Reign Maker, the Melbourne-based band, discusses their latest single 'Sirens,' weaving climate activism into their emotionally charged music. The band shares insights on inspiration, challenges, and future projects.
1. Tell us about the inspiration behind your
latest single, "Sirens." How did the idea for the song and its
message come about?
Often, when I sit down to write, I don't have a clear idea of what the song will be about. I let the music take the lead—allowing its rhythm and melody to guide my thoughts and words. 'Sirens' was born from this process; I began without a specific concept in mind. To me, songs seem to possess a life force of their own. Once I start writting, it feels like they unfold and shape themselves. My role is just to find the right words and melody that resonate, bringing the song to life in a way that feels true to its essence.
2. "Sirens" is described as a call to arms for the climate crisis.
Could you share more about how this topic became the focus of the song, and why
it's important to you as a band?
The climate crisis is a recurring theme that
weaves through many aspects of life. As I observe the world around me, I
naturally translate the stories and experiences I gather into song. During my
teenage years, I dedicated significant time to an environmental lobby
group,aiming to raise awareness and inspire action regarding the climate crisis.
It was during this time that I crossed paths with Josh, our bass player, while
actively campaigning for this cause. To this day, Josh remains dedicated to the
same environmental cause, reflecting it sprofound impact on both of us.
My current role as a wildlife carer involves
nurturing sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife. While I strive to
contribute to the environment, there are moments when I grapple with a sense of
guilt for not doing more—a sentiment shared by many. It's easy to lose sight of
the broader perspective and feel trapped in survival mode. The lyrics of
'Sirens' were born as a personal wake-up call, serving as a reminder not only
for myself but also for those who resonate with similar feelings about the
urgency of our situation.
3. The music video for "Sirens" features children as central figures.
What's the symbolism behind this choice, and what message are you hoping to
convey through their portrayal?
In our video clip, the children are depicted as
animal hybrids, symbolizing humanity's deep-rooted connection to the earth. Our
intention was to showcase a post-apocalyptic scenario where these children
initially grapple with a sense of loss and disconnection, struggling to survive
in isolation. However, as the story unfolds, they eventually find each other,
forming acommunity that collaborates to build a joyful and harmonious world.
The underlying message we aimed to convey is the
enduring hope for humanity to unite and strive towards a safer climate future.
We wanted to emphasize the idea that, with concerted effort, we can work
together to make it a reality. The vibrant and colourful smoke, along with the
Holi powder used in the video, were chosen to symbolize the celebration of
these animal children living in harmony with one another and their environment.
The focus on children in our music video stems
from the understanding that future generations will bear the most significant
impact of the climate crisis. It's our way of highlighting the urgency and
importance of taking action for their future.
4. How did the pandemic and the lockdowns in
Melbourne influence the creation of "Sirens"? Were there specific
experiences or moments that played a role in the song's development?
I crafted the lyrics for 'Sirens' one night at the
height of the pandemic's lockdowns. Residing
near a hospital, I noticed a surge in sirens
blaring from passing emergency vehicles. The
streets, usually bustling, were eerily quiet
during the lockdowns, magnifying the piercing
sounds of these passing sirens in the empty
streets.
The ambulances reminded me of alarms heard during
various crises, like those in wildfires,
floods, or even the cyclone siren I once
encountered in far north Queensland. Contemplating
the world amidst the pandemic's confinement and
the oddly silent streets, I couldn't help
but imagine a future where similar emergencies
became recurring events.
The growing frequency of natural disasters feels
like constant warnings, signalling our
insufficient efforts in securing a climate-safe
future. Climate scientists have long cautioned
us about these perils, and yet, the statistics
only seem to worsen. There's an unsettling
reality that not enough has been done to prevent
an unsafe climate future, placing our
children at the forefront of its potential impact.
5. "Sirens" touches on the potential for future pandemics related to
climate change. Can you elaborate on this connection and why it's an essential
aspect of the song's message?
Amidst the pandemic, discussions on humanity's
readiness to tackle such crises were
abundant. I was particularly struck by the
information highlighting potetial future
pandemics. It led me to ponder the warnings issued
by climate scientists regarding the
emergence of ancient pathogens trapped in polar
ice caps, now gradually being released due
to melting. Numerous experts have forecasted that
an unstable climate future might
escalate the likelihood of more frequent
pandemics.
