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.

  1. 22/12/2025

    BiB: Bailey Spinn – From Viral TikTok Star to Hard Rock Trailblazer (The Untold Journey)

    On 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!

    27 min
  2. 17/12/2025

    BiB: Craig Johns Jr - How a Movie Soundtrack Idea Became The Dark's Heavy-Hitting Band

    On 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!

    32 min
  3. 02/12/2025

    BiB: Cecilia Castleman: Riffs, Truth Bombs, & Making a Record with Don Was: Road to Breakthrough

    What 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!

    26 min

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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.

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