Bringin' it Backwards

What happens when a small-town kid with a love for the stage dares to dream big? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera sit down with Jay, the creative force behind Vienna Vienna, to unravel his incredible journey from a tiny mountain town near Fresno to landing a record deal with Pete Wentz and hitting the road with K.Flay. Jay opens up about his artistic roots—growing up surrounded by music, breaking into local open mics in middle school, and finding his real home on stage. He shares what it was like studying songwriting at Belmont in Nashville, the TikTok moment that started it all, and how it felt to get that surreal call from Pete Wentz. You’ll hear the real story behind Vienna Vienna's breakthrough single “Blame It On Us,” the making of the Wonderland EP, tackling a David Bowie cover, and what it means to finally watch fans sing his lyrics back at live shows. This is a candid, honest conversation about chasing your passion, the power of trusting your weirdest ideas, and how the right moment—and a little luck—can change everything. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just love hearing what goes on behind the scenes, you won’t want to miss this episode. Stick around for Jay’s inspiring advice for songwriters (including a Bowie quote you’ll want to write down) and get the inside scoop on what’s coming next. Hit play and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Bringin' It Backwards!

On this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Henry Cox, frontman of Boston Manor, for an honest, no-frills conversation about how a kid from Blackpool, England went from drumming in jazz band and playing school musicals to leading one of modern rock’s most dynamic acts. Henry opens up about his unlikely entry into music—being the kid without a musical family, drawn into the world of drums and early 2000s hip hop via grainy basketball highlight reels. From there, he shares stories of forming Boston Manor, roughing it on early UK tours, and that surreal moment when a record deal with Pure Noise Records opened the door to international touring—including America’s legendary Warped Tour. Henry dives deep into the making of Boston Manor’s new album, explaining the personal growth (and even parenthood) that shaped the ambitious double album, with themes that travel from emotional darkness into the hope of new beginnings. He also offers invaluable advice for aspiring artists—stressing the importance of taking time to find your sound, not rushing to release music for the sake of the internet, and focusing on what truly moves you. You’ll hear why Boston Manor’s music has evolved from teenage experiments to arena-ready anthems and why authenticity, experimentation, and resilience have been at the heart of Henry’s journey. If you’re looking for an honest peek behind the scenes of a band making it work—triumphs, setbacks, and all—this episode’s for you. So grab your headphones, hit subscribe, and hear what it really means to bring it backwards with Boston Manor’s Henry Cox.

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Jake from In Hearts Wake for a raw, insightful look at his unusual journey from the creative beaches of Byron Bay to the international heavy music scene. Jake opens up about growing up surrounded by artists—his mom, a tarot card reader; his “bonus dad,” a hardcore punk frontman—and how the wild energy of side-stage moments at legendary shows set him on the path to forming In Hearts Wake, his first and only band. From recording DIY demos for school art projects to traveling across the globe to capture their signature sound, Jake shares how In Hearts Wake found early recognition, carved out a unique identity around powerful themes like environmentalism, and pushed boundaries with cryptic album concepts inspired by tarot cards. He explains how their newest release completes a 12-year journey, finishing what they started as teenagers by turning the remaining tarot archetypes into thunderous new songs. Jake also talks candidly about the band’s evolution, the heartbreak and hope of longtime bassist Kyle’s upcoming departure, and what it really takes to keep a creative partnership together for over a decade. Along the way, you’ll hear about secret album easter eggs, epic on-stage energy, and the power of making sure your art comes from a real place. If you’re an aspiring artist, a fan of heartfelt heavy music, or just love personal stories about forging your own path, don’t miss this episode. Listen now to get inspired, and make sure to subscribe to Bringin’ It Backwards for more backstage access to your favorite artists’ real stories.

Aaron Fink is back—and he's bringing a fresh chapter to his already multi-faceted music journey. On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky catch up with Aaron over Zoom in his third appearance on the podcast. This time, it's all about his new solo album, The Invisible Line, and the creative process behind it. Aaron pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to juggle projects—from his time with Breaking Benjamin, to reuniting with Lifer, recording with Earshot, and finding his artistic voice as a solo act. He dives into the realities of recording (including why he does almost everything himself), what inspires his songwriting, and how the industry has changed for independent artists. Plus, Aaron gets candid about the struggles of touring these days, the personal shifts that come with growing older, and why it’s more important than ever to create for the love of the music. If you’re an aspiring musician trying to make sense of how to thrive in today’s music world, or just a fan of Aaron’s work across his bands and solo material, this episode is packed with honest, hard-earned insight. Make sure you listen to the full interview and subscribe to Bringin’ It Backwards for more stories straight from the artists themselves.

