Bringin' it Backwards

On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam sits down with the inspiring Britnee Kellogg for a candid look at her journey from a "non-musical" family in Vancouver, Washington, to viral success and a brand new album. Britnee shares how a life-changing Johnny Cash and June Carter concert at just six years old set her path, the realities of balancing motherhood with musical dreams, and the bumps along the road — from American Idol to a Taylor Swift contest that took her to Nashville. She opens up about her viral TikTok moments, the pressure of chasing the next big hit, and the courage it takes to keep showing up, even when things don't go as planned. Plus, Britnee dives into the making of her album She's Come a Long Way and the personal stories woven through each song.

If you want honest insight on persistence, building community, and what it means to "fill your own cup" as an artist and a parent, you won't want to miss Britnee's story. Be sure to listen through and subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards for more real conversations with the stars before the stardom.

On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam sits down with Joshua Aubrey Jackson, the creative force behind the indie project Make Sure. Broadcasting from his hometown of Opelika, Alabama, Josh opens up about his journey from discovering music through his older siblings' hand-picked mixes to teaching guitar to the next generation of musicians. He shares how his earliest experiments in home recording and high school band projects eventually led him to develop a more intentional, polished sound with Make Sure—a project that landed him a deal with Tooth & Nail Records.

Josh dives into the evolution of his songwriting, why he moved away from his first band name (Fiery Crash), and how he's made authenticity, quality, and collaboration the core of every release. You'll get the inside scoop on putting together his new album June, what it's like working (hands-off!) with Tooth & Nail, and why 90s alt-rock production still inspires him today. It's an honest, vulnerable look at embracing the creative process—imperfections and all—and staying true to your vision as an artist in an ever-changing industry.

Tap in for advice, stories, and some music-nerd moments—plus what to expect from make sure's upcoming release party (and a glimpse into Josh's personal life as he prepares for marriage!). Don't miss this one—hit play and subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards wherever you get your podcasts.

On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam sits down with TAVE—an acclaimed London-born producer and songwriter who's now stepping boldly into the spotlight as a solo artist. You might recognize TAVE's name from his Grammy-nominated work on Black's album "Since I Have a Lover," but this episode is extra special—it's TAVE's very first interview ever.

Adam leads TAVE through his story, from discovering the piano at age five thanks to an abandoned upright in his family's London home, to working the church musician circuit, eventually landing gigs on world tours with acts like Mark Morrison and All Saints—all before his 20th birthday. TAVE opens up about his struggles with sight-reading, locking into the groove of live performance, and how an IT job almost kept him from pursuing music full-time.

When the pandemic hit and live gigs dried up, TAVE made a life-changing pivot: focusing on production and songwriting, dedicating himself to building a legacy that would outlast any stage. That leap of faith paid off, leading to collaborations with artists like Masego, a Grammy nod, and now the launch of his own solo project—'Difference Now' being his latest track.

Honest, down-to-earth, and loaded with insight, TAVE's story is for anyone who's ever wondered what happens when you back yourself, focus on your authentic voice, and decide it's time to "leave something behind." Stick around for TAVE's advice to aspiring artists—and don't forget to subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards for more behind-the-scenes stories straight from the artists who live them.

What happens when a message meant for the wrong drummer leads to the right band? On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Andres and Patrick of Stockholm's own Self Deception to unravel a musical story packed with serendipity, stubborn determination, and fearless reinvention.

From awkward high school musicals to their earliest days hustling through Stockholm's music scene, Andres and Patrick talk candidly about band origins, creative breakthroughs, and why they never fit neatly into Sweden's rock landscape. It's not all easy—Andres opens up about lonely beginnings, bold gestures for love, and using music to finally feel seen. The guys share how the Internet—and a relentless DIY spirit—helped them push past gatekeepers, build a global fanbase, and raise enough funds in just days to record on their own terms.

You'll hear the real story behind viral tracks like "Hysteria" and "Matthew McConaughey," their adventures in touring and crowdfunding, and what it's like to finally embrace total creative freedom with their upcoming album, Destroy the Art. Expect honest advice, plenty of laughs, and a reminder that every overnight success is years in the making.

If you're an aspiring artist (or just love a great band origin story), you do not want to miss this one. Listen now and don't forget to subscribe for more of the real stories behind the music on Bringin' It Backwards.

On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam and Tera catch up with rising indie-pop artist Gigi Perez for a candid and inspiring conversation about her journey over the last two and a half years. When they first had Gigi on the show, she was just breaking out—she hadn't yet released her debut EP, and she was still figuring out her sound. Since then, Gigi's world has turned upside down: she's experienced viral success, lost her record deal, moved back in with her parents, and—against the odds—taught herself how to engineer and record her own full-length album right from her bedroom.

