Melbourne-based artist ReeToxA unveils Pines Salad, a debut album decades in the making, blending raw emotion, grunge grit, and pop flair — and proving it’s never too late to begin.
1.
Jason, Pines Salad is your debut album but clearly not your first time writing
songs. What made 2025 the right time to finally release this collection to the
world?The planets
aligned. I felt confidence with my voice and knew Simon would get the
best out of me. It would of come out before covid but unfortunately the
world stopped.
2. The
album spans three decades of songwriting. How did you choose which songs made
the final cut, and what tied them all together for this record?I wanted the album to flow, so I
started with my first song amber and my last song redneck love. I choose
songs that would compliment each other and it was not easy. My songs are
like my babies.
3. The
title Pines Salad is a cheeky reference to Frankston slang — how does that tone
reflect the spirit of the album as a whole?
Although I
have moved from Frankston it’s still close to my heart. I try to get down
there a couple of times a year. I wanted to immortalise Frankston so kids
growing up there could feel a music career is viable. It felt impossible
back in the 90’s only sports were encouraged.
4. Your
lead single Bobbie stems from a deeply personal place. How did the experience
of writing and recording that track help you process that chapter of your life?
The first
two takes I burst into tears, it was hitting so close to home. Simon came
in and guided me through it and the third take was the best. We all felt
mums presence in the studio. To have a song , something tangible to show
family and friends has been A blessing. I don’t think I’ll ever fully
forgive myself though. But this did bring a lot of healing.
5. You
describe a lot of the album as dealing with your 'confusion with women' — how
do you walk the line between personal vulnerability and universal relatability
in your lyrics?
Male
bravado is everywhere but I know I’m not alone in my feelings and experiences.
Growing up in a blue collar town and family puts pressure on men in
general. I knew If I was true to myself people woukd relate.
6.
You’ve mentioned playing a demo for Jeff Buckley back in the ’90s — can you
take us back to that surreal moment? What was his reaction?
Three songs
into Jeff’s set in st kilda I offered to line up back stage for my friend who
wanted to meet him and marry him. I deeply regret missing the concert but
I did get back stage. In those days I carried a dictaphone and I played
him a demo of amber. He bopped along and said cool man with his trademark
smile. Then he walked away.
7.
Working with top-tier musicians like Kit Riley, James Ryan, and Peter Marin
must’ve been a thrill. How did their presence shape the sound of Pines Salad?
I put down
a lot of ideas on guitar and during pre production Simon and I created a strong
guide of my vision. But what the band did with songs like Bobbie and
avocet court especially blew my mind. I will be forever grateful for them
playing on the record and hope to work with them again in the future.
8.
There’s a unique blend of grunge grit and pop sensibility on the album — Pearl
Jam meets Olivia Rodrigo, as you put it. How do you balance those influences in
your songwriting?
I grew up
on 60’s music with dad, grew up in the 90’s as a teen and look up to a lot of
the current pop stars. My ideals state that I will always be open to any
idea possible. I don’t want to be one dimensional.
9. Your
favorite lyric — "I feel like a donkey in a thoroughbred show" — is
both humorous and poignant. Do lyrics like that come naturally, or is it
something you fine-tune over time?
The
original opening line to amber was an awkward “take you to a picture show /
spend my dough”. I thought that was so lame so I pushed myself to describe the
situation as best I could. The opening line to a song is the most
important more than ever in today’s age but yeah, I’ll always be proud of that
one.
10. What
role has the city of Melbourne played in shaping your sound and your story as
an artist?
Melbourne
has the most amazing music scene and support available. I think most of
all it taught me to believe anything’s possible. I can’t wait to
hopefully play some of the iconic venues like the tote and my wildest dreams
“corner hotel”.
11.
Looking back on your teenage years as a songwriter, how has your creative
process evolved — and what’s stayed exactly the same?
I used to
write songs by writing a diary and flipping to the back of the diary if a lyric
or song idea came out. Then I’d record onto 4 track. Now I have trained
my subconscious to always be looking out for the next song. I am
constantly pulling out my iPhone and singing into it. Notes is my best
friend. In jail for six months I went back to that diary style with no
technology and for six months I’d sing the Bobbie song and others every day so
to not forget the melodies. I’ll never take my phone for granted ever
again.
12. With
Pines Salad finally out, what’s next for ReeToxA? Are there live shows, videos,
or more music in the pipeline?
My next album was written during COVID waiting for Simon’s studio to re open so I am ready to go with that. Hopefully record next year. I’m desperate to start playing live and trying to form a live band as we speak. At the meantime I’m doing open mic nights and student concerts at the penny black in Brunswick.
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