On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with rising R&B artist Twin Hector for a candid, inspiring conversation about his journey from Dayton, Ohio to Atlanta—and into the national spotlight. Twin Hector opens up about his lifelong connection to music, sharing how he and his twin brother wrote their first school anthem as kids, which led to early recognition and support from teachers and classmates. From those grassroots beginnings, Twin and his brother took social media by storm in high school, eventually notching a platinum record and hundreds of millions of streams. But success wasn’t without setbacks: Twin discusses weathering bad business deals, transitioning into a solo career, and how he’s finding joy—and that signature ‘90s R&B vibe—on his latest single “I Like It.” He reflects on staying true to his roots, keeping a positive mindset through adversity, and what it really takes to keep pushing forward in the music industry. Plus, Twin Hector drops an exclusive about his surprise new album (you heard it here first!) and shares heartfelt advice for aspiring artists about perseverance, authenticity, and trusting your own path—no matter what. You’ll walk away from this episode reminded why you fell in love with music in the first place. Listen in for all the stories behind the headlines, and don’t forget to subscribe to Bringin’ It Backwards wherever you get your podcasts!

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, hosts Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with the rising Greek-American pop sensation Evangelia for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation straight from the Greek islands. Born in New Jersey but raised between the US and Crete, Evangelia shares how a childhood spent split between two worlds—and summers on her grandmother’s farm—ignited her love for music and culture. She opens up about her journey from teaching special education in New Jersey to making the full leap into music after an unexpected layoff. Evangelia gives us a front-row seat to her transition from open mic nights and basement blues bands in the States to crafting her signature blend of dancey pop with Greek folk influences—a sound built alongside her partner and collaborator, Jay Stolar. She reveals the ups and downs of trying to fuse her roots into mainstream pop, the industry pushback she faced, and how staying authentic finally brought her major breakthroughs, including the chart-topping “Fotiá” (and an unforgettable duet with Greek pop royalty Eleni Foureira). Recorded in the middle of her sun-soaked Greek tour, you’ll hear Evangelia’s behind-the-scenes stories about writing her summer jam “Mykonos” (inspired by epic all-night island parties), her viral moments, and the sometimes bumpy but beautiful road back to embracing her heritage. If you’re an aspiring artist, you won’t want to miss her candid advice on pushing past self-doubt, owning your uniqueness, and just getting your music out there—even when it feels scary. Hit follow, subscribe to Bringin’ It Backwards, and get ready for a conversation that’s equal parts heart, hustle, and Greek sunshine.

On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Ivy and Mabel, the sister duo behind the stunning folk act Charm of Finches. Hailing from the heart of Melbourne, Australia, these two share what it was like growing up in a musical family—complete with a mom who led choirs and once performed electronic music standing on her head! From busking as kids outside their dad’s veggie shop to recording their very first EP at just 12 and 14, and then emerging as one of Australia’s most beloved new folk acts, Ivy and Mabel walk us through their remarkable journey. The sisters chat about carving their own independent path, capturing inspiration during long tours abroad, and the fairytale origins of their latest album’s title—Marlinchen in the Snow. They reflect on how winning the Best Folk Album at the Australian Folk Music Awards changed things, offer real talk about sibling dynamics in music, and open up about learning the DIY side of the industry, from recording at home to editing their own videos. Plus, they’ve got some solid advice for aspiring artists about staying honest in your craft and doing it yourself wherever you can. Stick around to hear candid stories about life on the road, sisterhood, and why creative vulnerability matters more than ever. Whether you’re gunning for your own spot in the spotlight or just want a peek into the making of today’s rising indie stars, you don’t want to miss this conversation with Charm of Finches. Listen and subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards wherever you get your podcasts!

