BiB: Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquility): Swedish Grammy Wins, Bus Rides with In Flames, and 13 Albums!

From viral TikTok moments at Coachella to a billboard stunt that had the internet talking, IZZA's been turning heads with her creative, bold approach to pop music—and storytelling. In this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Los Angeles-born IZZA as she shares her journey from growing up in Encino surrounded by music-loving parents, to diving into songwriting at age thirteen and studying music business at USC. IZZA opens up about the challenges of finding her feet as an independent artist, from teaching herself music production so she could make her own demos, to navigating a male-dominated studio world and creating her signature sound. You’ll get the behind-the-scenes stories on her Coachella guerrilla performances—where she brought her own MIDI keyboard and filmed herself playing “Gentlemen”—and the infamous revenge billboard she put up outside her ex’s apartment to promote her single. IZZA also teases her forthcoming EP, “Because I’m Blonde,” and dishes on her recent “Sweat” single and video, which brings early 2010s pop vibes into the modern era. This episode’s loaded with honest advice for aspiring artists about finding your own voice, building your own path, and staying true to your creative vision—even when the industry doesn’t make it easy. Tune in to hear how IZZA is reshaping what it means to be a pop artist today, and don’t forget to subscribe to Bringin’ it Backwards for more inside stories from both legendary and rising artists.

What happens when a teenage metalhead from a quiet Swedish suburb grabs a guitar, jumps on a local bus with his friends—and some of the biggest names in Scandinavian metal—and decides to rewrite the soundtrack of modern metal? On today’s episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Mikael Stanne of legendary band Dark Tranquility for a candid, unfiltered look at three-plus decades in the scene, from cassette tape trading and fighting over synth vs. metal in the schoolyard, to accidentally inventing the “Gothenburg Sound” alongside fellow icons At the Gates and In Flames. Mikael shares why forming Dark Tranquility with neighborhood friends was more about escaping the ordinary than chasing fame, how those infamous bus rides into Gothenburg were basically a rolling summit of musical minds, and what it was really like to win a Swedish Grammy during the chaos of 2020 (spoiler: he had to text the band to tell them they’d won). Plus, hear how the band’s 13th album, “End Time Signal,” came out of major lineup changes and a band-wide leap into the unknown. Whether you’re a die-hard metal fan or just fascinated by artists who never stopped pushing forward, you’ll want to catch every minute of this episode. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, follow @BringinBackPOD, and let us know your favorite moments from the interview!

What does it really take to leave home, risk it all, and start over in the heart of country music? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with rising country artist Charly Reynolds for a candid look at her journey from growing up in Orlando, Florida—where Disney magic and country music mixed in unexpected ways—to hustling her way onto Nashville’s famed Broadway stages. Charly opens up about the real struggles (and not-so-glamorous jobs at Chick-fil-A) that paved the road from high school release shows to playing the Wildhorse Saloon, founding her sound, and becoming an independent artist with a debut album, "Off the Record." She unpacks the self-doubt, hustle, and tenacity it takes to make a name for yourself in Nashville’s daunting music scene, all while learning to tune out the noise and stay true to your vision. From her love of Disney princesses and early Taylor Swift inspiration to the lessons learned from four-hour sets on lower Broadway—and even a battle with vocal cord surgery—Charly’s story is proof that the path to stardom is far from straight, but it’s always authentic. Whether you’re grinding your way through music city, searching for your artistic voice, or just love a story of raw perseverance, this episode is for you. Listen in, get inspired, and don’t forget to subscribe for more honest artist stories on Bringin’ It Backwards.

Ever wondered what it takes to bridge the worlds of punk, literature, rock climbing, and cinematic music videos? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam sits down with Nik Leuthold of the band NONEXISTER for an honest conversation that pulls back the curtain on an extraordinary artistic journey. Growing up in Zurich with a feminist author as a mother, Nik was a published co-author by age 12, and soon found himself immersed in the gritty, heart-driven world of DIY punk and hardcore scenes. But his story didn’t stop there—rock climbing and running a venue in the Spanish mountains followed, before returning to Switzerland to launch NONEXISTER and craft a debut album where every music video feels like a short film. Nik dives deep into how his literary upbringing shapes his songwriting, why collaborating openly sparks the best art, and the lengths the band goes to create jaw-dropping visuals—including a single-shot music video featuring a freediver holding her breath for four minutes. From writing fiction and theater to pushing boundaries in music and video, Nik's story is a testament to creative evolution and collaboration. If you're a musician, artist, or just love stories about pursuing creative dreams from every angle, this episode will leave you inspired—and might just change the way you think about what’s possible as an artist. Listen in, and don’t forget to subscribe to Bringin’ It Backwards for more real conversations with the artists shaping the future of music.

From a babysitter spinning New Found Glory records in South Florida to sharing stages with Simple Plan and State Champs, Jonathon Fraser—better known as Northbound—has crafted a story of indie grit, pop-punk spirit, and relentless drive. In this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with Jonathon to trace his journey from anxious high schooler in Fort Lauderdale’s DIY scene to full-time solo artist in Los Angeles. Jonathon opens up about the early days: burning CDs of bedroom-recorded singles, DIY touring in borrowed vans as a teenager, and navigating the uncertainty of going solo when his bandmates chose college over the road. He details how a chance with Animal Style Records sparked his transition from acoustic storytelling to fully-formed band recordings, eventually leading to his latest chapter with Smart Punk Records. You’ll hear about the reality of surviving the industry—touring hardships, financial risks of “making it,” and the drive to simply live comfortably through music. Plus, Jonathon shares candid reflections on moving to LA, staying ambitious after the pandemic derailed big plans, and the lessons he’s picked up along the way. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just love hearing the real stories behind the music, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and the kind of authenticity you can only find on Bringin’ It Backwards. Tune in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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!

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.

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.

Aaron Fink is back—and he's bringing a fresh chapter to his already multi-faceted music journey. On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam and Tera Lisicky catch up with Aaron over Zoom in his third appearance on the podcast. This time, it's all about his new solo album, The Invisible Line, and the creative process behind it. Aaron pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to juggle projects—from his time with Breaking Benjamin, to reuniting with Lifer, recording with Earshot, and finding his artistic voice as a solo act. He dives into the realities of recording (including why he does almost everything himself), what inspires his songwriting, and how the industry has changed for independent artists. Plus, Aaron gets candid about the struggles of touring these days, the personal shifts that come with growing older, and why it’s more important than ever to create for the love of the music. If you’re an aspiring musician trying to make sense of how to thrive in today’s music world, or just a fan of Aaron’s work across his bands and solo material, this episode is packed with honest, hard-earned insight. Make sure you listen to the full interview and subscribe to Bringin’ It Backwards for more stories straight from the artists themselves.

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!