.png)
Today I have a very special return appearance of artist Reggii. They have had a busy 2021 already and it is only up from here. Reggii first came to Stay Vibrant via the app that kept everyone sane during quarantine: TikTok. We were absolutely enamored with their style, their talent and their outright desire to be themselves in all capacities. We covered their last release which was Snow Globe, a beautifully heart-felt song that captivated us immediately. April 1st they released their latest single Fools, a fitting name for the holiday that both makes us laugh and causes a lot of pain with false promises after it passes. This was no false promise though. Fools is a very 80's synth inspired tune that captivates the listeners while discussing the trials and tribulations of trying to make it in this industry. From the modern dilemma of getting lost within the world of likes and followers to the idea of not losing yourself while trying to make it big in the music industry. Fools is filled with somber harmonies and a sense of sadness whilst reflecting upon where we have ended up as a society. Reggii has such a unique ability to adapt to multiple sounds and tell stories through the medium of sound and lyricism. We were able to catch up with Reggii about what they've been up to, the newest single, American Idol and so much more. Check out the interview and the newest single below:
Reggii, it is SO good to have you back on Stay Vibrant. How have you been doing as of late?
It’s great to be back! I’m doing well! I’ve been very busy but It’s good to have lots to do. Between working my day job and working on my music, I have little to no free time throughout the week. But I hope that all of this hard work will pay off down the road. I’m excited for what’s to come!
Fools is your newest release and it completely switches gears from your prior single Snow Globe, can you take us through the process of the idea and making of this single?
This song incompaces a lot of different things for me. I wrote it after falling down a negative spiral of comparrasson, scrolling through instagram and getting down on myself for not being more successful by now. I stopped and looked inward and realized how much I had let myself get caught up in the nonsense of the Music Industry. In the end, it’s about doing what we love, not about the fame, the money, or the followers, but it’s so easy to fall into that unhealthy mindset. I wrote this song to let out steam but also to hold myself accountable throughout my journey. This song is a reminder to myself and others to make music for good reasons and not for selfish ones.
You and Javier worked together again on this track -- since the last time with virtual production, has it got any easier or is the process still a bit of a learning curve?
This song was made mostly virtual as well. Lots of zoom and phone calls catching up on the song and discussing details. Javier did such an incredible job with the production and the mix! We are both very proud of this song. My friends Marco and Memo worked on the song as well, virtually from Mexico City. Marco played the bass and Memo did the master. I’ve got a great team! We will definitely be continuing to make music together.
“It’s always a learning curve. But that’s what makes it fun” - Javier Cruces
Since we last spoke, a LOT has happened. Congratulations on everything, I mean 30 Million streams, 200,000 monthly listeners, and so much more! How are you feeling as this year is just getting its start?
Thank you! It is very exciting seeing what has come about and what is to come. This year I am focusing mainly on recording and putting out original music. My cover songs have gained a lot of streams so I am crossing my fingers that my original music will get there too. Putting out original music is a lot more daunting because it’s vulnerable. When you're putting out music that you wrote from the heart it’s kinda scary. But I’m breaking through my comfort zone and going for it!
Sooooo, I have to ask. I have kept up with you via socials and you auditioned for American Idol and also got picked! What was that experience like? Tell me EVERYTHING: nerves, song choice, people you met hahah.
Going on American Idol was quite an experience! It was fascinating being behind the scenes and a part of it all. I get very anxious when it comes to performing in front of an audience and most definitely in front of celebrities. Part of why I auditioned in the first place is because I wanted to face my fears. Unfortunately they never showed my audition or my Hollywood week performance. But for hollywood week I sang “Unaware” by Allen Stone and for the audition I sang this new song of mine. I’m glad that I can share the song with everyone even though they didn’t get to see my audition. The best part of the whole experience was meeting and spending time with the other contestants. I met so many incredible people and talented artists.
I also saw something about you looking at some old school flip phones, seems a bit poetic especially with Fools coming out -- so are you making the switch?
Yes and no. I’ve been thinking about making the switch for a while now. I got my first iphone 5 years ago and it was awesome at first, but I feel that I rely on it so much to a point that it’s become a constant distraction. I’m glued to it like a magnet and I hate that. Before I had an iphone, my phone did pretty much nothing but calls and texts. I remember spending so much time living in the moment of life. Far more than I have been now at least. But, my iphone is incredibly useful as well and has become a major part of how I connect with the world, share my music, and schedule my life. So I have decided to keep it. I will use it like an ipod touch with wifi but all of my phone calls and texts will go to my flip phone. This way, if I want to put my iphone in the other room to remove distractions during work, I can without missing important calls or messages. I’m in the trial stages this week so hopefully it goes well!
As we get into warmer weather, vaccines are rolling out, the world “is healing” -- what are you
looking forward to this year?
I am currently half way through my vaccination. My old car got totaled back in 2016 and ever since then I’ve been living in LA without a car. With that being said, I haven’t been going anywhere during the pandemic and have mainly remained in my house and in my neighborhood. Once I’m fully vaccinated, I think I will feel safe taking the metro again. I’m so excited to take the metro train to the beach or to the farmers market. Seems like a little thing, but it’s a big one for me. Hopefully I can slowly see more friends too in a safe way. I’ve been very quarantined so I miss my friends a lot!
It is always such a pleasure to have you on, Reggii. As always looking forward to what you have in store next.
Socials:
Comments