On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with fast-rising singer-songwriter Avery Lynch for an open and honest conversation about her remarkable journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to the heart of LA’s music scene. Avery opens up about how her musical gift was discovered at just five years old, when she could play songs by ear on her childhood keyboard, and how those early talents eventually led her to the Berklee College of Music—and some unconventional ways of making the most out of her college experience. Avery reveals how hitting “post” on a TikTok clip changed everything, inviting her first brush with virality, a fiercely loyal fanbase, and the wild ride of refreshing the page as followers and views skyrocketed. She explains the inspiration behind her beloved "as Written" projects, sharing why stripping back her songs to their rawest, original form is a gift back to her fans and a return to her creative roots. The interview takes us behind the scenes of Avery’s creative process, how she built an intensely dedicated fan community using Instagram’s Close Friends feature, the realities of navigating an unpredictable music industry, and the importance of sticking with your craft even when the algorithms—and the odds—shift against you. If you’re an aspiring artist, this episode is packed with the kind of heartfelt, hard-won advice that only comes from someone who’s lived through the highs and lows of finding your voice in today’s unpredictable digital music landscape. Hit play, and don’t forget to subscribe to Bringin’ It Backwards for more interviews where musicians share the stories behind their success.

What does it take to grow up loving music in a non-musical household—and still carve your way onto one of heavy music’s most respected labels? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Joe from Lightworker for a no-holds-barred conversation about humble roots in Redwood City, navigating sketchy Bay Area venues as a teenager, and learning to channel creative urges through violin and guitar—even if it meant skipping lunch to buy new CDs. Joe opens up about his evolution from writing songs alone to forming Lightworker, grinding through DIY releases, and the pivotal moment when Solid State Records offered them a deal just as they were wrapping up their debut album. We talk about the pressure and privilege of working with heavy-hitting producers like Daniel Gailey (Fit For A King, Phinehas) and Beau Burchell (Saosin) for two albums in a row, and how the creative process—marked by pandemic writer’s block and late-night artistic breakthroughs—helped shape Lightworker’s heavier, most personal record to date, How the Beautiful Decay. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode offers real talk about perseverance, DIY hustle, and what it means to “do the work” in an ever-changing music industry. Hit play to hear Joe’s journey from classical music as a kid to fronting one of the Bay Area’s fiercest heavy bands—and don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and join the Bringin’ It Backwards community for more conversations you won’t hear anywhere else.

What happens when an artist steps away from their craft, finds themselves again, and returns with a renewed sense of joy and creative purpose? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, host Adam Lisicky reconnects with the incomparable Gavin Turek, just weeks after the release of her brand-new album, Diva of the People. It’s been three years since Gavin first joined the show to talk about her debut album, Madam Gold—a time shaped by struggle, transformation, and the challenges of releasing music during the pandemic. In this candid conversation, Gavin shares how that era left her exhausted and questioning her path, leading her to take a much-needed break, travel abroad, and rediscover her passion for music on her own terms. We dig into her journey growing up in LA surrounded by art, the all-in hustle of commuting to an arts high school, and how early MySpace connections shaped her career. Gavin opens up about fully trusting her vision, the power of working with new collaborators, and why Diva of the People marks both a return to her dance-focused roots and a reclaiming of the joy that first drew her to music. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your creative fire burning—especially through burnout, setbacks, and the pressure to conform—this episode is for you. Don’t miss Gavin’s inspiring advice for aspiring artists, her behind-the-scenes look at the indie album process, and her honest reflections on what it takes to sound exactly the way you hear yourself in your mind. Listen now, subscribe, and be sure to follow us at @BringinBackPOD for more stories that bring you closer to the artists and music you love.

On this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Sean Ulbs of The Eiffels sits down with Michael Fitzpatrick—better known as Fitz, frontman of the chart-topping band Fitz and the Tantrums. Fitz gets real about his long and winding road through the music industry, from years of rejection and heartbreak to risking it all—both emotionally and financially—on one more shot at his dream. He shares how a vintage organ and a single inspired rehearsal launched the band that would eventually bring us hits like “HandClap,” “The Walker,” and “Out of My League.” Fitz opens up about the creative process behind their latest album Man on the Moon, what it’s like performing new songs for fans after years of making music, and why licensing and syncs were crucial for the band’s rise in a changing industry. The conversation takes a candid turn into the realities of breaking through later in life, the pressures of social media on aspiring artists, and how to build a dedicated fanbase that will stick around long after the viral moment fades. There are stories about tough gigs, major risks, and a Tom Petty studio mishap you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a longtime fan, an up-and-coming musician, or just need a dose of inspiration, this is a conversation packed with advice and powerful reminders about passion, perseverance, and making your own path. Stick around for Fitz’s heartfelt advice to aspiring artists, and make sure to check out the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.

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 Hello@BringinitBackwards.com 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 Hello@BringinitBackwards.com 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/