ABOUT THE SHOW

Play It Back is a podcast all about the songs that have changed our lives in the most profound ways. Host John Asante talks with musicians, creators, and music lovers of all kinds about their most cherished music memories. In a world where music is more accessible than ever, Play It Back is a space for anyone to explore how the power of music connects us with others, influences huge life decisions, and fans the flames of unabashed obsessions.

Got a story about song that has made a world of difference in your life? Drop a line at playitbackradio@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE HOST

John Asante — Creator, Host & Producer

John was raised on a healthy dose of dance-worthy music from his family’s homeland of Ghana, disco jams, and Motown hits. Through grade school, John’s friends turned him onto all sorts of “rock” – punk, alternative, emo, etc. While attending Georgia State University, he DJ’ed at the college’s noteworthy radio station, and formed a vast appreciation for hip-hop, instrumentals, classic rock, blues, and the far reaches of the indie music scene, including Swedish psych rock and British electropop. At this point, John was a full-on concert junkie, attending more shows with his best friends than he could likely afford, just to chase that high.

His love of music and storytelling led him to a career in public radio, producing conversations and pieces on pop culture, race, culture, health, tech, and much more for NPR’s Talk of The Nation, Ask Me Another, Morning Edition, and Tell Me More, as well as WNYC’sThe Takeaway and There Goes the Neighborhood. Currently, John is a Senior Producer at Stitcher, creating new, original podcasts for the network, including Dear Franklin Jones, Gossip, and Sold In America.

When he’s not making podcasts, John loves telling stories about his African heritage and unabashed love for ABBA, going on runs, bikes, and hikes, attending shows, and exploring his current home city of Los Angeles.