6. Your music is often described as emotionally charged and thought-provoking.
How do you balance the emotional depth of your music with delivering a strong
message about climate change?
When I sing, I find myself naturally channelling
my emotions into the performance. During
vocal editing, I ften prioritize the delivery that
carries more emotion, even if it means
choosing it over technically better takes. As for
the balance in the message, I typically follow
what feels right in the moment rather than aiming
for a specific equilibrium.
I tend to write lyrics that are open to
interpretation, leaving them deliberately ambiguous.
The beauty of language is its infinite layers of
unravelling and understanding. I'm constantly
amazed by the diverse ways in which people
interpret my lyrics. It's incredibly rewarding to
witness individuals discovering their own meanings
within my words. Ultimately, I'm
genuinely thrilled if my writing resonates with
anyone, irrespective of the reason or personal
interpretation.
7. "Sirens" is a blend of hope and despair, emphasizing shared
responsibility for the planet's future. What role do you see yourselves playing
in inspiring action and change through your music?
I see my role as a songwriter as bearing witness
to the world and capturing the stories of our
time through song. Sharing these stories is how we
connect, feel less alone, and begin the
healing process. When I write songs, I weave
lyrics in the hope that they'll resonate with
others who share similar sentiments. Singing
becomes a cathartic release for me, a way to
channel my vast emotions. My wish is that
somewhere out there, someone will sing along
and find that same sense of release—this is
precisely what my favourite songs do for me.
I'm uncertain as to whether my songs will inspire
action or solely offer solace by making
people feel less alone.
8. Could you tell us about the challenges and complexities of uniting music
with activism? How does Reign Maker navigate these challenges in your creative
process?
Perhaps the most challenging aspect lies in creating
music that intertwines with activism.
There's a real potential to alienate potential
fans who might appreciate our music but not
necessarily align with our message. So far, we
haven't faced any backlash from individuals
who don't share our views, but I can foresee it as
an inevitable possibility.
9. Can you describe your unique sound and how it reflects the themes and
messages in your music?
Heavier music serves as an incredible platform for
addressing social issues. There's
something incredibly cathartic about using music
as an outlet for the things that affect me
deeply. I find rock music to be an excellent
conduit for expressing topics that evoke
justifiable rage in people. At times, the state of
the world can make me feel utterly helpless,
and writing songs becomes my small attempt to make
a difference. For me, staying silent can sometimes feel like I’ve inadvertently
aligned with the side of the oppressor. It sometimes takes me time to summon
the courage, but I strive to speak out about the things I believe need to
change.
10. Melbourne, Australia, has a vibrant music scene. How has the city's culture
and environment influenced Reign Maker's music and activism?
Melbourne is an incredible city, and one of the
reasons I chose to move here is its vibrant
cultural diversity. It's a melting pot where
various cultures blend harmoniously. Expressing
oneself is encouraged, and the beauty of this city
lies in the opportunity to immerse oneself
in different cultures through the diverse people
one encounters. Embracing the chance to
learn about others imparts invaluable lessons about
ourselves. While I'm not entirely sure
how this cultural richness has directly influenced
our music or our activism, I can confidently
say there's no other city I'd rather be making music in.
11. Your bio mentions that you aim to ignite awareness and lend a resonant
voice to global challenges. What are some other global challenges you're
passionate about and may explore in your music in the future?
Our unreleased song catalogue delves into numerous
pressing global challenges, addressing
issues such as wealth disparity, women's rights,
mental health, and domestic violence,
among other things. Our debut song, 'Blood Reign,'
stands as a statement against armed
conflict. It was inspired by witnessing footage of
innocent civilians fleeing from a bomb,
igniting a deep sense of frustration, anger, and
sorrow towards the senseless wars prevailing
across the globe. The unnecessary loss of innocent
lives and the destruction of homes and
cities that people have built and call home deeply
dishearten and horrify me.
I fail to comprehend how an evolved society continues
to resort to violence under the guise
of problem-solving when all armed conflict does is
perpetuate problems rather than solve
them. Despite our advanced technology and
understanding, armed conflict remains a
regressive cycle, contributing to ongoing issues
instead of offering genuine resolution.
