MNZ Interview: Cross Section S01 / E05 – Rebel Reid

Aiming to dissect the cross section between the creative process and the industry side, Cross Section is an exciting interview series hosted by Shannon Coulomb.

As a pivotal member of the hugely successful band, Valkyrie and as one of the best guitarists in the game, Rebel Reid is a widely respected musician in Aotearoa’s music community. Now Rebel is embarking on one of her most poignant journeys to date – the release of a solo EP in dedication to her beloved late mum.

“I am releasing my EP HIRIA for Matariki as a gift to my Mum, she always wanted me to sing and here I am singing 3 Waiata for her, celebrating her journey to the stars this Matariki – Seeing in a New Year with a New Rebs.”

The EP, titled HIRIA contains three exquisite bilingual Waiata, including the heartbreaking single Dancing In The Stars.

Leia – watch the video HERE

Cry Cry Cry – watch the video HERE

Dancing In The Stars – watch the video HERE

What did the creative process look like while writing/making HIRIA?

It looked like a Studio Ghibli movie, there was something so cinematic about writing HIRIA, creating, it was like weaving magic together. If you can picture just me and my classical guitar, my cats and my howls moving castle styled home lit to the hilt with hues of orange, that’s how it looked and felt.

Do you apply the same creative processes to other aspects of the Music Industry, for example, in your approach to marketing yourself?

See this is a paradox I suffer with, I am rarely on social media and find it hard to market myself at the best of times, however now that think of it, I do capture that magic in the way I make sure my content I’m giving to be marketed is a genuine mirror of the Rebs
you all know.

Is the creative process you followed making HIRIA something you feel you have locked down or does the process generally change on a song by song/release by release basis?

I let wairua guide me through the process of HIRIA, I believe it is something you have to surrender to – if I could apply this to every song or release it wouldn’t end up being the same I feel, well actually – maybe – I haven’t tried yet! Hahaha – ok ask me in 2 months’ time and I can give a true answer.

Congratulations on all your recent success, both national and internationally. Given you have played with many talented musicians, what qualities do you appreciate the most in other musicians?

Aw thank you so very much Shan 🙂

I appreciate genuine people, being in this industry you can meet some poor souls who have been gobbled up by the algorithm robot – but it’s the humans you meet, who are quiet, still and thinking – I love them, they are sharp and give you life lessons – but one true quality I appreciate in other musicians are the ones that follow your lead with trust add to your dreams and ideas by simply letting the intention of the songs guide you! My boys that played on HIRIA are a fine example of, letting go and surrendering to the music. I appreciate them so very much.

If you could collaborate with another NZ musician/band, who would it be?

Eeeeek, this is a blemin’ hard question – but for my kaupapa I am on for mum at this
moment in my life, it would have to be the APO – Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.

How do you keep an eye to the future in regards to your work and work ethic? Do you generally focus on just the project at hand or are you considering how the project fits into a larger plan/career arc?

This is a fantastic question, been looking forward to a question like this guys!

This project has taught me more about magic and possibilities in so many ways… My work ethic has always been very good, very passionate, very real. I normally focus on the project at hand, so that i can give it 100 percent of my attention, however I split my attention and I gave 1000 percent to the ways to branch out from HIRIA – to writing a children’s story to a full orchestral idea for Dancing In The Stars.

Where have you had the most success in terms of marketing to the Aotearoa audience? If applicable, has this translated well to an international market?

I think the most success for me personally has been through Facebook and Instagram – especially for the Aotearoa audience. I hope it’s going to be translated to an international market, I wrote these songs for everyone, in every country, in every planet and reality

There are so many resources available to musicians in Aotearoa, such as muzic.net.nz, Music Managers Forum Aotearoa and APRA/AMCOS. Have any of these (or other) NZ resources played a significant role in your journey so far?

Absolutely, gosh, there is this plethora of helping hands – like from the movie Labyrinth – TMP / APRA have literally brought light into my life as a musician, in every way possible.

Has having access to these resources led to any break-through moments for you, particularly in regards to crafting a successful narrative in your online presence?

Yes, TMP has helped me portray my presence in this industry, so much so that without them this wouldn’t have been possible.

Are there any resources that you would recommend to NZ musicians who are coming to terms with the business side of the craft?

I would recommend talking with a mentor whether that be someone from APRA, or anyone in this industry, a simple email to any one of these companies and asking for direction and guidance, everyone in this industry is just so bloody helpful, even musicians, reach out to me if you need help? I’ll do my best to find you your path, music commission has a bloody good website to get heaps of info and resources too!

*****

Shannon Coulomb is the co-songwriter, guitarist and producer for Auckland Based band Impostor Syndrome. He also plays bass for Swerve City and is currently the Head of Music at Birkenhead College, Auckland, as well as a tutor for Music Education at AUT University.

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