenge? Singer Sharon den Adel says, "'Ritual' is a sexual song, about seduction and a woman taking power in a male-dominated world. It was inspired by watching Tarantino's movie From Dusk Til Dawn and is a light-hearted moment in our album, which focuses mainly on the political and repressive issues in the world. We have always wanted to do a horror-style video for Halloween, and this song gave us the perfect chance to do that, using AI-technology to create something truly awe-inspiring. But it also addresses some of the recent news-stories of men behaving badly and imagines what would happen if a bad-ass woman fought back in the most terrible way. So get ready for blood, violence, fangs, and humor. The album Bleed Out has been released to worldwide acclaim, showcasing Within Temptation at the very forefront of contemporary metal, and unafraid to take a social and political stand on many of the issues in the world today. As epic as it is unflinchingly outspoken, Within Temptation have delivered a fist-in-the-air proclamation of both their moral convictions and their fearless approach to music. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #WithinTemptation #SharondenAdel #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 David Michael Frank over Zoom video! Multi-instrumentalist + creator David Michael Frank, recently released the new single called "F*** Me Over", about coming to the end of a relationship when one person isn't quite ready to face it yet. "It tackles the often unspoken but universally felt desire for something clear-cut when lost in the haze of a dying relationship," says David. "It combines brutal honesty with vulnerability, highlighting the internal struggle of someone who wants clarity, even if that means facing painful truths." Frustrated by the idea of waiting for opportunities to come his way, DMF set out to take the full risk of thinking outside the traditional touring norm. Instead of playing conventional venues and collaborating with promoters/teams in a competitive touring marketplace, David took the bold step of outright RENTING 24 venues up front, believing in himself at a time when he felt like no one else was believing in him. By renting venues, each concert on the Private Party Tour becomes an exclusive "Private Party." Rather than hiring an agent for a traditional tour, he engaged event planners to secure the necessary licenses to serve (and in many states, sell) alcohol and food, as well as hiring licensed Tattoo artists to work the events and will be keeping the profits. By taking on the upfront cost, unlike a traditional tour where ticket sales money is withheld by the venue/promoter, David found a loophole unbeknownst to the music industry. Ticket fees, a sore subject, are nominal and the compensation to the artist is finally fair. His innovative approach challenges the affordability of touring for artists of all sizes, potentially disrupting the entire touring industry and attracting major brand partners, while also shining a light on the darker aspects of the industry. The Private Party Tour blurred the lines between the audience and the stage, creating an incredibly intimate and immersive concert-going experience. About David Michael Frank Multi-instrumentalist David Michael Frank is dominating the TikTok, YouTube, and digital music landscape with unique original songs, inventive covers, and creative videos that raise the bar for musicians in the digital age. Through years of steady growth releasing music on YouTube and touring, DMF has recently turned to TikTok where his videos have received worldwide viral attention because of his powerful 5+ octave vocal range. DMF has developed a diehard and supportive fanbase and has accumulated over 300 Million Views & 3M+ followers through steady uploads and genuine connection with his supporters. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #DavidMichaelFrank #DMF #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 FiNE and Lizwi over Zoom video! Emerging twin brother DJ duo and Progressive Afro House producers FiNE have teamed up with Lizwi to release their debut MoBlack single "The Light." "The Light" is an extraordinary fusion of Progressive Afro House and traditional African sounds. The combination of the unique musical backgrounds of the FiNE twins and Lizwi creates a sonic experience that is both captivating and deeply rooted in their shared heritage. Since moving to Los Angeles recently, FiNE have been taking the local scene by storm with recurring shows at La Mesa called FiNE Fridays, and additional sets at venues including Hotel Shangri-La, The Mondrian, Aya Lounge Beverly Hills, The Cooks Garden in Venice, Cafe Roma and more. FiNE is an artist project from twin brothers born in Johannesburg, and raised in Botswana. Given their upbringing, they describe their music and DJ sets as Progressive Afro House. With a life journey already covering South Africa, Botswana, Israel and Australia, they have deep connections to global audiences and it shows through their signature sound. It's undeniable that the twins' multicultural upbringing shapes their Afro-infused DJ sets and original productions. ABOUT FiNE: Craig and Darren Fine, twin brothers, share an unbreakable lifelong bond like most siblings. However, their journey in life has been extraordinary and has shaped them into unique individuals and musical artists. The Fine brothers, pioneers of the Progressive Afro House genre, have developed their distinctive sound through a blend of diverse musical influences. