With SOLILOQUY out now, we took some time to hear from ReeToxA. Read below to learn more about ReeToxA, the story behind SOLILOQUY, and what’s to come.

Hi! Let’s start with how did the band’s name come about?

I was going to alcoholic anonymous meetings and the leader of the group pulled me aside and said you’re not an alcoholic, your just a reetoxa. I thought that was a great band name.

What city are you all from, and where are you all based now?

I was born in Nowra NSW and grew up there and Frankston Victoria. We are all definitely Victorian music people and proud of it.

How and when did the band form?

At the moment, it’s just me, I used session musicians, but I started the band/concept in jail after I wrote my song, “Bobbie,” about mum dying while I was in prison.

How would you all describe your band’s sound?

It’s ’90s influenced, but with a modern, Aussie rock twist. I’m very proud of our sound.

Who are some of your group’s main musical influences?

I love Kurt Cobain, Erica Dunn, Thom Yorke, Elliot Smith, and Eddie Vedder the most.

Who would be a dream to collaborate with?

I’d love Sabrina Carpenter to teach me how to dance and put on a cool show. I saw her last year at BST Hyde Park festival, and she blew my mind.

What’s one of the proudest moments of your band’s music career so far?

Definitely seeing our songs on streaming platforms, listing to my very first vinyl test pressing, and holding my first vinyl in my hands.

What would you all say are the greatest lessons that you’ve all learned so far ?

Don’t drink the night before the recording and practice as much as you can in the rehearsal studio.

Now onto SOLILOQUY. What inspired this album?

In year 12, I had so many songs, I was 17 and decided to start fresh with the second album. My mate, Brad, wanted to join the band, so I decided it would be a double album, so he could have some songs too. My English literature teacher, Mrs. Clarke, was teaching us Shakespeare, and she taught me the word soliloquy. I fell in love with it and was determined to call the album that. Life got in the way, and I put it on ice. During the COVID pandemic, I couldn’t record my first album, so I dusted off Soliloquy and tried to make the best album that I could.

What is the overall theme of SOLILOQUY?

It’s a journey that challenges every fun time, every fear and every challenge that you have ever faced. It’s designed for good headphones, your favourite beverage, and a spiritual awakening.

What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for SOLILOQUY?

It’s based on the song, “Gown,” which was a suicide attempt. I saw this beautiful lady with glasses of wine who whisked me away promising me the world, but she turned into an evil siren. “Truce” is the sequel to that song and appears on the back cover.

What was the creative process like when making SOLILOQUY?

I lived off three hours sleep, cigarettes and coffee during the pandemic. My dog, Lucy, would wake me up to be fed. She soon learned that she could get away with waking me up at any time and get fed two times a day. She got very fat. But, I did everything humanly possible to get the songs out, there are a 100 songs left over.

How long did it take to complete SOLILOQUY?

“Bottle” is the only song left over from the ’90s. “Purple Vein” and “Jade Eyes” were written in 2000. But during COVID, I polished them all up and added the other songs. I guess roughly three months, but “Thrift Shop Dress” was written only nine months ago, it’s hard to say the exact time.

Is there a specific song on SOLILOQUY that speaks to you all the most? If so, why?

I love “Jade Eyes” the most, it’s about an ex-girlfriend who had bi-polar. She broke my heart, but committed suicide a year later. I really miss her.

What do you all hope fans take away from SOLILOQUY and your band’s music in general?

I hope it changes their life like mine, but most of all, I hope it teaches the young people to listen to the whole album again.

What’s next for you all? Are you all working on any upcoming projects, or do you all have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?

I’m busy writing the third album. It’s more laid back and fun than this deep album. I hope it’s the kind of album that you would put on at a BBQ or party with no skips. I’m undecided if I should form a live band here in Australia or move overseas to start it as we get way more press and fans overseas in USA, MEXICO and the U.K. than Australia.

Where can we follow you all on social media?

@reetoxa (Everything but Facebook)
@reetoxa20 (Facebook)
@jasonmckee1979

Before you all go, let’s ask you all an off-topic question. Favorite food?

My favourite food is Mexican, especially fajitas and nachos.

Thank you all for the great interview; wish you all much continued success!