Podcast
Bringin' it Backwards
Hosted by Adam & Tera Lisicky · EN
Bringin' It Backwards: podcast – giving driven musicians the invaluable insight they need to succeed in the music industry, by revealing how legendary musicians achieved stardom.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
BiB: Bailey Spinn – From Viral TikTok Star to Hard Rock Trailblazer (The Untold Journey)
Dec 2200:26:35Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam reconnects with viral sensation and rock artist Bailey Spinn. You might remember Bailey from TikTok, where she first blew up during her college days—but when she last joined the show, she hadn't even released her own music yet. Fast forward three years: Bailey's debut EP "My Worst Enemy" racked up millions of streams, her breakout single "Happy Ending" took off far beyond her expectations, and she's since dropped her powerful debut album "Loser." Adam and Bailey dig into how she transformed her social media following into a community of music supporters, the tough call to leave college for a shot at her creative dreams, and what it was really like navigating early success without a label. Bailey gets candid about the backlash and validation that came with going "all in" on music, finding her sound as she shifts from pop-punk to hard rock and metal, and the persistence it takes to carve out your own lane—even when it means being "annoying" online to get noticed. If you've ever doubted taking risks with your art or wondered what it's like to go from internet personality to serious recording artist, Bailey's story pulls back the curtain in her own honest words. Listen in to hear how she's building her sophomore album, collaborating with heavy hitters—and why showing up every day (and ignoring the haters) is key to making it. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Bringin' it Backwards so you never miss these inspiring stories straight from the artists themselves!
Transcribe →
BiB: Craig Johns Jr - How a Movie Soundtrack Idea Became The Dark's Heavy-Hitting Band
Dec 1700:31:44Tap to summarizeOn this episode of "Bringin' It Backwards," Adam Lisicky sits down with Craig Johns Jr for a raw, honest conversation about his journey from a small suburb outside New York City to building a new life and music career in Los Angeles. Craig Johns Jr dives into his early obsessions with guitar, first tours at just fifteen, and the twists and turns of being in multiple bands—each chapter pushing him closer to finding his own sound. He opens up about the leap of faith it took to leave behind family, familiar scenes, and childhood friends to chase his ambitions as a producer and songwriter. The story gets real about setbacks, burnout, and learning to balance relentless networking with deep creative work. Then, we get the inside scoop on "The Dark," his newest project born out of unlikely collaborations, late-night writing sessions, and a whole lot of experimentation—moving from soundtracks for video games and film into full-blown heavy metal band territory. If you're an aspiring artist, this is the episode for you. You'll hear how Craig Johns Jr shaped the band's identity, carved out a cohesive sonic and visual universe, and learned the hard truths about hustling in LA. Plus, he shares straight-talk advice for musicians who want to level up: from putting in the work and refining your craft to figuring out when it's time to let go and have fun with it. Tune in for a conversation that's as transparent as it is inspiring, and listen all the way through for real-world insight you won't get anywhere else. Hit subscribe so you never miss a backstage story from the artists redefining music today!
Transcribe →
BiB: Lexi Norton (Echos) – How a DM Changed Everything: From Small Town to Millions of Streams!
Dec 1300:27:36Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you tell the world you're going to be a singer at age five—and then actually make it happen? In this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Alexandra (Lexi Norton) of Echos to uncover the story behind her music journey that started in a small town outside Portland, Oregon, and has taken her all the way to millions of streams and a dedicated global fanbase. Lexi opens up about the early validation she received from family and strangers in her hometown, the importance of delusional belief on the path to becoming an artist, and how Echos was literally started through a Twitter DM—a connection that would put them on the map with chart-topping tracks on Hype Machine. We talk about finding her voice as a shy kid, why songwriting has always felt like her diary, and how she navigated Echos' evolution from a viral online duo to a full-fledged band, especially after her original partner amicably left the project. If you've ever wondered what it feels like to see your music on a show like Love Island, or why letting vulnerability drive your lyrics matters, this conversation is full of honest, grounded insight that will resonate with anyone chasing a creative dream. Make sure to follow and subscribe to Bringin' it Backwards for more stories straight from the artists themselves!
