Reign Lee might silently be taking over the world. Since releasing her latest EP in the closing stages of last year, Reign’s been working long days. She’s got opening slots for international acts, she’s on the radar of the radio stations and soon will be heading over to the USA for a tour that’s also part-road-trip.
With interest in her music spreading like it is, we’re delighted she’s here with us at bc unplugged and Shashwati Kala spoke to Reign about her music and life on the road.
Even when you released Angels in the Dirt last year, you had hinted that some new stuff was in the works – anything you’d be willing to dish about that?
Did I? I can’t remember! Talk about a brain-freeze. If you mean new material, I might have been talking about the fact that I have another EP ready to go, but it’s just a matter of finding the time to get everything down. If I had my way, I’d be recording constantly.
It seems like things have really been happening for Angels in the Dirt – what’s the reaction to that been like?
The reaction to Angels in the Dirt has been inspiring. You never know how a song or a record will be perceived because it’s all so subjective. Then of course, you can’t help but be emotionally attached to something you’ve created – particularly when it’s so personal. I was astonished to see that just after a couple months of release it was starting to circulate and get picked up by radio stations like Radio UK International, Radio Basingstoke and Radio Crystal Blue in NYC. I think the biggest thing so far is a few weeks ago I found out that the editors of Blurt Magazine have added me to their ‘Favorites’ folder! I almost choked on my coffee when I read that!
You mentioned that the recording was a very positive experience for you – could you tell us more about that?
This was my best recording experience by far. The main reason for that was this was the first time I walked into a recording experience knowing exactly what I wanted. I also lucked out by finding a co-producer who was completely onboard with the direction of the album. There can be a lot of conflict between songwriters and producers because everyone invested in the project is trying to shape it to their vision. But with Angels in the Dirt, it was one vision and I had complete creative control. It also helps that I worked with some of the most talented musicians to walk the earth!
You’ll be opening for the Besnard Lakes – how did that engagement come about? Any more such big shows?
The venue, Hidden Agenda contacted me and asked if I’d be able to do it. The Besnard Lakes are an awesome band, so I was very excited to be asked. Also, I’ve just found out Joseph Arthur is coming at the end of the month and I’ve been asked to open for his ‘secret show.’ It’s probably so secret I’m not even supposed to mention it. Oh well… But I’m a big Joseph Arthur fan, so it’s truly an honour.
In April, you leave for a tour in the US’ south-west, with fellow musical lady Melissa Cox, whose name is really interesting. What’s behind the ‘Odometer Destroyer’ tour?
Glad you like the name! We decided to call it ‘The Odometer Destroyer Tour’ because of all the miles we’ll cover on the ground plus the miles I’ll be travelling to get to the US will total over 10,000 miles – not bad for an indie band. The idea for the tour came about after my last US tour. Melissa was in the audience at a show in Delaware and afterwards approached me about doing something together. So it’s a bit of an experiment. Because we’re approaching it as separate artists, but we’ll partner up for certain songs and certain shows, making use of mandolins, melodicas and loopers. Should be a lot of fun!
You began with the witty Broken Skylines with its external locus of lyrical attention; then, on to the heady dynamism of Holding Back the Beast, and now Angels in the Dirt an emotional, introspective album. Did you have this kind of progression at the back of your mind, and where do you see this going next?
No, there was no master plan when I first started recording. I had no idea it would become such a genre-bending journey! But I love it. I like playing with my own expectations and other people’s perceptions, so I don’t see the progression stopping anytime soon. With the next project, I see it being much more stripped down and introspective. I’d like to keep it more organic with the next one. I’m toying with the idea of camping out in a desert for a month and recording everything on a 4-track. But I’m probably too much of a perfectionist for that. We’ll see…
You’ve definitely been keeping busy all through the past year, and will continue to be this year too. Do you find time to sit and write music in a relaxed mood, or does the hectic lifestyle suit that pursuit?
I find that writing happens in the calm within the storm; always. I don’t like hectic living, but it’s kind of a necessity in today’s world – for everyone. After this tour, I’m planning to spend some time finding some peace in Beijing.
March’s bc unplugged at The Wanch features Reign Lee, The Unbroken and Brendan Ontario
