Welcome back to Bringin' It Backwards, the podcast where legendary and rising artists share their stories before the stardom. In this episode, Adam Lisicky sits down with Elliot—better known as M.A.G.S.—to talk about reinvention, collaboration, and finding new creative life in familiar songs.

A couple years after his album Destroyer made waves, M.A.G.S. returns to discuss his latest project, Creator—a reimagined record featuring ambient, genre-crossing versions of the original tracks. For the first time, he opened up his process to collaborators and crafted the entire album in just nine days, with each song emerging from a blend of spontaneous inspiration and experimentation in Chicago.

Adam and M.A.G.S. dig into the impact of growing up in a musical family, the challenges of band life, and the transformation that comes with letting go of creative control. The conversation is packed with insights on collaboration, personal growth, and the delicate balance between career and passion. Plus, M.A.G.S. shares personal advice for aspiring artists and the excitement about opening for indie legends American Football.

If you're hungry for real stories about artistic reinvention and chasing your creative spark, don't miss this episode. Be sure to subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards for more conversations that go way deeper than the music.

On this episode of "Bringin' It Backwards," Adam Lisicky sits down with Wesko, a country artist whose music journey is anything but typical. Growing up in a tiny town in eastern North Carolina with no musical lineage, Wesko didn't even pick up a guitar until he was 19—and that was just to find some therapy during a stressful period in his life. What started as late-night YouTube tutorials in his parents' backyard quickly turned into songwriting sessions, local gigs, and, eventually, viral TikTok moments that would help launch his career.

Wesko shares how he went from working blue-collar jobs and going to college to signing with Warner Records—all while battling self-doubt and a literal hand injury right before signing his first big deal. He chats openly about building a fanbase from scratch through social media, playing to empty dive bars, and what it's like moving from home studios to recording with major producers in Nashville. Plus, you'll hear the stories behind his "Lost Boys" EP and his upcoming project, revealing why his music is all about real-life struggles, sacrifices, and the power of holding on even when life gets tough.

If you're an aspiring artist looking for inspiration—or just a fan of honest, rootsy storytelling—you won't want to miss this conversation. Stick around to hear Wesko's best advice for breaking through, staying true, and never giving up.

Ever wondered what it's like to risk it all for your dream before you even finish high school? On this episode of Bringin' it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Simone Simons, powerhouse vocalist of the symphonic metal band Epica. Simone opens up about her humble beginnings in the Netherlands—where mandatory flute lessons unexpectedly led her to discover her own passion for singing. She shares how a twist of fate (and a "long-haired" crush) pulled her into the world of metal, and how, at just 17, she joined Epica and made the life-altering decision to drop out of school and chase a career as a touring artist.

Simone reflects on overcoming stage fright, building Epica from the ground up, and the leap from supporting acts to global headliners. Plus, she discusses the band's journey to their ninth studio album "A Spiral," tapping into new creative processes, collaborating with the Prague Orchestra, and even balancing her own solo projects. If you're an aspiring musician or a fan curious about the real-life grind behind legendary bands, this conversation is packed with raw insights, honest advice, and a warmth that's as genuine as Simone's artistry.

Hit play, subscribe, and join us to hear Simone Simons share what it really takes to bring your dreams backwards—and forwards—into the world.