Reetoxa
Reetoxa’s latest single “Bottle” breathes new life into a song written three decades ago, blending raw 1990s alternative rock energy with modern production. In this interview, frontman Jason McKee reflects on its origins, influences, and the band’s exciting future.
1. “Bottle” was originally written in 1995 when you were just fifteen years old. What was it like revisiting a song that had been sitting with you for more than three decades, and how did your perspective on it change over time?
When I started the soliloquy project again just before covid, I revisited the original double album songs and bottle stood out to me. What a banger I remembered that song being. Now with my own mental health therapy I felt even closer to the song.
2. The song is inspired by a real-life story involving friendship, mental health struggles, and teenage rebellion. Why was it important for you to preserve the authenticity of those experiences when bringing the track into the present day?
Jody was my girlfriend at the time we dated for five years. Jody was an amazing friend who really supported my music. I hope she does not mind me dragging up the past but I feel this song is still prevalent today and has an important message.
3. You’ve described growing up in Frankston during the height of the grunge era while also craving a more modern sound. Which artists and musical influences helped shape “Bottle,” both in its original form and in this new recording?
I guess in 1995 I was obsessed with the alternative music scene. It has a fun 90’s vibe to it I think. I believe this song could have launched my career back then if I’d had the money to record it properly.
4. Producer Simon Moro and musicians Kit Riley, James Ryan, and Peter Marin all played key roles in transforming “Bottle” into what you call a sonic explosion. How did each collaborator contribute to achieving the balance between 1990s grit and contemporary production?
Simon and I gave them a rough demo of the song but the boys were like that’s cute and jammed it out. What they came up with sounds fresh but true to its origins. I can’t thank them enough.
5. Reetoxa has been described as “Cool INXS,” and you’ve even shared a memorable encounter with Michael Hutchence in the ’90s. How have Australian rock icons influenced your songwriting and performance style over the years?
I have always loved the Australian music scene and used to sneak into gigs. I wanted to be like the band “rail” so much I worshiped them. I must of seen them 20 times. Our first album got described as Aussie pub rock which made me proud, but we expanded the sound on this album.
6. With discussions underway with record labels and plans for a European and UK tour, what are your hopes for the next chapter of Reetoxa, and how does “Bottle” represent the journey that brought you to this point?
I hope to be able to do a world tour and see the planet. I have done a lot of travel solo and in the navy but I’m always hungry for more. We are actually recording our third album in a few weeks as I had a creative explosion after I got the second album out of the way.