Cutting his teeth in the backrooms and backstreets of Melbourne’s underground music scene, ReeToxA is the long-awaited artistic project of Jason McKee, a songwriter whose story is stitched into the fabric of alternative rock’s golden era. His creative path traces back to the mid-90s, a formative time when the echo of bands like Nirvana still rumbled through the airwaves and left a lasting imprint on his musical identity. It was 1995 when he first picked up the pen, inspired by the rebellion and emotional heft of that era and now, three decades later, that spark has grown into a fire with ReeToxA.
After years spent writing in private, building a sonic world driven more by passion than pressure, Jason finally stepped forward under the ReeToxA moniker. His debut single “Bobbie” introduced a voice that had been simmering beneath the surface for too long; full of feeling, fiercely independent and unafraid to bare emotional scars. That opening statement led to the full-length Pines Salad, a project that plays like both a personal purge and a powerful reinvention.
Produced by Australian studio veteran Simon Moro, the record merged the confessional impact of diary-page lyrics with the chaotic edge of alternative rock’s best moments. The lineup of Kit Riley on bass, James Ryan on guitar and Peter Marin on drums injects the album with a livewire energy. The sound roams confidently through the fuzz-soaked grit of Pixies-era alternative and the rugged, propulsive stomp of early White Stripes, yet always remains rooted in Jason McKee’s own vision.
Where Pines Salad walks through emotional fire, ReeToxA’s follow-up single “Footscray” opts for a more playful, albeit still emotionally tangled, detour. Shaped by a classic blend of grunge grit and Australian pub rock swagger, “Footscray” pulls back the curtain on a different kind of love story. It’s messy, knowing and brimming with contradictory feelings that recounts the tale of boy meets girl, knows she’s not his alone, but keeps showing up, spoiling her, devoted in spite of himself.
The track showcases Jason’s knack for storytelling, but this time with a wry smile. The lyrics paint vivid scenes, caught somewhere between self-awareness and romantic delusion, all set to an irresistible backdrop of jagged guitars, tight basslines and punchy percussion. Set up by the bold strum of hazy guitar chords and taps of percussion, Jason’s emphatic voice rings out above to thread picture painting lyrics.
Jumping into a gritty rock groover, crunchy guitar riffs and the steady strike of drums form an energising classic rock outing that’s instantly memorable and enjoyable throughout, cut with stellar lead guitar flickers. Going from strength to strength after launching his epic debut record, “Footscray” lays down a thrilling rock rollercoaster that’s sure to win over fans across Australia and beyond. It’s the sound of an artist who’s taken his time, lived a little and finally decided to say it all out loud.
We caught up with ReeToxA to find out more about his creative process, his new single “Footscray” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with ReeToxA below.
Hey ReeToxA, how are you doing?
Great thanks.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
My music is very random, I think I could write about anything!
What is your creative process like?
The songs that just appear in my sub conscious are the best but other tunes come from an interesting word I hear or a situation I find in life. Watching tic toc can spring up some ideas if I get stuck.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Smashing pumpkins or the breeders would be great. Pearl jam would blow my mind one of my fav Australian bands teen Jesus and the Jean teasers just did that.
What’s the main thing that drives you to create music?
I have to write poetry, songs and lyrics or I go insane. I have always needed to be creative.
What is your favourite song to perform?
Amber and Footscray get people moving!
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
If you can do it in practice you can do it on the big stage.
How did you find making your new single “Footscray”?
Footscray is a fun song about the start of a long friendship I have with an amazing girl. We are great friends but now live on opposite sides of the country.
What message did you want to get across with this song?
That women are powerful and don’t need to rely on men.
What’s coming up next for ReeToxA?
I am in the studio as we speak recording demos for my second album die out next year.
Listen to Footscray below
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