Coming out of Melbourne’s alternative rock scene, ReeToxA is the latest chapter in the lifelong musical story of songwriter Jason McKee. Jason’s relationship with music stretches back almost three decades to when he penned his first songs in 1995 while the grunge movement was at its height. Those formative years made an impression that never left him, even during times when life pulled him away from the pursuit of music. With ReeToxA, that energy has resurfaced, fully realised and developed, offering a sound that feels at once nostalgic and relevant.
The first glimpse of his artistic rebirth came with the debut single “Bobbie,” a release that showcased Jason’s ability to thread storytelling into jagged yet melodic arrangements. It marked an arrival that was far from tentative, instead confirming ReeToxA as a project with a fully-formed identity and a willingness to embrace the grit and beauty of alternative rock. That debut paved the way for his first full-length album, Pines Salad, a record crafted in collaboration with Australian producer Simon Moro.
The album captures the energy of the Pixies-era sound while adding Jason’s own touch of reflective lyricism and emotional writing. On Pines Salad, Jason is joined by a powerful supporting cast icluding bassist Kit Riley, guitarist James Ryan and drummer Peter Marin. Together, they build the sort of energy that can only come from a live band firing on all cylinders, balancing rough edges with melodic flair. Each track draws on Jason’s own experiences, translating personal scars and triumphs into something larger than life. For every swaggering burst of alternative rock electricity, there’s a quieter, more vulnerable moment that pulls listeners into his world, creating an emotional ebb and flow.
The record closes on an especially poignant note, offering a delicate counterpoint to its noisier moments; the final track titled “Call” drifts into soft rock balladry, a hauntingly beautiful way to close out the journey. The song’s origins lie in a bittersweet story, after a difficult financial period, Jason found himself with the means to take a long weekend away from Melbourne’s cold rain to the Gold Coast’s winter sun. There, he unexpectedly reconnected with an ex-partner and though the encounter was brief, it stuck heavily in his thoughts.
When he never heard from her again, inspiration struck at Brisbane airport, where he wrote about waiting for a phone call that would never come. Brought in by the delicate plucks of clean guitar tones and airy echoes of slide leads, Jason’s emotive voice drifts in to cast a moving and dreamy scene. With melancholic lyrics and intricate arrangement, the soft pulse of hushed percussion carries a gentle rhythm as the elegant melodies float through the graceful soundscape.
Showcasing the more tender and heartfelt side of his musical offering, “Call” sees ReeToxA deliver an aching and truly affecting musical experience. Having gone from strength to strength on his breakout year as ReeToxA, he’s confirmed himself as a talented singer-songwriter with compelling sound and a truly impressive range.
We caught up with ReeToxA to find out more about his early inspirations, his single “Call” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with ReeToxA below.
How did your journey with music first start?
I wrote amber when I was 15 and have not stopped writing songs since!
Who were some of the key artists or bands that shaped your sound growing up?
I loved Lou reed, nirvana, Beatles just to name a few. I tried to learn all their songs.
How would you describe your style of rock to someone hearing your music for the first time?
I think we sound like rock with a modern twist.
What does songwriting mean to you personally?
It’s my biggest love songwriting! I have 2000 songs on my phone ideas and a tub full of diary’s and poems.
Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired the idea for “Call”?
I was at Brisbane airport after bumping into an ex in the Gold Coast. I was escaping a Melbourne winter for a holiday and I thought the weekend of romance might lead to a reconciliation. I was at Brisbane airport and realised I was not getting a call. I sung it into my phone in the departure lounge and got some strange looks lol. Now it seems to remind people of people who passed away.
How did the writing and recording process for “Call” compare to your other releases?
Call was a hard song to sing as I had to put myself back in the emotional place I wrote it in. The band did such an amazing job with the riff and chords I gave them.
What emotions were you channeling while creating it?
I thought about how I can’t call Bobbie (mum) now that she has passed away and the pain of my divorce.
What do you hope listeners will feel or take away after hearing the song?
People have claimed this song for themselves and I love that. I love seeing what my songs mean to the fans.
How do you approach balancing your rock sound with more melodic or emotional elements?
I don’t want to be a band were every song sounds the same. I believe every song deserves a blank slate to give it the best music possible.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from ReeToxA in the near future?
We just started pre production on the second album which should be out early next year. It’s the same musicians and producer!
Listen to Call below
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