Bringin' it Backwards

We had the pleasure of interviewing Austin Tolliver over Zoom video. Austin Tolliver's early ambitions were to become a professional athlete. It looked like the Louisiana native was headed that way when he started playing football in college at New Mexico State University (and college baseball at Texas Tech University) and quickly became recognized for his athletic prowess. However, his path changed when he moved to Nashville and fell in love with music. The country-rap blend of Ride 4 Me displays the eclectic layers of Austin Tolliver's musical talents. "From country to rap to rock, my music is a crossover of different genres. I infuse the music I grew up on into my style," commented Tolliver. His diverse influences ranged from Tupac, Nelly, Ludacris, 50 Cent and Eminem to George Strait, Tim McGraw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Colt Ford and Shenandoah. Sonic evidence of this can be heard across Tolliver's debut full-length album, Ride 4 Me. In college, Tolliver admittedly wasn't the best student. As long as he excelled at sports, the educational requirements took a back seat. "I was a football and baseball player at New Mexico State University and Texas Tech University. My job as a student athlete was to win games, to sell tickets, break records, and win damn championships. I did just that." Tolliver's father, who was an NFL player and called himself "the rednecks' quarterback," taught his son to strive to be the best whether on stage or in the stadium as "people paid their hard-earned money to come and be entertained." Talent, perseverance and a winning attitude lead Tolliver to the attention of Average Joes Entertainment. The Nashville-based record label signed Tolliver and released his debut single, "Tip My Hat," in late 2020. His 2021 singles, "Yodelay You Down" and "Ride 4 Me" caught the ears of fans and kept their attention through every new music release after. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #AustinTolliver #TipMyHat #YodelayYouDown #Ride4Me #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 Jonathan Terrell over Zoom video. In the early days, Jonathan Terrell balanced his burgeoning solo career with his work as frontman of local rock n roll powerhouse, Not in the Face, showing a duality and versatility rarely seen in country. Early records like 2008's Trials & Stimulations and 2015's Past the Lights of Town established him as a boozy street poet, a gun-toting feminist (Vice) with the theatrics of a Texas Springsteen and the introspective power of Townes Van Zandt. He followed those records with his latest album, 2020's Westward, which was hailed by Rolling Stone as "irresistible." "I wrote this song at a Paul Simon concert about a beautiful woman I saw flying down the stairs to her seat, holding 2 big cups of beer," says recording artist Jonathan Terrell in his signature Texas twang of his newly released tune, "I Know." The first release from Terrell's upcoming EP, A Couple, 2, 3, the beginnings of "I Know" kicked off a whole lot more in Terrell's life than meets the eye. "I could only make out her silhouette between her and the lights from the stage but I was so moved that I had to step outside and write this whole song on my phone, so as to not be an asshole on my phone at a Paul Simon show," he remembers fondly. The beautiful woman turned instant muse? That's Christina, and she's now Terrell's fiancée. "I Know" comes across earnest and true; a testament to that moment when Terrell knew exactly what Christina meant to him, delivered through his raw, pure voice and a straightforward groove somewhere between Bruce Springsteen and Robert Earl Keen. Produced by Beau Bedford (The Texas Gentlemen) at Dallas's beloved Modern Electric Studios, like the rest of A Couple, 2, 3, "I Know" is available to stream and fans can also pre-save or pre-order A Couple, 2, 3 ahead of its September 9th release via Range Music We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #JonathanTerrell #IKnow #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 Zyah Belle over Zoom video. When you know yourself, nothing can stop you… Zyah Belle both realizes and understands her power as a singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger. She's reached this realization through a tireless grind, going from countless open mics and gigs at dimly lit bars in Northern California to collaborating with some of the most celebrated icons in history. At the same time, she's also grown into an uncompromising and undeniable solo artist in her own right with widespread critical acclaim and millions of streams. Hailing from the small town of Vallejo, CA, she initially discovered music in church. Mom served as the choir director, so Zyah participated in children's choir as soon as she could. Inspired by her two older sisters, she simultaneously developed a passion for R&B. Raised by a single mother and her siblings, she found herself surrounded by "powerful women." Among many highlights, she co-wrote and collaborated with Snoop Dogg on "Trouble," which served as