Back to the Light

New episode: Never Gonna Happen with Jay Hines (The Subteens), Marvin Stockwell (Champions of the Lost Causes, Pezz) and Tyler Ransom (In The Shed)

November 29, 2021

Host J.D. Reager gears up for an imminent trip to Memphis by checking in with old friends Jay Hines (The Subteens) and Marvin Stockwell (Pezz, Champions of the Lost Causes). He also chats with musician, author, martial artist and the subject of the recent documentary In The Shed, Tyler Ransom, and spins the song “Never Gonna Happen” by The Subteens.

RELIVE IT: Just Wait with Matthew Caws (Nada Surf)

November 17, 2021

Host J.D. Reager revisits his conversation from 2020 with one of his all-time favorite musicians and guests, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf. Included is a Back to the Light-exclusive solo performance of the Nada Surf song “Just Wait.” Available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and everywhere fine podcasts are distributed.

New episode: Howlin’ with Alicja Trout (Alicja-Pop, Sweet Knives, Lost Sounds, River City Tanlines)

November 9, 2021

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician Alicja Trout about her love of analog synthesizers, collaborating with her husband Severin in the new band Sharkteef, the volatility of the Lost Sounds, continuing the Lost Sounds legacy in Sweet Knives, touring Europe with River City Tanlines, her brief collaboration with Love’s Arthur Lee, and the new Alicja-Pop album Howlin’. J.D. also spins

New episode: Live From The Tambourine Bash with Bailey Bigger, Steve Selvidge (The Hold Steady), Elizabeth Cawein (Music Export Memphis), Andrew Geraci (Alicja-Pop) and Chris Davenport (San Salida)

November 2, 2021

Host J.D. Reager chats with guests Bailey Bigger, Steve Selvidge (The Hold Steady, Bash & Pop), Elizabeth Cawein (Music Export Memphis), Andrew Geraci (Alicja-Pop, San Salida) and Chris Davenport (San Salida) on location at the Levitt Shell during The Tambourine Bash, an annual fundraiser for Music Export Memphis. J.D. also shares a live performance from the evening – Selvidge’s “Lazarus”

New episode: The Rebirth of Vinyl Records with Jeff Powell (Take Out Vinyl) LIVE at the Memphis Listening Lab

October 26, 2021

Host J.D. Reager moderates a discussion with producer, engineer and vinyl cutter Jeff Powell in front of a live crowd at the Memphis Listening Lab. They have a long chat about the recent resurgence of vinyl sales, the ins and outs of vinyl mastering and production and Jeff’s career cutting big-time records while taking questions from audience throughout. Available via

New episode: Tradition with Michaela Forrest and Will Forrest (Rosey)

October 21, 2021

Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Michaela and Will Forrest about falling in love and founding Rosey (in that order), their individual musical pasts, and the band’s imminent emergence from pandemic hibernation. Then J.D. spins the song “Tradition” from the new Rosey album I’d Move House if My House Moved Like Yours, and Michaela and Will perform an acoustic set

New episode: Live From Gonerfest 18 Part 3 with Alex Greene (Reigning Sound) and Ross Johnson (Panther Burns)

October 11, 2021

Host J.D. Reager presents the third of a three-part series of episodes recorded live at Gonerfest 18 in Memphis, TN. This installment features conversations with Alex Greene (Reigning Sound, Rolling Head Orchestra, Memphis Flyer) and Ross Johnson (Panther Burns, Alex Chilton, Turnt). Once again, thank you Goner Records! Available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts

New episode: Live From Gonerfest 18 Part 2 with Wreckless Eric, Jeremy Scott (Reigning Sound) and Cameron Mann (Young Avenue Sound)

October 5, 2021

Host J.D. Reager presents the second of a three-part series of episodes recorded live at Gonerfest 18 in Memphis, TN. This installment features conversations with the legendary Wreckless Eric, returning guest Jeremy Scott (Reigning Sound, Toy Trucks), and Young Avenue Sound owner and co-founder Cameron Mann. Thank you Goner Records! Available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon Music, Google

New Episode: Live From Gonerfest 18 Part 1 with Alicja Trout (Alicja-Pop, Lost Sounds), Mike McCarthy (Guerrilla Monster Films), Graham Burks (Loose Opinions) and Jared McStay (Shangri-La Records, So Gung Ho)

September 30, 2021

Host J.D. Reager presents the first of a three-part series of episodes recorded live at Gonerfest 18 in Memphis, TN. This installment features lively conversations with Alicja Trout (Lost Sounds, River City Tanlines, Sweet Knives, Alicja-Pop, Sharkteef), Mike McCarthy (Guerrilla Monster Films, Time Warp Drive-In, Teenage Tupelo), Graham Burks (Loose Opinions) and Jared McStay (Shangri-La Records, The Simpletones, So Gung

New Loose Opinions video + Gonerfest 18 photos

September 28, 2021

It was a big weekend at Back to the Light HQ! First things first, the new Loose Opinions video “Shadow of the Shadow” – directed by Christopher Reyes – premiered at Under the Radar. Wow! Check out the video here: Most of the Back to the Light team also attended and participated in Gonerfest 18 in Memphis over the weekend,

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