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Craig and Darren relocated to Botswana during their early schooling years. As expatriates in Botswana, they embraced the local customs, culture, and music. The brothers displayed their musical talents at a very young age with Craig on drums, Darren on piano, and both playing instruments like steel pans and marimbas. During their time in high school, Craig and Darren moved to Sydney, Australia, where they immersed themselves in the vibrant local electronic music scene. Their next adventure took them to Tel Aviv, where they balanced a day job while refining their fresh and eclectic sound in the city's pulsating underground scene. They performed at numerous venues and festivals, including a prominent slot on the main stage at the Corona Sunsets Festival, garnering international support. Following their overseas success, the Fine brothers returned to Australia, captivating audiences from coast to coast at the country's hottest venues. Eventually, they settled in their current home of Los Angeles. With their unique sound, FiNE has made waves in the Melodic and Afro House charts, consistently achieving top 10 Beatport releases. Notable among their successes is a remix of Paul Okenfold and Aloe Blacc's hit "I'm In Love'' and their chart-topping debut EP "Forbidden Fruit" released on Australia's esteemed label, Recovery Collective. In November 2022, they celebrated the release of their newest single "Cloud 9" on Recovery Collective. The original track captures the essence of FiNE's Progressive Afro House style–melodic, driving, euphoric, and yet possessing a distinct edge. The single's remix package features interpretations from renowned artists such as Kalil, Elliott Creed, and Jack Colletta. Most recently, FiNE collaborated with EPHIMERA Tulum, delivering a breathtaking live sunset mix. Currently, FiNE is planning an end-of-year tour in South Africa, Australia, and Bali. With their unparalleled sound, exceptional discography, and wealth of musical and life experiences, FiNE possesses an undeniable "it factor" that will captivate fans and propel the Progressive Afro House movement to new heights. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #FiNE #Lizwi #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 Natalie Carr over Zoom video! Natalie Carr is a singer/songwriter from Stamford, CT, who is currently based out of Charlotte, NC. Carr got her start, learning piano and guitar at a young age, and turned to penning her own lyrics as she grew up. Since 2019, Carr has been releasing singles in the Pop/R&B lane, and takes influence from crossovers artists such as Kehlani, SZA, and Halsey. She has been fortunate enough to be featured in Lyrical Lemonade, EarMilk, and This Is RnB, as well as national and international radio via her 2020 release of 'Sad Little Rant.' She was also featured on both Spotify and Tidal editorial playlists as of last year. Carr prides herself on writing music in all genres for herself and other artists. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #NatalieCarr #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 Kayla DiVenere over Zoom video! Rising star Kayla DiVenere, the 19-year-old actress, singer-songwriter with a dedicated online following, has taken the music scene by storm with her latest single "Date Myself." The song's release marks a powerful moment of self-discovery and empowerment for the young artist. Kayla explains, "Writing "Date Myself" reminded me of how beautiful it is to spend time by yourself and how important it is to be comfortable owning your self-love and high standards. Being able to hear it back after writing it and to scream it at the top of my lungs has comforted me more than any guy has, and I hope it can comfort people too in any way they can relate to it." In "Date Myself," Kayla candidly shares her own experience with the pitfalls of dating, as she exclaims, "I kinda wanna date myself." The inspiration for the song emerged during a conversation with her mother about her tumultuous dating history. Recognizing the universality of the sentiment, Kayla transformed this heartfelt confession into an anthem for anyone navigating the often treacherous world of dating. The track encourages listeners to embrace the beauty of spending time with themselves and to unapologetically prioritize self-love and high standards. Known for her roles on hit TV shows like "Law & Order," Hulu's "Love Victor," and Hulu's "Light as a Feather," as well as feature films such as "Under the Silver Lake," Kayla DiVenere has already made a significant impact on television screens across the United States. However, her passion for music led her to explore the world of songwriting, resulting in a flourishing music career with millions of streams across all platforms, and over 200,000 followers on social media. In 2020, Kayla released her debut single, "Justin Bieber," which garnered attention for its pop melodies and sweet vocals, showcasing her ability to craft authentic and relatable lyrics. Wonderland Magazine praised the song, stating, "Known for her delicate and genuine lyricism, the singer pulls on inspiration from her own past, to create a light-hearted and fun bop." Following her debut, Kayla continued to release captivating singles, including "PSYCHOPATH" in 2021 and "Megan Fox" in 2022. "Megan Fox" stands out as a powerful exploration of the pressures and insecurities stemming from unattainable beauty standards. Kayla's unflinching honesty in the song resonates with many as she addresses the challenges of feeling inadequate in relationships while surrounded by unrealistic ideals of perfection. Her first release of 2023, "Jumping the Gun," showcases Kayla's continued growth as a versatile artist, adding depth to her expanding catalog. Kayla's latest releases have earned her a spot on some Spotify's top playlists, such as Pop Rising, New Pop Picks, Salt and All New Rock. With "Date Myself," Kayla DiVenere reaffirms her position as a rising force in the music industry, combining relatable lyrics, catchy melodies, and a powerful message of self-love and empowerment. The single is now available on all major streaming platforms, and fans can expect more exciting music and performances from this young sensation in the near future. