ReeToxA
Written during the isolation of COVID lockdowns, Reetoxa’s ambitious double album Soliloquy explores obsession, reflection, and artistic endurance through cinematic songwriting, deeply personal storytelling, and an uncompromising creative vision.
1. The creation of Soliloquy sounds deeply personal and intense, especially considering it was written and compiled during the isolation of COVID lockdowns. How did that period shape the emotional direction and overall vision of the album?
it started off innocently enough but soon I was going mad trying to write the greatest Australian album of all time.
2. Jason, you mentioned revisiting your entire life’s work while writing this record, even pushing yourself to dangerous limits physically and mentally. Looking back now, what did the process teach you about yourself as both an artist and a person?
It taught me how to finish songs straight away, quickly and thoroughly. It made me realise not many people would be able to do this, that I was truely an artist.
3. The album features an incredible lineup of musicians, including Kit Riley, Peter Marin, James Ryan, Jessica McPherson-Riley, Terry Hart, and even a Budapest orchestra on several tracks. How did these collaborations help bring the cinematic scope of Soliloquy to life?
Although I had amazing musicians we were on a budget and tight time frame. Their professionalism was unparalleled and they blew me away with what they achieved. I’ll be eternity grateful to them.
4. The name “Soliloquy” itself comes from Shakespearean inspiration and the idea of expressing inner thoughts openly. Do you feel this double album is the truest representation yet of your inner voice and personal experiences?
I keep finding left over songs from the soliloquy sessions on my phone and there is a diary full of the original 1997 version of soliloquy. Maybe one day I will create a box set but I think financially and mentally the soliloquy of 26 tracks is the best I could do.
5. In an era dominated by playlists and short attention spans, Soliloquy is described as an album meant to be experienced from beginning to end like a journey. Was it important for you to create something immersive and timeless rather than chasing modern music trends?
It amazes me how people have taken soliloquy on as music lovers. I asked my socials for the second single idea and got 12 responses. In reality people may just add one or two songs To A playlist but naively I hope they listen to the whole album. I believe it’s worth it.
6. After such a long and challenging journey—from the project’s beginnings in 1997 to finally releasing this ambitious double album—what do you hope listeners will feel or discover when they sit down with headphones and fully experience Soliloquy?
To my great astonishment people relive their lives listening to the album not my experiences. Seeing people’s interpretations blows my mind.