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!
