If you thought you knew Reece Young before, now is the perfect time to reintroduce yourself. Originally an emerging artist in the heavier music scene, Reece has recently found his fit within the alternative music family. He recently released his new single, "Nothing At All", with his new team at Oxide Music.
We got the chance to catch up with Reece to discuss his musical transition, the release of his latest single, and managing it all as an artist.
MSM: To kick things off, can you describe yourself/your music/sound in 10 words or less?
REECE: Sad words that sound happy and edgy and cool.
You've played around with different genres throughout your career, switching from metal to alt-pop. How did you decide which elements from these genres made it into your current sound?
I honestly don't have any set guidelines when I'm writing. My main goal is to just make something really cool and relatable, while also helping the listener with struggles. I use my own as references for them.
Was there a specific song or moment where you realized that heavier music didn’t feel like "you" anymore? What do you think was missing before?
I think the whole time I was doing heavier stuff I knew it wasn't true to who I am. My live shows reflect the newer sound. We like to have a lot of fun with the crowd. We did what we could for the heavier shows, but I think we line up so well with the alternative crowd now.
In your opinion, when is the best time to write/create: late at night or early mornings? Why?
This all comes down to preference. I like to rip a cold brew and get after it in the morning. I feel like I'm the most productive when the sun is up. I have no idea why. Probably caffeine related.
How have you been settling in with your family at Oxide Music? What has that process looked like for you?
Oxide is awesome. [Andrew] Wetzel has been extremely transparent about everything and that has been so refreshing. He tells me exactly what the plan is and how to execute it. I follow along and provide him with cool songs. I'm very excited to be here.
What has been your favorite job that you've had outside of music?
I sold merch at a Jojo Siwa show once and made bank. Those parents threw their cards down for their kids that day, holy cow.
You posted a video on social media talking about how "release day's [your] least favorite day as an artist", and one thing that stood out was when you mentioned that it's "really hard to feel like [your] art is good enough".
Can you elaborate what goes through your head both on release day, and as you're posting new social media content for your music?
Every day I deal with constant self comparison to other artists that have higher numbers and better stats online. When it's all that agents and music higher ups seem to care about before giving me a real shot, it's hard to not drown myself in doubt. I'm so proud of our live show, but we need to be given the chance to put it on and that only comes with social media success.
Your lyrics "Made friends with the kids on my floor // I don't think I've changed // and I don't get my prescription anymore // I don't wanna die // but I wouldn't mind it" are so personal and descriptive they sound like they came straight out of your journal.
I know you've talked about how you were in outpatient care when you wrote this. How did writing songs like this, and I'm sure others, help with your healing process?
I was so alone during those times that I needed to get stuff on paper to really make sense of it all. It wasn't a full blown song at the time. But we crafted the idea in the studio based on the experience of it all. Having a soundtrack during my healing process made me feel less crazy. Like someone else understood me. Twenty One Pilots was my big one back then. Funny now, I get to play a festival with them.
For anyone else who may be dealing with anxiety, what is your best tip for managing it?
For me, I had to learn everything about it to feel better. I didn't know what was wrong with me and that made it 10x worse. Once I was able to break it down to a science and learn how to combat it, the journey became a lot easier.
You already have your pet cat, Socks. If there were no limitations, what would be the most exotic animal that you'd want as your next pet, and what would you name it?
Great question, wow. They'd have to get along with Socks, so this is tricky. But in a perfect world, I’m claiming a real life Snorlax, just because I think that would be hilarious to own.
Finally, if you could send a message to tell your future self anything that you wanted, what would it be?
Did we make it?