In this episode, Gigi opens up about the grief and resilience behind her music, the realities of the music business, and how reclaiming her creative process helped her find joy again. She shares the true story behind her hit "Sailor Song," the vulnerable songwriting on her new album, and the life-changing lessons she's learned about artistry, community, and self-acceptance. It's an honest look at the highs, lows, and everything in-between for an artist determined to stay true to herself.

If you're an aspiring musician or a fan of heartfelt storytelling, this episode is packed with real insight and wisdom. Don't forget to subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards and listen to the full interview with Gigi Perez on your favorite podcast platform.

Guests:

• Mikaila Delgado, singer, songwriter, and frontwoman of Yours Truly.
• Teddie Winder-Haron, lead guitar of Yours Truly.

Guest's Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Punk, Emo. Episode Topic: Yours Truly's Mikaila Delgado opens up about band transitions, finding her voice through vulnerability, and the honest evolution behind their latest album. Key Themes Discussed:

• Navigating the emotional and creative aftermath of losing founding band members and how that uncertainty shaped the band's new chapter.
• The catharsis and honesty in songwriting—using music to process public and private breakups, professional splits, and the challenges of being a public figure.
• The power of collaboration and expanding the band's sound by co-writing with outside producers and musicians.
• The importance of supportive family, work ethic, and finding bandmates with aligned priorities, especially at a young age.
• Adjusting to new dynamics after major band changes, trusting the vision, and moving forward despite fears about fan support and authenticity.

Key Advice for Aspiring Artists: Teddie: Don't just sit around wishing for it—actively put yourself out there. Whether it's posting videos online or reaching out to musicians at shows, keep doing everything you can to push your project forward. Mikaila: When you have a bad show (and you will), don't sulk. Accept it, learn from it, and make the next one better.Target Audience: Aspiring musicians, fans of alternative rock and pop punk, band members navigating changes, and anyone interested in authentic artist journeys. Keywords: Yours Truly interview, Mikaila Delgado, band lineup changes, alternative rock songwriting, pop punk honesty, music industry advice, Bringin' it Backwards podcast. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support. https://bringinitbackwards.com/

Guest: Elijah Woods, chart-topping singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Guest's Genre(s): Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Indie Pop. Episode Topic: Elijah Woods returns to discuss his artistic evolution since going solo, building creative independence, and the freedom of running his own label while looking ahead to his most intentional album yet. Key Themes Discussed:

• Navigating the transition from successful duo (Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine) to forging his own solo path—musically, emotionally, and professionally.
• The realities and rewards of owning his masters and running his own independent label after major label experiences.
• The process of writing authentically and letting go of perfectionism while crafting a purposeful album narrative.
• How childhood music lessons, family influences, and a passion for production shaped his sound.
• The creative magic of imperfection—how some of his favorite tracks on the new album feature demo vocals or iPhone recordings that captured the right "vibe."
• Finding balance between artistic freedom and industry pressure, and lessons learned about trusting his gut versus chasing external validation.
• Reflections on songwriting: the power of simplicity, relatability, and being present with the process.