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #KaylaDiVenere #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 Rett Madison over Zoom video! One for Jackie, the new album from Los Angeles-based vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rett Madison, is out today via Warner Records/War Buddha Records and watch the video for new single "Flea Market" shot by Wes O'Connor at Sonic Ranch. "I made this album in memory of my mother and to honor my own grief," Madison says. "I hope these songs will provide a moment of catharsis for anyone that's lost a loved one, especially those of us that have lost someone to suicide." One for Jackie features a collaboration with Iron & Wine and previously shared singles "One for Jackie, One for Crystal," "Skydiving" and "Fortune Teller," which arrived alongside a video directed by Joelle Grace Taylor (Kaytranada, Ariana Greenblatt, Rob Lowe) and choreographed by Carlena Britch (Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani) and inspired Madison's recently-launched Fortune Teller Arcana Tarot Card website. One for Jackie is a tribute to Madison's mom, who struggled with depression, PTSD and alcoholism for Madison's whole life before she passed by suicide in 2019, leaving her only child with the harrowing responsibility to try and better understand her mother while she mourned her. "Writing this album, I was moving through grief," Madison says. "It was part of my healing process." Recorded in Tornillo, Texas at the storied Sonic Ranch and produced by the Grammy Award-winning Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham, Sara Bareilles, Watkins Family Hour), One for Jackie simultaneously borrows from legendary storytellers of the past like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen while cementing itself as an American classic for fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Angel Olsen and Brandi Carlile. Between Madison's gutting lyrics, her singular voice and her exacting creative vision, One for Jackie immerses the listener in Madison's grief, relying on memory and raw emotion to paint a lasting picture of Jackie. Rather than flattening and sanctifying her mother in the wake of her death, Madison portrays Jackie in all her glory and complexity. The result is an album that brings Jackie to life. Originally from West Virginia, Rett Madison is a queer singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. She has been featured in publications such as Billboard, American Songwriter and Rolling Stone, where her music was described as "simultaneously brazen and vulnerable," giving her a place "in the new school of acclaim-worthy troubadours." She has sung backing vocals for artists such as Lorde and Kate Nash and opened for artists including Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Elle King and more. Having independently released a handful of singles ahead of her 2021 debut album, Pin-Up Daddy, she's worked with some of the most talented players today, including Theo Katzman, Brian Jones, Lee Pardini and Joe Dart. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #RettMadison #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 Maddy O'Neal over Zoom video! Denver-based, electro-soul maven Maddy O'Neal is in full control over her artistry, freeing herself from any previous expectations and ascending even further up the bass music hierarchy. The producer has spent the past the past seven years showcasing to the world her diverse electro-soul style and hypnotic, hybrid DJ/drum pad live performances - a musical identity that's led her to slots at world-class music festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Lightning In A Bottle. With her soulful, funky bass music sound in tow, she's also toured and collaborated with artists such as Pretty Lights, CloZee, Big Gigantic, and The Floozies, a triumphant journey that's seen her pave her own path through the music industry and enchant millions of listeners in the process. Following a massive 2022 that saw Maddy O'Neal release her acclaimed sophomore album Ricochet, the producer is keeping the momentum going with her new EP Mind Over Matter - a 4-track package whose malleable, eclectic presentations reflect the project's central narrative of taking control over your own reality. Vibrant, diverse, and brimming with collaborations alongside other inventive artists, Mind Over Matter retains O'Neal's signature feel-good bass style as it expands her sonic purview and showcases her ability to excel in any sound she chooses. Fans got their first taste of Mind Over Matter with the EP's lead single "Free Yourself," a luminescent, future bass-fueled cut with South Florida producer/multi-instrumentalist Sofasound (who's released music on the venerated labels bitbird and