From music to mixtapes: How the Glorfield siblings built KICKBACK to bring analog back

KICKBACK: How two siblings are bringing nostalgic cool back to tech

A brand to put on your radar, KICKBACK, is taking a different approach to consumer tech, no screens, apps, or high-spec functionality here. Instead, it channels a throwback energy, blending retro charm with modern creativity that resonates with Gen Z and Alpha audiences. Founded by siblings London and Abella Glorfield, KICKBACK is making nostalgic tech feel fresh, personal, and inherently social. We spoke with London to learn more about the brand’s journey, its swift growth, and how this duo is redefining what tech can be.

Origins rooted in music and a love for analog

For London Glorfield, KICKBACK’s journey is built on a lifelong obsession with music. Signed to Sony in middle school, London’s early years were spent immersed in the world of music production, which took him from Northern California to the heart of Los Angeles’ creative scene. The influences of this journey, and even a stint living in design-forward Copenhagen, helped shape KICKBACK’s aesthetic: a perfect blend of art, culture, and a desire to break away from the hyper-digital world. What started as a music-centric career slowly shifted into a wider passion for creative projects, ultimately leading to KICKBACK.

The brand concept emerged when London started creating cassette tapes from Spotify playlists, a novel way of turning digital music into a tangible keepsake. Soon, the demand for this creative project took off, and KICKBACK evolved into a brand, designed to make retro-inspired products that give people a fun, tactile alternative to today’s screen-dominated tech.

Carving a niche in nostalgic tech

KICKBACK combines the charm of 80s and early 2000s tech with a fresh, playful edge, resonating with a generation looking to break free from constant connectivity. For London and Abella, there was a clear gap in the market for tech that felt human and relatable rather than sleek and impersonal. They noted how much Gen Z wants to “vacation” from their screens, a trend that’s influencing everything from wellness to lifestyle choices, and leaned into it, designing products that invite people to interact face-to-face.

KICKBACK’s name came from the familiar concept of a high school “kickback,” capturing the feeling of easygoing, real-world gatherings. The brand’s products, like the DIY Mixtape and Jukebox Mini, bring the same relaxed vibe, blending nostalgia with approachable design. Within ten months, this unique approach propelled the brand to impressive visibility, amassing 70,000 followers on Instagram and 30,000 on TikTok.

Building a brand for Gen Z (by Gen Z)

Although tech brands have traditionally pushed for ultra-functional, feature-heavy devices, KICKBACK thrives on being a bit different. For London and Abella, brands like Lisa Says Gah, Vacation, and Tower 28 serve as creative inspirations for their authentic, fun-forward style. While most tech today feels designed for everyone but no one in particular, KICKBACK is on a mission to create electronics that people can get excited to display, use, and talk about—a unique blend of nostalgic, effortlessly cool products that double as decor and conversation starters.

As Abella puts it, “If KICKBACK were featured in a ‘What’s in My Bag?’, I’d love to see it alongside brands that embody individuality and fun, just like us. Lisa Says Gah with its quirky fashion and Tower 28 for bold, clean beauty would be perfect. Vacation sunscreen brings that retro, seriously unserious vibe we love, while Le Specs offers chic, vintage-inspired sunglasses that align with our playful energy. For tech, Nothing wireless earbuds fit right in with their sleek, innovative design, and I’d definitely include Black Honey Clinique lipstick—a nostalgic yet modern beauty staple. Finally, a Pocket Operator from teenage engineering adds a touch of creativity and fun, reflecting the artistic spirit of KICKBACK.”

Growth, challenges, and insights along the way

KICKBACK’s rapid growth came with its fair share of challenges. Navigating the social media landscape meant finding authentic ways to reach people without sacrificing the brand’s voice or values. With social media eliminating gatekeepers, London and Abella leaned into building genuine connections with their followers, treating their audience as friends and collaborators in the brand’s journey. The overwhelming response, including several sold-out product drops, was both gratifying and challenging as they raced to keep up with demand while maintaining quality and exclusivity.

Working as a sibling duo has proven to be an advantage, thanks to the strong bond they’ve had since childhood. Their shared vision and natural alignment have allowed them to navigate the high-energy demands of running a fast-growing company. The siblings have learned to strike a balance between business and personal life, which, rather than straining their relationship, has made them a stronger team.

Looking ahead: new products and advice for young founders

With multiple sold-out drops already under their belt, KICKBACK’s next launch is an ambitious new turntable that’s set to be both technically impressive and aesthetically striking. This project has posed a new challenge for the siblings, but it aligns perfectly with their goal of expanding KICKBACK’s lifestyle offerings to include products that are fun, accessible, and brimming with personality.

For young entrepreneurs, London has a piece of advice: don’t launch a company for the sake of it. Instead, explore what you’re genuinely curious about and start small. A half-baked version is better than waiting for perfection—it gives you a chance to test, improve, and ultimately bring something unique to life.

The future of nostalgia

KICKBACK’s success illustrates that nostalgia, when paired with authenticity and creativity, can be a powerful force. The Glorfields are building more than a brand, they’re creating a lifestyle rooted in personal connection, one that makes tech feel less about screens and more about experiences. Whether it’s a portable mixtape or a new-age turntable, KICKBACK’s products are sparking joy and reminding us all of the fun tech can bring to everyday life.