Back to the Light

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,

New episode: Gonerfest 18 Preview with Eric Friedl (Goner Records, Oblivians)

September 21, 2021

Host J.D. Reager talks to Goner Records co-owner Eric Friedl – A.K.A. Eric Oblivian – about the success of last year’s virtual Gonerfest and the many challenges of putting together this year’s festival. J.D. also spins recent music by five bands appearing at Gonerfest 18: Reigning Sound, The Archaeas, Big Clown, Optic Sink and The Exbats. Available via Spotify, Apple

New episode: Solace with Bela Koe-Krompecher (Love, Death & Photosynthesis, Anyway Records)

September 15, 2021

Host J.D. Reager talks with author, social worker, record label owner, and record store legend Bela Koe-Krompecher. They dig into Bela’s time behind the counter (most notably at Used Kids Records in Columbus, OH), founding the Anyway Records label, finding sobriety and a new career in social work, and writing the autobiographical book Love, Death & Photosynthesis. J.D. also spins

New episode: Hard Times with J.Robot (Blindcopy), Brian Balough (You Look Like A Comedy Show) and Joshua McLane (HEELS)

September 7, 2021

Host J.D. Reager digs in to the new Blindcopy song “Hard Times,” which he sang and co-wrote. First, Blindcopy founder J.Robot discusses the song’s musical origins and J.D. shares his inspiration for the lyrics. Then musician/comedian Joshua McLane (HEELS) performs a dramatic reading of Dusty Rhodes’ legendary “hard times” promo and Brian Balough (You Look Like A Comedy Show) chats

New release: Blindcopy – “Permanent Collection”

September 1, 2021

Back to the Light Records is proud to announce yet another new release – the stunning new single “Permanent Collection” by the J.Robot-spearheaded supergroup Blindcopy. "Permanent Collection" single by Blindcopy The long-awaited follow up to “Blacklight,” “Permanent Collection” is a beautiful slice of dream pop-induced haze, with a sublime vocal by Chris Connelly of the legendary bands Pigface, Ministry, and

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