Rebel Reece Mastin gives us his reasons.
REECE MASTIN caught up with the AMM chat to us about his new EP, Rebel and the Reason, and his efforts in stopping domestic violence.
Reece Mastin is no stranger to most Australian (teenage) girls, being the winner of popular reality singing TV show "The X-Factor"’s 2011 season, and thousands of young girl’s hearts. He performed every week, bringing a rock-fuelled energy to the arena, and taking home a Sony contract.
Reece was dubbed by many Australians as a ‘Rockstar’, being the title of one of his five major-label single releases - ‘Rock$tar’ where he sings about girls leaving him for money, with references to iconic Eddie Vedder (of American band Pearl Jam), Emma Stone, among others.
This pop release was indicative of the way Sony led people to believe that Reece was calling that music rock, as he always pointed out the fact that he was doing what he wanted to do - rock, all under Sony’s guidelines. Until now, Reece hasn’t truly been where he belongs. Reece released two albums in a near 5-year contract. His last album release was with Sony, entitled "Beautiful Nightmare”, featuring pop, somewhat rock tracks all mostly written by Sony-hired songwriters.
This year Reece struck a deal with independent minded ‘young at heart’ label Social Family Records, started not long ago by CEO Jake Chellenor in his Sydney apartment, a now expanding label, with many ex-Sony artists making the choice to move to this fan/artist-oriented group. It seems to be the new thing, for artists preferring their audience to be closer to them and their label.
Within about a 10 week signing-recording-release period, Reece had already released a 5-track EP and promotional shopping centre tour, and then an Australian East Coast tour, playing prime venues, such as the Prince Bandroom - one of Melbourne’s best premiere venues, playing host to many of Australia and the world’s best performers; and more venues around the country, that drew crowds of hundreds to see Reece play.
Reece’s new EP "Rebel and the Reason" features five fantastic tracks - all showing that sound Reece has been saying was dormant in the making. The first track, Rebel and the Reason, has a touching music video, based on domestic violence, an issue that Reece says is a big issue currently, saying ‘most of my fans are teenage girls, and there are alot of women in my life’ - those words speaking for themselves. He has also become the latest ambassador to White Ribbon - urging men to speak up against violence against women. Rebel, featuring a sound referenced to Jared Leto, of 30 Seconds to Mars.
Reece says hes pleased with all tracks on the EP, but his favourite being Rebel. Look out for our interview with Reece soon.
INTERVIEW WITH REECE BELOW:
AMM: What were/are your favourite songs you have released?
Reece: This new record has been my favourite one so far. My favourites to do live are Keep On Walking, Rebel (and the Reason), and Sleep When You're Dead.
AMM: How many songs have you written?
Reece: I lost track a long time ago *laughs. We are always writing so its constantly going up
AMM: What is the first thing you do when writing a song?
Reece: I normally get a vibe going on guitar, and hum a melody till I’m comfortable with it then lyrically draw my emotion from that.
AMM: Do you feel like your new music is more relatable to you?
Reece: Yes I definitely feel more in my own skin with this style.
AMM: We're loving your music video for Rebel and the Reason! Did you relate this to your own personal experiences?
Reece: I'm glad you're all loving it. I’m fortunate enough have not had that happen in my home. But its shocking how much it does go on. No one deserves to be treated like that and no one needs to see it. We need to stand together and show those people doing this awful stuff that its not okay and we're not going to just let it happen. When this fan base shows love for one another it warms my heart, those are the people that can really help make a change.
AMM: What advice do you have for anyone who is a victim of domestic violence?
Reece: There are people here, a lot of us that feel strongly about it and can really help. The people at White Ribbon are great, and extremly kind people that can help you so much. Please don’t remain silent, help is here.
AMM: Who do you think are the most passionate fans?
Reece: I love all of my fans but seeing you (my fans) at the gigs singing along with me is my favourite thing. We always have the best time and go a little bit nuts, actually a lot-a-bit nuts!
AMM: What's your favourite track off the EP?
Reece: Rebel is my favourite, I think it can do a lot of good and help the people that need it.
Thanks for your time Reece!