the end credits song for Dog Gone Trouble on NETFLIX. She lent her voice to Terrace Martin's "Never Saw It Coming" [feat. Zyah Belle & Problem] in addition to Too $hort's "I Stay Up" and "Get Top." Recording and performing with Kanye West's Sunday Service Choir, her voice boomed on chart-topping #1 releases such as ye and Jesus Is King. The latter even earned "Top Christian Album" and "Top Gospel Album" at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards and "Best Contemporary Christian Music Album" at the 2021 GRAMMY® Awards. Following New Levels [2016] and IX [2019], Zyah's 2021 Who's Listening Anyway EP racked up millions of streams and incited widespread critical acclaim. Vibe touted it on "The 21 Best R&B Albums of 2021" and went on to declare, "Belle is able to fold the styles of Erykah Badu's melodic rawness, Anderson .Paak's wittiness, and the essence of '90s neo-soul into a terse seven-track body of work." Working with the likes of Hollywood Cole, Sam Barsh, and PBnJ, she levels up yet again on Yam Grier. Cut at the legendary Doghouse Studio in Los Angeles, she strikes a balance between 21 st century soul and classic seventies spirit—suggested by the title Yam Grier. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #ZyahBelle #YamGrier #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 Mikalah Gordon over Zoom video. Mikalah has been able to find strength and healing from rough times through the power of music, with the journey to her first-ever record. In the height of the Pandemic, the artist found herself in a place of depression (like many of us) after losing her best friend (her grandmother) and being stuck in the world we were forced to live through in 2020. To help process her emotions, her friend and mutual Idol alum, Brandon Rogers, invited her into the studio to write out her feelings. This collaborative effort also features her first ever bilingual track, musicians who've worked with LGTBQ+ icon Lady Gaga, and even a duet with Mikalah's brother (who recently left to join the U.S. Army) leading to a cathartic record that shares Mikalah's story and universal themes of love, loss, and self-acceptance. Now, Mikalah has just released her newest single, "Hands Off" off of her debut album VIVIAN, named after the singer's later grandmother. Mikalah Gordon knows how to take multifaceted to a whole new level. A Vegas native and proud LGBTQ+ Italian-American, Mikalah channels her love of family, her culture, and entertainment across music, comedy, acting, and as a TV personality/host. At only 17 years old, her time as a Top 12 contestant on American Idol Season 4 kick started her career with a national audience that took to her unique stage presence and powerful vocals. Mikalah would soon after return to Idol as a co-host for "American Idol Extra" and go on to create her own YouTube series, Idolatry, where she interviewed former coaches and contestants In addition to this exciting step into music, Mikalah continues to host Channel Q's 'The Morning Beat' and World's Funniest & Weirdest on the CW. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #MikalahGordon #HandsOff #VIVIAN #LGBTQ #PRIDE #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 Duncan Laurence over Zoom video. Duncan Laurence shared the official video for his new single, "Electric Life." Shot in Amsterdam, the sepia-drenched video blurs the line between heaven and earth as Laurence, clad in a gossamer white shirt, performs the song alongside a troupe of choreographed hands, reaching out to support and encourage him from another world. Like the song, which features dynamic, colorful production inspired by '70s icons like Elton John and Queen, the celebratory clip is imbued with a sense of joy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsT4t0toY90 Laurence won the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with "Arcade." The song took the #1 spot on Spotify's Global Viral chart on release and ultimately took off on Tik Tok with now over 56 billion views on the platform. Combined global streams of the song across all platforms have surpassed 10 billion and the single has attained Gold/Platinum certifications in 37 countries, including Platinum in the U.S., where it was a top 10 hit at Adult Contemporary radio. Placing in the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100, "Arcade" was the first Eurovision Song Contest winner to enter the prestigious chart in 45 years. "Arcade" was re-released in 2020 a new verse featuring FLETCHER. Working with women, particularly members of the LGBTQIA+ community, is a priority for Laurence. His crew on the visual for "Electric Life" and other forthcoming singles, for example, is composed predominantly of women. "Electric Life" is the first track to be released from Laurence's sessions with his fiancé, songwriter Jordan Garfield, and producer Paul Phamous (Frank Ocean, Nick Jonas). His ultimate goal with the song is to promote healing. "I want people to find comfort when they listen to it," he says. "I want them to think of that one person that they really miss and