Chillhop). Next was "Woofer," a trunk-rattling, hip-hop infused collaboration with rapper Cleva Thoughts. After that, Maddy O'Neal dropped shimmering future bass track "Bliss," a collaboration with Canadian future bass producer Shylow (who in 2022 remixed O'Neal's "Forgive Me" track for Westwood Recordings) and Los Angeles-based vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Britt Lari, who's worked with high-profile producers such as CloZee. Maddy O'Neal unveils the full Mind Over Matter EP, featuring the single "Wide Awake." A collaboration with singer-songwriter Torii Wolf, "Wide Awake" is a genre-blending masterclass, smoothly oscillating between hard-trap and bass music while wrapping itself in a lush, grandiose presentation. The track kicks off with an epic, heart-thumping horn section before bringing into stuttering, industrial drum percussion. A slew of breakbeats then build up towards the track's tectonic drop, which combines trunk-rattling 808s, dubstep wubs, and infectious melodies for a thunderous section of electronic music bliss. Next, Torii Wolf begins their verse, elevating the track into a heavenly atmosphere with their angelic vocal delivery and transcendental lyrics. Lavish, impactful, and filled to the brim with immaculate sonic details, "Wide Awake" is an illuminating display of a producer at the peak of her powers - and a perfect representation of Mind Over Matters's free-flowing, liberatory journey. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #MaddyONeal #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 Charlotte Cardin over Zoom video! Multi JUNO-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Charlotte Cardin has released her stellar sophomore album 99 Nights via Cult Nation/Atlantic Records. The album was made in Montreal with a slew of collaborators; DFA (Dua Lipa), Rob Grimaldi (BTS), Mr.Hudson (Kanye West), Jorgen Odegard (Justin Bieber), Jenn Decilveo (Miley Cyrus), Ryan Linvill (Conan Gray), Felix Joseph (Jorja Smith). The latest single, "Next to You", is a hypnotic piano ballad that fully displays Cardin's rich and ethereal vocals, and serves as a love letter and farewell to her hometown of Montreal. Of the song she says, "'Next to You" is a love letter to my hometown of Montreal. So many people, places and emotions anchored me there and this song is about letting go when the winds of change call. It was written with my dear and talented friend Patrick Watson, over a period of six transformative months where I knew I had to leave a place I love in order to grow." "Next to You" rounds out a string of impressive tracks from the new album - "Jim Carrey," "99 Nights," "Confetti" and "Looping" - all of which garnered widespread critical acclaim. As Charlotte's star continues to rise, the talented singer/songwriter has been taking her new material on the road for an international headline tour. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #CharlotteCardin #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 Will Swinton over Zoom video! Auckland singer-songwriter Will Swinton recently released his new EP, Better Days, via 10K Projects/Capitol Records. Raw and stripped-back, the release is elevated by the 22-year-old's gravelly, soulful delivery as he lays out his thoughts and feelings over lush, rapturous compositions that mix and meld a dizzying array of elements and influences—showcasing a poise and presence well beyond his years. To complement the EP Will Swinton releases a captivating visual to the title-track which finds Will hanging with his friends in New Zealand. On the EP Will Swinton says, "Better Days is a journey through past mistakes, lessons learned, and moving on. I'm really starting to develop my sound, and I'm excited to share this EP and all the upcoming music I've made." Better Days is started off with "So Low," a palm-muted crowd-pleaser with a momentum that sneaks up on you. It's followed by "Go Wrong," a mournful look back at romance gone awry. Showcasing Swinton's mumble rap-inspired delivery, the ethereal anthem is as surprising as it is touching. Also included is "All for You," a gentle folk-pop that will surely get hearts pitter-pattering at concerts and "Wasted You," a tender love letter to someone special built around gentle guitar plucking. Other highlights include "Missing You," and of course the somber title-track "Better Days." His latest single "Leave in the Morning" is included in the EP too and features a raw visual depicting the essence of love's vulnerability and desire to hold on. The EP arrives amid a flurry of excitement for the up-and-comer, who Rolling Stone is already celebrating. Not long ago, Swinton withdrew his savings and flew to Los Angeles from Auckland to chase a dream. He wound up sticking around. In 2022, his very first independent single "All For You" cracked the Top 10 of the Hot 20 New Zealand Singles Chart, while "Wasted You" and "Leave In The Morning" landed in the Top 15. Thus far, he has tallied north of 100 million views on TikTok. Beyond collaborating with the likes of Claire Rosinkranz and finding a fan in MGK, he has performed everywhere from SXSW in Austin, TX to The Great Escape in Brighton, UK, and Primavera in Barcelona, Spain and a sold out a hometown show in New Zealand. Now, with Better Days, Swinton carves out a special place for himself in the music world, one which will soon be a much-sought-after destination. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #WillSwinton #BetterDays #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/