Key Advice for Aspiring Artists: Trust your gut, stick to your guns, and wake up each day doing what moves you—not because others told you to, but because it feels right for you. Don't be afraid to do it your way, and remember: you're in control of your story. Target Audience: Aspiring musicians, independent artists navigating the modern music industry, fans of Elijah Woods and relatable pop, producers/songwriters seeking insights on creative authenticity. Keywords: Elijah Woods interview, Elijah Woods solo album, indie pop songwriting, music career advice, independent artist, owning your masters, Bringing It Backwards podcast. Don't miss Elijah's refreshing take on making music for the right reasons and the behind-the-scenes stories of his next album on Bringin' it Backwards. Subscribe for more artist stories that go well beyond the surface. (00:00) Interview with Elijah Woods (04:51) "Finding My Kindred Spirit" (09:41) Embracing Music and Transformation (10:08) Embracing Creativity and Connection (15:18) Obsessive Creativity's Double-Edged Sword (17:48) Relatability in Creative Content (22:03) Ad: Effortless Cooking with HelloFresh (23:46) Evolving Songwriting Journey (28:39) Creative Independence: A Double-Edged Blessing (30:13) "Struggling Artists Despite Popularity" (33:05) Impromptu Demo Becomes Final Vocal (38:49) Innovative Music Sharing Approach (39:56) Trust Your Gut 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 Lyn Lapid over Zoom video! Gold-Certified singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Lyn Lapid releases her long-awaited debut album, BUZZKILL, via Mercury Records—listen HERE. The 12-track album features her recently released singles "death wish," "i'll be happy when," "coraline" and "buttons," as well as the new title track, "buzzkill," which is unveiled today alongside the official music video—watch HERE. Known for marrying her honest and vulnerable storytelling through both lyrics and visuals, Lyn released mini-trailers for each of the songs on the album leading up to the release, which culminated into the official album trailer—watch HERE. Up next, Lyn is gearing up to kick off the "BUZZKILL World Tour" in a few weeks. Beginning on May 6th in Berlin, the highly anticipated tour will first see Lyn headline shows across Europe and the UK before heading back to North America, where she'll perform in major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Washington, DC, San Francisco, Vancouver, and more through the end of June. See the full list of tour dates below and at www.lynlapidtour.com. Lyn spent the past few years carefully crafting what would become BUZZKILL, inspired by the isolating experiences surrounding her move from her small suburban hometown in Maryland to the bustling city of Los Angeles, and all of the mixed emotions that came along with them. She shares, "Moving to the West Coast was a struggle. It was the first time I was in a new place by myself, and I didn't know anyone outside of my roommates. I'd go to parties because I thought it was better than being alone. It was an attempt to find community, but it just became a cycle of meaningless interactions. Every time I went out with my friends, I felt like a 'buzzkill' because it seemed like I had always brought the mood down. However, it only seemed that way because I was with the wrong people. I needed to accept that I shouldn't have to force myself to settle for surface-level friendships and relationships. It opened an opportunity to find new and truly meaningful connections and friendships." BUZZKILL takes listeners on an all-too-relatable journey with Lyn, from experiencing loneliness and feelings of not belonging to radical self-acceptance and newfound confidence. The album has already received early praise, with Grammy.com proclaiming, "Imbued with a soft and soulful tone over a bed of R&B, indie, alternative, and pop, BUZZKILL is some of Lapid's most vulnerable work," and Ones To Watch declaring, "Lyn Lapid dives into the loneliness that comes with finding yourself in a new place." ABOUT LYN LAPID: Lyn Lapid writes the soundtrack to seeing life a little differently. Her unfiltered observations ripple across fluid soundscapes anchored by subtle alternative R&B grooves, loose jazz phrasing, and unassuming pop ambition. The 22-year-old Filipino American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist continues to strike a chord with audiences through her unpredictably catchy and undeniably candid songcraft. In 2020, a series of viral ukulele covers on TikTok brought the Maryland native her first brush with virality. Her personal vision took shape across a series of essential fan favorite singles such as "Producer Man," "When She Loved Me," and the Gold-Certified "In My Mind." Early co-signs came courtesy of Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, and Jungkook of BTS. During 2023, she made waves with to love in the 21st century EP and its extended edition, the epilogue. She incited the applause of Rolling Stone, Billboard, E! Online, BuzzFeed, UPROXX, HYPEBAE, Refinery29, and LADYGUNN, among others. Speaking to her impact, Forbes touted her among its "AAPI Artists to Watch," and Atwood Magazine christened her an "exceptional artist-to-watch." She emerged as the rare collaborator equally comfortable on a track with Ruth B and mxtmtoon or Eric Nam and Whethan. Beyond touring with the likes of Ricky Montgomery and Claire Rosinkranz, she graced the bill of Head In the Clouds Festival and has sold out two nationwide headline tours in 2023 and 2024. Generating over 1 billion streams, packing venues on headline tours, and attracting widespread critical acclaim, she narrates a season of self-actualization and newfound confidence on her 2025 full-length debut, BUZZKILL, out now on Mercury Records. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #LynLpid #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 Elliot James Reay over Zoom video! 