The Total Sound Of The Undergound

Lelahel Metal

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.

(61) Reign Maker - YouTube

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