03 October 2023
MUSIC
Written by Don-Jitsu
Reba Red DROPS her first solo project, Awake EP
Introducing Reba Red , a singer/songwriter well versed in the sonic arts of Neo-Soul, Modern Jazz, and R&B. Reba credits her family's vast musical tastes and knowledge for her musical prowess. She had been collaborating with various artists before she had decided to officially embark on a professional music journey in 2022. Since the collaborative project release of The Garden Music EP (with fellow musician and friend Big Dreamz), Reba Red is a name that has been buzzing in the South African R&B/Soul community and drawing in attention from big card, industry names.
Among her steady growing highlights, Reba has performed on South African music veteran JR's Feel Good Live Session and graced The Basadi Music Awards stage on the red carpet opening ceremony.
One might say the first official chapter of her already colorful musical tale begins with her first solo project, Awake EP. The EP dropped on the 29th of September 2023, produced by Tojie Cai. We got to chat to the Awake singer over her latest offering.
1. What's the meaning behind the EP's title?
AWAKE seemed like the perfect fit for my debut solo project. It’s me literally declaring that I’m here, I see it now & I’m alive not just existing . I’ve been a wallflower in the music industry because of my own paranoia & that led to me not releasing any music at all even though everyone around me wanted me to release. So finally after 8 years & some change - the dragon is AWAKE! There are many other connotations to this title but everything will be unpacked in due time…
2. Three words that best describe your project?
I see this project as: Deliberate, Introspective & Hopeful. Everything I wrote either happened or is a manifestation of the life I see myself living in the near future.
3. Why is it so short?
Literally laughing! 😂 Well, it’s my first solo project so I didn’t want to overstay my welcome. Short & sweet, I love to be missed. I’m however currently working on the album which will be a lengthier offering full of surprises - it’s so different to the AWAKE project that it actually scares me! Baby steps though…
4. Where did you draw inspiration from in terms of the songwriting behind the songs?
The EP is born out of frustration, a number of turning points that awakened my inner self and fueled the project's title especially the first song. My determination to lead an authentic life, unburdened by external noise. My commitment to self-discovery and the importance of extending compassion and acceptance inward. Internal dialogue battle cries against self-hate, self-sabotage, and self-isolation.
The entire EP may sound like I’m talking about someone else but if you listen closely you’ll find that it’s actually a love letter to myself. I’m really talking to myself.
5. Favourite track off your EP and why?
They’re all my babies! But there’s something about the opening Poem & the last track (Frontline) that just hit a home run in terms of the mission & vision in my life. I can’t choose one! The subject matter in those two songs are how I aim to live my life - constantly looking within & fighting for love. It’s not easy but I know I’ll get there.
6. In your opinion, is the South African Rnb/soul/alternative scene gaining national attention?
I think anything that’s genuine & serves a higher purpose than what man sees with their physical eyes will always gain the right kind of attention - whether on a global or local scale. There’s always someone somewhere watching, someone waiting to see something different. Write what’s in your heart & you’ll find your people.
If you haven't heard of Reba Red, her new EP Awake is the perfect entrance into her beautiful audio world. We can't wait see her ascend further and further in her expedition to greater heights.
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Follow Reba Red on:
Listen to: Awake EP
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By Reba Red
