INTERVIEW: ReeToxA drops brand new single “Amber”

Melbourne-based artist ReeToxA is the latest creative incarnation of Jason McKee, a name already tied to three decades of musical history. Though the project may be new to audiences, it bears the context of a lifelong journey, tracing back to the grunge-influnced haze of the mid-1990s, an era marked by distortion-drenched guitars and emotive songwriting that inspired Jason to take his first musical steps.

When he first picked up a guitar in 1995, he was swept up in the same current that birthed bands like Nirvana and Pixies, artists whose energy and emotional intensity completely changed the course of rock music. But while life pulled him in different directions over the years, the creative fire never truly faded and now with ReeToxA, he reignites that flame via a project that stitches together impact and melody, setting the punch of alternative rock within the reflective framework of modern indie songwriting.

The first showcase of this renewed vision came with the single “Bobbie,” a debut that captured Jason’s ability to pair driving riffs with emotional storytelling. Soon after, ReeToxA’s debut album Pines Salad, produced alongside the acclaimed Simon Moro, fully unveiled the scope of his creative rebirth. The record struck a deft balance between high-octane energy and moments of contemplation, presenting a sonic tug-of-war between the impulse to rage and the instinct to feel.

Now, Jason revisits his origins with the release of his brand new single titled “Amber,” a track that carries both historical and emotional subtext. Originally penned back in 1995, the same year Jason first began his musical journey, it’s a song that reaches from past to present, proof that some emotions never lose their charge. “Amber” is equally lively and heartfelt, driven by crunching guitars and cut through with the edge of Australian pub rock.

Thematically, it recounts a tale that feels both personal and widely relatable; Jason recalls the ache of believing he’d found the person of his dreams only to have outside voices talk her out of it. As he paints the scene through storytelling lyricism, ultimately the message instilled in the song is to follow your heart, not what’s popular. Beneath the gritty guitar tones and charging drums lies emotional anguish and a plea for choosing real connection over social disproval.

Joined by the talents of bassist Kit Riley, drummer Peter Marin and James Ryan on guitar, ReeToxA and his band serve up an epic slice of gripping modern rock music. Taking songwriting from yesteryear and presenting it for the audience of today, “Amber” delivers an engrossing listening experience packed full of stomping rhythms, catchy vocal performance and slick lead work, resulting in an anthemic sound from start to finish.

We caught up with ReeToxA to find out more about his journey as an artist, his inspirations, his new single “Amber” and more. Check out our interview with ReeToxA below.

Can you tell us how ReeToxA first came to life as a project and what inspired the name?

After my first band broke up in my 20’s. I had been looking for a new bad name and to start a new project. I was at an AA meeting and the guy handed me a booklet with all the meetings and he said you won’t go to any you’re a ReeToxA. I loved the name and decided to use that to launch the band. Don’t worry I drink responsibly now. Well mostly.

What originally drew you to grunge as a genre?

Grunge came into my life at 12 years old and gave me total freedom and something to believe in.

You’ve been writing music since the ‘90s, how would you describe the evolution of your sound over the years?

I am proud that as I get older I won’t limit myself to any genre. Anything is on the table these days. There’s some epic ballads on the new album.

What made you decide to finally bring “Amber” to life as a full song now?

When it came time to record the first album I had thousands of songs and I decided to start with my first song amber and my last song at the time was redneck love. I filled in the gaps between 1995 and 2024 the best I could.

What emotions come up for you when you revisit the song today?

I recorded Amber in a basic demo way then the with band we jammed it out! James Ryan’s guitar gave it a modern edge and we had a fully rejuvenated song that stayed true to the original! Perfect!

How did you modernise it while still keeping its original grunge spirit intact?

I want to give myself a hug as I realise now at the time I just had no one in my life I could talk too. Love has not gotten any easier in the 30 years so I should have realised to strap myself in!

How do you think your younger self from 1995 would feel hearing this finished version now?

15 year old Jason would love the track! It’s still emotional but you can mosh and dance to it! He would be very proud but upset it took so long lol.

Have your views on love and following your heart changed since you first wrote the song?

When I was younger I used to see love as forever but now I just want a good song from encounters lol. Good or bad. I’m a bit more easy going now.

What was the most challenging part of revisiting a song that was written so long ago?

The most challenging part was keeping true to the original and not changing it. It was so tempting to add some synth or freshen up the lyrics but I’m so glad we kept the original it still stands up today.

How has your approach to writing songs changed since that first poem in 1995?

Amber changed my life and I still love writing songs. Nowadays I will write about anything but I was very serious as a teenager. It was the 90’s after all.

What advice would you give to your younger self who first wrote those lines in the mid-’90s?

Move to a shared house in the city and start the band. Your material is good enough is what I’d say.

Finally, what does “Amber” represent to you now, after all these years?

Amber still gets my heart racing and the song is so much fun to sing. I’ll still be humming it on my death bed.

Listen to Amber below