Humanity should have progressed beyond this point.
I'm troubled by the continuous production of weapons
and the destruction, diverting
resources from critical issues like climate
change. The tragedies of war perpetuate
immediate loss of lives and worsen the long-term
threat to life by exacerbating the climate
crisis.
12. How do you envision the role of art, and music in particular, in addressing
the pressing issues of our time, such as climate change and social justice?
Art has always stood at the forefront of change.
As long as musicians have a pltfgorm and an
audience, songs will continue to be written to
inspire and herald change. Good art possesses
the ability to evoke emotions. I write because I
feel deeply and need to express those
emotions through music. If I feel something,
there's a good chance many others will too. Art
is subjective, so others' opinions don't
necessarily define it. If you can write in a way that
resonates with others, then I believe you're doing
something right.
13. Who are some of your musical influences, and how have they shaped your
sound and message as a band?
My personal influences are diverse and constantly
changing, making them difficult to pin
down as they can vary from day to day. As a young
child, I taught myself to sing by mimicking
a wide range of music from the '90s and early
2000s. I had no formal training; I simply loved
singing, which started as soon as I could talk. I'd
copy and sing along with artists like The
Cranberries, Portishead, A Perfect Circle, The
Smashing Pumpkins, Pink Floyd, Sinead
O'Connor, Tool, and Rage Against the Machine among
others. Their music deeply influenced
my sound and style. I continue to evolve and
learn, drawing inspiration from numerous
artists throughout my life. Some of my current
favorites include Kalandra, In This Moment,
Sleeping at Last, Kiki Rockwell, Lacuna Coil, Emma
Ruth Rundle, Florence and the Machine,
Bjork, Chelsea Wolfe, and the list goes on.
14. Can you share any upcoming projects or goals for Reign Maker, and how they
align with your mission of combining music and activism?
We have an album in the making, every song I’ve
wri]en with Reign Maker has a meaning
and relates to a current issue in our world
somehow. It wasn't my initial plan to infuse so
many songs with this intent, but it just happened
naturally. I struggle to stay silent in various
situations, and using my voice is my small way to
make a difference. Unsure if I actively
chose this mission or if it found me, but I'm
fully commi]ed to embracing it and seeing
where it takes me.
15. What's the most memorable or impactful response you've received from a fan
regarding your music and message?
Once, a fan approached me after our performance of
‘Blood Reign’ and shared a powerful
moment. She confided that the song had moved her
so deeply that she went to the
bathroom and cried after hearing it. As we got to
know each other, I discovered she was
from Palestine, and the song had a profound impact
on her. I explained that the day I wrote
the lyrics for 'Blood Reign' I was heavy with
sadness. I had watched a friend's post, that
showed images of innocent Palestinians fleeing
from a bomb. Overwhelmed with sadness
and anger at the injustice, I approached Luke to
help me craft a song that echoed the sounds
of explosions in the background.
Despite its release coinciding with the start of
the war in Ukraine, 'Blood Reign' drew
inspiration not just from one conflict but from
the ongoing global turmoil. I remain attentive
to conflicts worldwide—Yemen, DRC, Iran, Ukraine,
Palestine—the list extends. The
perpetuation of these atrocities exhausts me, and
I sense this shared exhaustion within
many others.
16. If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be
and why?
I love to collaborate, so it's challenging for me
to pick just one person. Lately, I've been
diving into Kiki Rockwell's work, finding her
lyricism, theatrics, and genre-blending style
incredibly intriguing. I see potential for a
fascinating collaboration with her.
Then there's Bjork, someone I hadn't explored much
until recently. Strangely enough, people
have compared my singing to hers. Initially, I
didn't hear the similarities, but now I sense a
bit of that primal essence in both our styles. Any
collaboration with her would be mindblowing,no matter the form it takes.
Another artist I admire is Ryan O'Neal from
Sleeping at Last. His songcraft and lyrics leave me
in awe. As a lyricist myself, I'm particularly
drawn to meaningful lyrics, and all of these artists
craft exceptional ones. The chance to collaborate
with any of them would be beyond
amazing. There are so many more I could think of,
but I'll leave it there for now.
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