Transcribe →
BiB: Damian Kulash - The Untold Story Behind OK Go's Wildest Music Videos
Dec 1000:59:07Tap to summarizeGet ready to see a side of OK Go you've never heard before. On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Damian Kulash, frontman of the Grammy-winning icons behind some of the most creative music videos ever made. From growing up in the DC punk scene, finding his voice at Interlochen camp, to building OK Go's signature blend of jaw-dropping visuals and infectious pop hooks, Damian Kulash brings you into the heart of what makes the band tick. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting to know OK Go, this episode goes deep: how a love of visual art became part of OK Go's DNA, why "Love" and its mirror-and-robot video nearly took years to piece together, and what it feels like to hear your own songs in a whole new way once the world gets a hold of them. It's not just about music— it's about connection, creativity, and trusting that "the thing only you can do" is the path worth walking. If you want insight on career longevity, balancing parenthood with creative ambition, and tips for aspiring artists straight from Damian Kulash himself, you can't miss this conversation. Welcome to Bringin' It Backwards—the podcast that takes you behind the scenes with legendary and rising artists, and shows you how stardom is really made. Don't forget to listen, subscribe, and join the conversation!
Transcribe →
BiB: Chris Kelly (Hillhaven) - How Lindsay Lohan Inspired My Rock Career!
Dec 900:30:22Tap to summarizeWhat if your entire journey as a musician started with a Lindsay Lohan movie? On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Chris Kelly of Hillhaven, who opens up about growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, finding inspiration in the unlikeliest places (think Freaky Friday), and the rocky path from bedroom guitarist to fronting his own band. Chris Kelly shares how music was always swirling around his family—even if it wasn't always encouraged as a career—and how a chance at the original School of Rock set him on a path that took him from playing Pink Floyd covers as a kid to headlining real venues in Philly before the age of 14. You'll hear how he built his skills through countless bands that fizzled, what it takes to assemble a dream team of seasoned musicians when you're starting a new project in your thirties, and his honest, sometimes vulnerable take on stepping into the spotlight as a lead vocalist for the first time. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of launching a new band, navigating creative insecurities, and the lessons Chris Kelly learned the hard way, you'll want to stick around for this episode. Don't forget to subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards for more unfiltered stories from the artists shaping tomorrow's music.
Transcribe →
BiB: Nikitaa – From Mumbai to LA: How She Defied Tradition & Broke Into the Music Industry
Dec 600:34:38Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you're the first in your family to chase a dream everyone else kept secret? On this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Indian singer-songwriter and producer Nikitaa—an artist who grew up in Mumbai surrounded by music, yet never saw anyone actually turn their passion into a career. That is, until she decided to break the mold. From early poetry scribbled in a black diary, to piano lessons she begged her mom for, Nikitaa opens up about leaving home for Los Angeles with more ambition than a plan, stepping into LA's music scene wide-eyed, and debuting music that unexpectedly racked up thousands of streams and editorial playlist placements. Hear her talk about weathering cultural expectations, why she learned to produce and engineer her own tracks during the pandemic, and the deeply personal, vulnerable stories behind her upcoming album—including the healing power she found in telling her own truth through songwriting. This is not just a conversation about music. It's about risk, being your own advocate, the joy (and terror) of finally being seen, and learning to trust your voice—especially when you're the very first one in your family to use it. If you're someone looking for road-tested insight on finding authenticity in your music career, hit play and subscribe to Bringin' it Backwards wherever you get your podcasts.
Transcribe →
BiB: Doobie - Real Talk on Addiction, Recovery & Reinventing Himself with Rock
Dec 300:37:51Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Doobie, an artist whose raw blend of rock and hip hop—and brutally honest storytelling—has built a dedicated fanbase. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Doobie shares how a childhood filled with his mom's eclectic music—from Metallica to Tupac—sparked his love for genre-bending sounds. He opens up about writing poetry as a kid, turning those words into rap verses, and eventually teaching himself beat-making and engineering in high school. The conversation digs deep into how one chance encounter with a local DJ completely changed his career, how touring with Jelly Roll and Yelawolf shaped him as an artist, and the wild, almost-derailed journey behind his breakout track "When the Drugs Don't Work"—a song that exploded on YouTube and changed his life overnight. Doobie gets vulnerable about his battles with addiction, finding purpose in recovery, and pushing his music head-first into a bold, rock-driven direction ("Early Bird Gets the Whiskey" is just the beginning). If you're an aspiring musician (or just love real stories from artists on the rise), you'll find plenty of inspiration—and unfiltered truth—right here. Stick around to hear advice you won't get anywhere else, and don't forget to subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards for more backstage stories from today's most compelling artists.
