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!
