A Dirty Dozen with RENE MATA from REACH NYC – January 2021
According to a recent press release: “REACH NYC, who came to prominence in the hard rock scene in the ’00s and were signed to Lava/Atlantic, have returned with the fittingly titled new single “Back From the Dead.” It’s their first new song in 17 years and features Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix. The band has premiered the “Back From the Dead” video over at Revolver. “Back From the Dead” will appear on Reach NYC’s new EP, out in 2021 via The Orchard.” We get vocalist Rene to discuss new music, reflection on his past, and much more…
1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?
It’s our first song in 17 years. We are beyond grateful and excited! I have my brother Jacoby Shaddix guesting on it.
2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?
I’ve been into music since my parents bought me Kiss’ Dressed To Kill when I was 5. Since I was 5 lol.
3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?
Jane’s Addiction Nothing’s Shocking changed my life.
4. Who would be your main five musical influences?
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Jane’s Addiction – Ritual de lo Habitual, The Cure – Disintegration, NIN – The Downward Spiral, and The Clash – London Calling.
5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?
Kurt Cobain.
6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?
Honest & personal.
7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?
Nick will crack out the acoustic guitar, Danny will cook, and I don’t drink.
8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?
The first time I met and hung with Bruce Springsteen.
9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?
I have my dream job. I work in music!
10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?
What music means to me?? Everything.
11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?
I have no regrets. Everything that happened has gotten me what I have now. An amazing family awesome friends.
12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?
Nirvana – Nevermind.
BONUS QUESTION – Due to the current world situation with COVID-19 / quarantine / shelter in place, what have you discovered you miss the most from your life before the pandemic struck?
Live music and hugs.
REACH NYC LINKS:
Some other stuff you might dig
Category: Interviews