Transcribe →
BiB: Cecilia Castleman: Riffs, Truth Bombs, & Making a Record with Don Was: Road to Breakthrough
Dec 200:25:48Tap to summarizeWhat does it really mean to grow up in a household where songwriting isn't just a passion—it's the family business? On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with rising Nashville artist Cecilia Castleman for a raw, insightful look into her journey from Franklin, Tennessee's cow fields to the brink of her debut album release. From picking up a guitar at age six (instead of a twenty-dollar bill for the mall) to landing a publishing deal at eighteen, Cecilia Castleman and Cecilia Castleman share how a musical family, relentless work ethic, and a willingness to keep her art sacred shaped not only her sound, but the way she moves through the industry. She opens up about backseat sessions with her songwriter mom and philosophical kitchen-writing with her dad, the years-long process of choosing which "secrets and thoughts" would finally make it onto her first record, and even what it felt like to work with legendary producer Don Was after years of dreaming. In this conversation, you'll hear stories of fighting perfectionism, the struggle to stay true when comparison sneaks in, and the vulnerable process of turning personal experience into shareable art. Whether you're an aspiring musician or just a fan of great storytelling, this episode peels back the layers on what it takes to forge a musical career when "making it" means being both tough and totally yourself. Tune in to hear Cecilia Castleman's advice for artists learning to "hold your ground," her reflections on the highs and lows of chasing the dream, and why sometimes the right guitar riff and an honest lyric is all you need. Don't forget to subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards on your favorite platform and follow @BringinBackPOD for more inspiring interviews!
Transcribe →
BiB: Calvin (The Happy Fits) – Going Viral Overnight: How A DIY EP Changed Everything!
Nov 3000:39:47Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Calvin Langman of The Happy Fits for a candid, electric conversation about growth, vulnerability, and the wild ride from local family jams to viral indie stardom. Calvin—who grew up on a DIY farm in West Jersey surrounded by musical siblings—shares how he went from goofing off with parody songs inspired by Weird Al to writing the band's breakout EP during high school. What started as a passion project quickly skyrocketed as their DIY artwork accidentally landed them on Spotify's US Viral charts and brought offers from major labels. Calvin opens up about the pressure of early success, taking the leap to leave school for music, and how the band found a new sound after pivotal lineup changes. The episode dives into the making of The Happy Fits' newest album "Love Sick," revealing the creative process behind integrating female vocals and chasing honest, personal stories in songwriting. Calvin is vulnerable about navigating big life transitions—from sobriety to heartbreak and moving to Brooklyn—showing how all those moments fueled his songwriting and the band's explosive chemistry. Whether you're an aspiring musician or a fan, this episode is packed with advice on building a supportive team, embracing change, and staying true to your passion for music. Hit play and discover how The Happy Fits are stronger than ever—ready to kick off their new tour and share their next chapter with the world. Don't forget to subscribe to Bringin' it Backwards for more authentic stories from your favorite artists!
Transcribe →
BiB: Alexandra Savior - How Bipolar Disorder Shaped Her Most Raw and Honest Album Yet
Nov 2100:28:51Tap to summarizeWhat happens when everything you thought your music career would be takes a sharp left turn—not once, but over and over again? On this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with the wildly talented Alexandra Savior for an honest, vulnerable conversation about reinvention, resilience, and staying true to her creative self through the ups and downs of the music industry. Alexandra opens up about her journey from rainy Vancouver, Washington to New York Fashion Week as a teenager—thanks to an unexpected shoutout from Courtney Love—and the whirlwind that followed: signing with Columbia, writing sessions in London, and nearly missing her high school graduation due to flights to L.A. and New York. She tells us what it was like to nearly become the "pop star" execs wanted, only to realize she needed to find her own path. Alexandra reflects on the challenges following her debut, riding the waves of being dropped by her label, and how a chance call from Danger Mouse and a creative partnership helped spark her next chapter. We dive deep into her latest project, Beneath the Lily Pad, where her songwriting explores personal themes like mental health, isolation, and searching for identity, all crafted in the most DIY way imaginable. From painting album covers in her kitchen to building a direct connection with fans through handwritten letters and custom merchandise, Alexandra's story is one of artistic integrity, vulnerability, and never giving up—even when the world shuts down. Get ready for an episode filled with music industry real talk, behind-the-scenes moments, and advice you won't find on TikTok. Hit subscribe, lean in, and listen to Alexandra Savior's incredible journey—only on Bringin' it Backwards.
Transcribe →