The Total Sound Of The Undergound

Lelahel Metal

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.  

reetoxa | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree 

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post

Formulaire de contact