On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, hosts Adam and Tera Lisicky sit down with the rising Greek-American pop sensation Evangelia for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation straight from the Greek islands. Born in New Jersey but raised between the US and Crete, Evangelia shares how a childhood spent split between two worlds—and summers on her grandmother's farm—ignited her love for music and culture. She opens up about her journey from teaching special education in New Jersey to making the full leap into music after an unexpected layoff. Evangelia gives us a front-row seat to her transition from open mic nights and basement blues bands in the States to crafting her signature blend of dancey pop with Greek folk influences—a sound built alongside her partner and collaborator, Jay Stolar. She reveals the ups and downs of trying to fuse her roots into mainstream pop, the industry pushback she faced, and how staying authentic finally brought her major breakthroughs, including the chart-topping "Fotiá" (and an unforgettable duet with Greek pop royalty Eleni Foureira). Recorded in the middle of her sun-soaked Greek tour, you'll hear Evangelia's behind-the-scenes stories about writing her summer jam "Mykonos" (inspired by epic all-night island parties), her viral moments, and the sometimes bumpy but beautiful road back to embracing her heritage. If you're an aspiring artist, you won't want to miss her candid advice on pushing past self-doubt, owning your uniqueness, and just getting your music out there—even when it feels scary. Hit follow, subscribe to Bringin' It Backwards, and get ready for a conversation that's equal parts heart, hustle, and Greek sunshine.
