Bringin' it Backwards

Adam & Tera Lisicky

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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support.

  1. 6 HR AGO

    BiB: Vienna Vienna – How Pete Wentz Changed My Life & the TikTok Song That Started It All

    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!

    32 min
  2. You Might Also Like: New Rules for a Broken System

    7 HR AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: New Rules for a Broken System

    Introducing Tackling Sovereign Debt from New Rules for a Broken System. Follow the show: New Rules for a Broken System The concept of sovereign debt sounds really simple. A country borrows money—usually from other countries, big public banks, or private institutions. And then it pays that money back, with interest. But the reality of sovereign debt is much more complicated, because the rules are stacked against countries that borrow money, many of which are in the global south. This has led to the situation where close to half of all African countries are spending more money just to pay the interest on their debts than they do on essential services like education or health care.  In this episode, we’ll discuss how this all happened. And we’ll hear about some of the ways people are rethinking sovereign debt to make sure countries looking to finance their future don’t have to mortgage away their present.  Host Karen Given speaks with Jason Braganza, the executive director of the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development. Her other guest is Martín Guzmán, a professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University and member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican. *********** If you'd like to learn more about the ideas and actions to create new rules for a broken system, please check out “Global Governance Reimagined,” a special report from FP Analytics. The views and opinions expressed in Global Governance Reimagined do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or endorsement of FP Analytics or the Ford Foundation. And remember, this is an ongoing conversation. Discussions about changing the rules of foreign aid, sovereign debt, and global finance are continuing at the U.N. General Assembly, taking place now in New York, and beyond. Be sure to check out coverage from Foreign Policy.  New Rules for a Broken System is produced by FP Studios with the support of the Ford Foundation. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 2 DAYS AGO

    BiB: Henry Cox (Boston Manor): Quitting the Day Job, Signing the Label Deal, & Pandemic Setbacks

    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.

    50 min
  4. 3 DAYS AGO

    BiB: Jake (In Hearts Wake) – Parental Warning: Tarot Cards, Bonus Dads & Metal Core Breakthroughs!

    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.

    1h 8m
  5. 26 SEPT

    BiB: Twin Hector – From Viral School Anthem to 100 Million Streams & Going Solo

    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!

    43 min
  6. 23 SEPT

    BiB: EVANGELIA – From Special Ed Teacher to Greek Pop Sensation

    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.

    39 min
  7. 23 SEPT

    BiB: Charm of Finches – Touring the World Before 18 and the DIY Artist Life

    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!

    39 min

About

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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bringin-it-backwards--4972373/support.

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