INTERVIEW: ReeToxA releases “Thrift Shop Dress”

Hailing from Melbourne’s rock scene, ReeToxA marks a defining new chapter for musician Jason McKee, a project shaped as much by reflection as it is by impact. After nearly three decades immersed in music, this latest venture doesn’t feel like a continuation so much as a reset, a deliberate return to the emotional origins that first drew him into songwriting in the mid-1990s. It’s a space where experience and rediscovery overlap, allowing something truly personal yet widely engaging to take form.

That background is crucial to understanding ReeToxA; his early musical identity was forged during the rise of grunge and alternative rock, where bands like Nirvana and Pixies reshaped what guitar music could express. Their influence still echo here, in the willingness to lean into emotional honesty and energy. What ReeToxA does is revisit that initial spark, reconnecting with the energy and rebellion that defined those formative years.

ReeToxA first fully unveiled his sound last year with the debut album Pines Salad, developed alongside producer Simon Moro and collaborators Kit Riley, James Ryan and Peter Marin, the record established a sonic world where emotional writing and rock intensity could exist without compromise. Now, ReeToxA moves forward into its next chapter with an ambitious second full-length album titled Soliloquy, featuring twenty-six tracks which build on the emotional and sonic framework of his debut.

It’s a project that suggests not just growth, but a widening of perspective, an artist allowing himself more room to explore, reflect and experiment. At the centre of this new chapter sits “Thrift Shop Dress,” the lead single which begins with a subtle groove, its lightly gritty guitar lines setting a steady pace before everything opens up into something more anthemic. Punching drums and smooth vocal lines drive the song forward, creating an energy that feels thoroughly infectious.

That energy is mirrored in the story behind it; the song was sparked by a striking moment, an ordinary encounter that quickly became something more in Jason’s imagination. On his way to band rehearsal in Brunswick, he noticed a woman across the street and while the interaction lasted only seconds, it was enough to ignite an idea that arrived almost fully formed. Within minutes, the song had taken shape, capturing that awkward, electric feeling of wanting to approach someone but not knowing where to begin.

Packed full of stomping rhythm, crunching guitars and instantly catchy vocal hooks, it’s a pop-focused rock outing that’s memorable and energising from start to finish. Offering the perfect showcase of ReeToxA’s catchy rock sound, “Thrift Shop Dress” lays down a track that feels relatable and alive, driven by catchy melodic writing and a pure rock energy. As ReeToxA continues to develop, his latest chapter feels both exciting and open to wherever that renewed creative energy might lead next.

We caught up with ReeToxA to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Thrift Shop Dress” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with ReeToxA below.

Can you tell us how your journey into music first began?

Showing my age but as a kid in the 1980’s I would play a song loud on Papas stereo then record myself singing on my boom box. It would keep me entertained for hours until mum got furious at me using up all the blank tapes.

What originally pushed you to start writing your own songs?

I wrote a poem to this girl Laura I liked and I showed my sister. She said that’s not a poem it’s a song. I refined it into a tight verse chorus verse and have been addicted to writing songs since. There was no therapy in Australia back then so it was my way of coping with life.

How would you describe your sound today compared to when you first started out?

My first 50 songs were very 90’s grunge / punk. I had a Steve jones / Kurt cobain guitar style. James Ryan brought in his decades of experience on guitar and gave it a real Australian pub rock twist. I love our sound.

How has your approach to songwriting changed as you’ve gained more experience?

I used to write a diary and wait for ideas to pop then go to the back of the diary and write the song down. I use many techniques but my favourite is using my subconscious to scan to songs constantly. Hard to explain.

Your new single “Thrift Shop Dress” has such a great energy, what sparked it?

After I released my first album a lot of very interesting girls were appearing in my people you may know section of Facebook. They would look cool and have their fringe cut. This built up and then on the way to three phase studios in Brunswick on Sydney road I saw this effortlessly cool girl smoking a cigarette outside a thrift shop. The song came hurtling out.

Can you take us back to that moment that inspired the song?

When I got to the studio I scraped my plans and worked on it for an hour, humming the guitar riff. It came together so quickly.

How much of the story in “Thrift Shop Dress” is real versus imagined?

I guess it was all imagined really. I got divorced ten years ago and have just had fun since but I’m slays looking for an interestng girl.

What drew you to the idea of capturing that feeling of hesitation and curiosity?

Since my divorce I have manly met girls drunk at bars etc. Maybe I’m deep down hesitant to approach someone in an every day setting.

What makes “Thrift Shop Dress” stand out from the rest of the album?

I think it’s a fun song. Some people blush when they hear it. It projects a confidence I don’t have in real life. Or maybe I do?

Your new album features 26 tracks, which is a massive body of work—what inspired that scale?

It was originally six 12 track albums with a 45 minute musical about the north side music scene written during covid. I changed my name and apple lost all my voice memos and notes updating my account. I guess it’s only 26 because they were the best ones I remembered. I do have 100’s of out takes from the soliloquy sessions and if I can ever afford it I would like to do an extended edition.

How does “Thrift Shop Dress” represent the overall spirit of the album?

It’s the freshest song on the album and is less than a year old still as we speak. It’s not my favourite song on the album and certainly not the most intense but I thought it was a great single.

Are there any tracks on the album that feel especially personal or important to you?

Gown is so personal that I may as well give you my diary or inner most thoughts to digest. In my opinion it’s a masterpiece if I do say so myself.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

I don’t know if I should start my third album or start a live band and tour the first two albums. Maybe both ? The truth is when we finished recording a huge weight went off my shoulders and I partied for four months.

Listen to Thrift Shop Dress below