23-year-old singer, guitarist, and songwriter Elliot James Reay returns with the irrepressibly upbeat new single, "Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin." The soulful cut is built on an old school premise: Reay's partner fears he's been unfaithful when really he was just out dancing the night away. The song's music video brings that scenario to life and pays homage to the Northern Soul dancing scene still thriving in Reay's hometown of Manchester, UK. "Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin" is available now at via Interscope / Island EMI. For his fourth song to date, Reay reunites with writer-producer duo SOAP (Manchester's Josh Noble and Karl Ziegler) alongside fellow cowriters Annielle Lisiuk and Glen Roberts. With deep bass groove, sharp guitar stabs, jangling tambourine, and driving drums, "Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin" is itself a powerful enticement to dance. Horns and strings only add to the urgency as Reay growls, quavers, and coos out his passion for movement: "It's a shame she doesn't get it, a shame she doesn't see / It don't make me a traitor and it don't make me cheat / You can try to stop the music, but you can't stop my feet / Just give me a bourbon, a bass line, and a beat." The music video for "Who Knew Dancing Was A Sin" finds Reay in the hot seat after he comes home late. He's suited up and visibly disheveled as a nightgown-wearing woman gives him a piece of her mind. Through thrilling flashbacks, though, we see the truth as Reay cuts a rug amidst a group of passionate dancers kicking, spinning, and shuffling in a red-curtained club. Reay's new tune further leans into the young artist's loving embrace of '50s and '60s music, and follows March's "Daydreaming," a swooning single infused with cinematic grandeur and eerie longing. Before that came the upbeat and stylish "Boy in Love," with a video shot on the streets of his hometown, and the massive breakthrough "I Think They Call This Love," which enthralled millions around the globe with Reay's refreshing revival of a classic rock 'n' roll sound. Influenced from an early age by artists like Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley, Reay now channels that pioneering era of culture into his music to incredible effect. A truly sensational debut, "I Think They Call This Love" has amassed over 150 million global streams, earned 400 million views across 120,000+ TikTok creates, climbed Spotify Viral Charts in over 27 countries, and helped Reay build a loyal fanbase of more than 5 million followers. The song also marked the arrival of a fascinating new talent who, clearly, has much more to share. ABOUT ELLIOT JAMES REAY: Elliot James Reay has a genuine, lifelong love for not just the music of the '50s but the entire era and he has the voice, look, and magnetism to seemingly transport his fans back in time. But a close listen to his intoxicating forays into doo-wop and rockabilly reveals decade-hopping flourishes, knowing nods, and the occasional bent melody or distorted peel of guitar that would've caused uproar in Billy Fury's Day. Instead — and despite those who told him he'd need to change his sound to succeed — Elliot's grown a huge fan base via modern means, organically amassing over 4.7 million followers and hundreds of millions of views across social media platforms. Reay grew up listening to all kinds of music in the town of Bury, outside of Manchester, but he was drawn to the old stuff from an early age and took it farther than most, thrifting for vintage clothes and busking the town center as a teen. As the crowds grew, so did his confidence, and after earning more than £2,000 in a single day fundraising in the wake of the 2017 Manchester tragedy, Elliot realized the power he had to reach others. He was only 15 years old back then, and ever since he's been working on bringing his velveteen voice to an expanding audience whose appreciation for his music transcends generations, time zones and, yes — to see his fans' comments about his work — quite possibly time itself. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #ElliotJameReay #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 Christian Hayes over Zoom video! Capitol Records recording artist Christian Hayes has poetically drawn on his life experiences growing up in the foothills of Appalachia since his grandfather gifted him his first journal at seven years old. While his debut EP Last I Love You, released in September, followed Hayes' journey navigating heartbreak and growing up, he's now offering an upbeat new song underscoring the beauty of finding love in imperfection with "Wildflower," available now. Self-written by Hayes, the concept for "Wildflower" was born from Hayes' observation of seeing beauty found in imperfections and embracing uniqueness in love. Recalling how wildflowers are each unique and grow to their own accord, Hayes drew from this inspiration to celebrate the qualities that make them distinctly beautiful. "I had family members who I watched struggle a lot with discontent growing up, always striving to find that perfect spouse, rather than being happy with the one they were with," Hayes reflects. "This song was inspired by that inner conflict, but rather than always striving for perfection where it doesn't exist, the 'wildflower' serves as a metaphor to finding a person who's right for you, while embracing the beauty in their imperfections." The song comes on the heels of the September release of Last I Love You, which casts a wide net, fusing Americana and folk while bouncing between campfire ballads, cinematic soundscapes and raw, rowdy barn-burners. At the center of that sound is Hayes himself: a wise-beyond-his-years musician who knows he can't move forward without taking a look at his past. Genuine and articulate, Hayes comes from a long line of storytellers that includes his Grandpa Jack – a poet by profession – who gave Christian his first journal. Born and raised in the foothills of Appalachia, Hayes began playing guitar at age eight. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and attended the University of Alabama. Hayes recently signed with Capitol Records, as well as with William Morris Endeavor (WME) for booking, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) for publishing, Wildrose Projects for management and Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) for business management. About Christian Hayes Raised in the Appalachian foothills of northern Georgia, Christian Hayes grew up surrounded by southern storytelling. His grandfather — a poet by profession — encouraged him to begin writing in a journal at 7 years old, sparking a habit that would eventually take Hayes to Nashville. A veteran of the US Navy Reserve, Hayes began applying the discipline of his military training to his work as a songwriter, amassing more than 900 original songs by his mid-twenties. Five of those songs appear on Last I Love You, his debut for Capitol Records available now. Produced by Lukas Bracewell and steeped in Hayes' unique version of American roots music, Last I Love You features the viral single "LILY" (which racked up more than 3 million streams before the EP's official release), the anthemic "Black Gold" and a mix of effortless melodies, cinematic folk and rowdy, barn-burning Americana. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected] www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #ChristianHayes #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/