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. HACE 1 DÍA

    BiB: How a DIY Album Got Lightworker Signed #podcast #interview

    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.

    33 min
  2. HACE 4 DÍAS

    BiB: Gavin Turek – “I Was Ready to Quit—Now I’m All In”: The Making of Her Boldest Album

    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.

    41 min
  3. 10 SEP

    BiB: Fitz and the Tantrums – From Complete Rejection to Stadium Anthems: Fitz Gets Real About Breaking Through

    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.

    48 min
  4. 5 SEP

    BiB: Joshua Aubrey Jackson (Make Sure) – From Bedroom Recordings to a Tooth & Nail Record Deal: His Unfiltered Journey

    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.

    39 min
  5. 3 SEP

    BiB: TAVE – From Church Piano Prodigy to Grammy-Nominated Hitmaker (and His First Ever Interview!)

    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.

    34 min
  6. 3 SEP

    BiB: Self Deception On Crowdfunding Triumphs, Viral Moments, and Never Giving Up

    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.

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

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