celebrate them." We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #DuncanLaurence #arcade #electriclife #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 mxmtoon over Zoom video. In May, mxmtoon released her new album rising into the world, a collection of songs that argue growth is always evolving. The album has been streamed more than 20 million times since then and received critical acclaim including Song Exploder's deep dive into "mona lisa', and showed the singer-songwriter-producer-podcaster and social activist reaching new heights creatively. mxmtoon has announced a deluxe version of rising to be released September 16th. In late 2019, Maia had just finished her first full tour as mxmtoon, and she felt inspired by the prospects of her career and life to come — two new EPs in the making, more shows, a planned move to join her brother in New York. But as the pandemic took hold, she returned to her parents' home, working to return to her old writing habits in that guest bedroom-turned-makeshift studio. She felt stuck, however, so suspended in time and place she barely wrote anything at all during 2020. What's more, she lost a cherished grandfather to leukemia, rushing to see him one last time in Florida. On rising, Maia relates the story of visiting her dying grandfather during the song "florida". She remains under cover of chiming acoustic guitars and cascading cymbal washes, a choice that highlights the writing's poignant intimacy. Laced with arcing strings and textural harmonies, the exquisite "dizzy" captures the vertigo of someone who has spent four years in the public eye but, more broadly, anyone who thinks too much about the perception of online strangers. These more mellow moments betray the depth of their peppy counterparts and the breadth of experience that Maia, now 21, frontloads into mxmtoon. For Maia, rising represents the culmination of an unintended trilogy that also includes dawn and dusk, the dual EPs she released in 2020. It's true that rising continues their era of rapid musical growth for mxmtoon. But these dozen songs are the definitive steps forward for mxmtoon, because they are just as ingenious and honest and unguarded musically as Maia has always been lyrically. Much of rising unfurls from that same premise — mxmtoon's hallmarked vulnerability buttressed by a newfound musical effervescence and might. These are the songs, as Maia puts it, that she wished existed when she struggled as a teen. They are instruction manuals for surviving, written We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #mxmtoon #rising #MonaLisa #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 Gemma Laurence over Zoom video. Gemma Laurence is a Brooklyn-based indie folk singer-songwriter from the coast of Maine. Categorizing herself as "Sapphic folk," Laurence takes inspiration from queer femme poets and songwriters from the past and present: Adrianne Lenker, Tomberlin, Elizabeth Bishop, Adrienne Rich, and Sappho to name a few. A gifted songwriter with a predilection for poetry, Laurence braids imagery into her lyrics with the ease of a seasoned storyteller. Having grown up on the coast of Maine and the hills of Oxfordshire, Laurence's time on both sides of the Atlantic influenced her unique sound: a fusion of foot-stomping Americana with a hint of English folk. The lilt of Laurence's vocals and the poetic lyricism of her music has drawn comparisons to artists like Joni Mitchell, Laura Marling, Courtney Marie Andrews, and Haley Heynderickx. Blending banjo riffs with lush harmonies and acoustic guitar melodies, Laurence's timeless tracks call her listeners home to the people and places left behind for new beginnings. Her debut album, Crooked Heart, was released in 2019, and her second full-length album, Lavender, is slated for release on November 4th, 2022 in Better Company Records. The title track "Lavender" is out now. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #GemmaLaurence #Lavender #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 Rudy Touzet over Zoom video. Miami based pop singer-songwriter Rudy Touzet recently released his "Goodnight Moon" & "Treason" ahead of the release of his debut EP later this year. These singles were released following exclusive premieres with Wonderland Magazine /Atwood Magazine and EQ Music / Queerty. The release of these two singles follow the success of Rudy's 2021 single releases "Take It As A Win," "I Don't Know," "Runaway,"and "Say Less," which have received a great deal of buzz for this new artist. Each of those songs reflected a different chapter in Rudy's life, from love to heartache, endings, and new beginnings. These premieres kick off a string of releases that will not only display Rudy's singing and song writing ability, but also his versatility. He wrote his first song at eight years old titled "The Only Girl"—a love song for his crush—and continued his love of songwriting through journaling which led to creating more songs. By high school he was still honing his craft, writing more songs and even considering auditioning for reality competition series like American Idol and The Voice. He eventually felt the timing was right to send his music to family friend, music executive Charlie Walk, who in turn wanted Rudy as part of his Music Mastery Mentorship Program. Through there, Rudy connected with his now production team Luke Shrestha and Simon Jay, collectively known as the critically-acclaimed Chapters. And as they say since then the rest is history, as Rudy has released a slew of buzz worthy singles throughout 2021 setting a foundation of what is to come in 2022. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #BrandyHaze #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 Brandy Haze over Zoom video. Originally from Chino Hills, California, multi-talented Los Angeles-based songwriter Brandy Haze is primarily influenced by contemporary R&B, trap, house, and electronic meets pop dance grooves. With her debut project, "Roses," Brandy Haze teamed up with Ian Thomas & Leven Kali to create a new style and approach to love songs. The project set a significant milestone for Brandy, whose talent continues to blossom into something special. Upon release, the single "Conditional" instantly became a cult classic featured on SoundCloud's Artist to Watch 2018 playlist. Brandy returned in 2020 with a fusion sound for her EP "Garden Fire. This 4-track project was an enamoring display of self-expression on love and relationships. With two bodies of work already under her belt, Brandy Haze introduced her well-received project "Silhouette" in February 2021. "Silhouette" boasts a beautiful track list of four sultry and seductive tracks that instantly fill the day or night with an air of nostalgia and charm. She then followed up with a 6-track EP, "That's Unfortunate," a musical escape where the songwriter created a unique yet relatable world that listeners can immerse themselves. With Brandy's latest project, "Silhouette, Vol 2", the songstress tackles topics that grapple with the confusion of close friendships, demanding communication, and falling deeply in love without hesitation. Featuring the hit singles such as "Anxious," "Swing My Way," and "Sirens," Brandy is taking her creativity to new levels. From grappling with the confusion of close friendships in her single "Anxious" to demanding communication in her single "Swing My Way," then to falling in love with her song "Sirens" as she takes listeners on a journey. Brandy Haze has also delivered two visuals for both "Anxious" & "Swing My Way." Self-directed by the artist herself, Brandy displays a softer side than her other visuals and brings forward a love story that everyone can relate to at some point in their life. With sexy chill vibes and signature purple hues, the video follows Brandy as she sings through each sultry lyric. The revolving thoughts of love and confusion are met with seductive dance elements that take listeners on a journey to different outcomes. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #BrandyHaze #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 The Sometimes Island over Zoom video. The Sometimes Island are a synth-forward pop band based in Los Angeles and Albuquerque. The exciting and highly visual live band is comprised of charismatic frontman Matt Blankenship Jr and anchored by drummer Nick Lopiano. Their latest single, "Acapulco" explores themes of escapism and excitement as Blankenship Jr shares, "I like to juxtapose a theme with a sound and have them work together that makes the tension not immediately apparent." Paying tribute to New Mexico, the songwriter continues, "I wrote Acapulco in Albuquerque, which is an amazing place but a hard word to sing." With musical influences from the likes of Townes Van Zandt and Deadmau5, "Acapulco" explores the excitement of beginning a new chapter of life, yet the contrasting sentiment that comes with it. Blankenship Jr states, "I wrote the song Acapulco to capture that listless ennui I was trapped under in Los Angeles, framing it with a fantasy of an ignored lover reaching their breaking point, leaving and abruptly buying a plane ticket." The narrative almost ironically pairs with a dream-pop backing, harmonic rhythms, John Mayer inspired guitar riff and a truly contagious chemistry. The accompanying cinematic music video for "Acapulco" beautifully mirrors the song's story, as we witness the demise of a relationship, where one party decides to flee and head for a better, more wholesome life. Their forms of expression and musical ingenuity make The Sometimes Island ones to watch this year. With their previous EP Beverly & Barbara peaking at #2 internationally on Apple's Alternative chart, rocketing past even the likes of Billie Eilish, the duo have also amounted over 800,000 monthly listeners, with streaming numbers in the millions. The Sometimes Island are becoming true pioneers of pop as we know it. We want to hear from you! Please email [email protected]. www.BringinitBackwards.com #podcast #interview #bringinbackpod #TheSometimesIsland #BeverlyandBarbara #Acapulco #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/