Bringin' it Backwards

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!

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!

What 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!

Get 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!

What 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.