Mystic Reign
- Drink up the music
In interview with J. J Brits
THERE IS
SOMETHING in the water in Melkbosstrand; a cosy place with a laidback community.
This coastal town is home to many known figures in the local music industry. A newly formed band
with a mystic sound has been spelled by the town’s unspoken muse and seem to be
the next result. Mystic Reign consists of two members, cherry-red guitars &
an equal loathing for backtracks. Their genre is rock, but vary since both
members are vocally talented and have their own distinct style.
One would think it impossible to perform rock
live with only an acoustic Cort & an electric Ibanez, but the band proves
it a myth at local events.
Leo’zel, front woman, is the voice to their
music, reminiscent of The Pretty
Reckless, Paramore & Lana del
Rey. Some would even say there’s a bit of Amy Lee (Evanescence) in the mix.
The majority of the rhythm and backing vocals is done by Jaen, who likes to
think of the band as a combination between Staind
& lyrically, a local version of Seether.
Their music is original, honest &
grounded. We sat down on a fitting misty
Monday morning at Small Room Studio Productions to discuss their future plans,
where they will perform next & whether they are working on an album.
“Our ideal is to create music that is a new
take on the South-African rock scene, striking a balance between acoustic rock
& heavier elements,” says Jaen.
Leo’zel agrees, adding: “Our intension is to
bring an original & fresh sound to the industry; and not sound like the
bands before us. We feel music, as supposed to just making noise.”
“At the moment we spend most of the time
writing new material,” explains Jaen. “Not all of the songs we write make the
cut, but we feel that with each attempt our writing skill improves and so does
the sound.”
“We write in my bedroom where there is no
pressure from the outside world,” says Leo’zel. “Usually the proses begins with
a jam session where we play on our guitars. We brainstorm ideas, decide on the
chords and once we settle on a concept for a song, I write the lyrics. Jaen
adds his touch, of course.”
“We have decided that 2015 is the year for us
to start recording our EP,” says Leo’zel, smiling at her music making partner.
“The recording will be done locally at Small Room Studio Productions. We get
along well with Producer Jandre Spangenberg. It’s important to have the right
team backing the project…and we are lucky to have found this.”
“We are looking forward to experiment further
in the studio,” says Jaen. “Keeping in mind however that all recorded tracks
should have the same sound when performed live. We aim to capture the soul of
each song, and take that to live audiences.”
Mystic Reign do not only write for themselves.
They recently wrote a song for another band, which will be performed live on
the 4th of May 2015 at a Barnyard concert.
“Our music needs to be heard,” says Leo’zel
on the topic. “We don’t see ourselves as one minded musicians. This keeps
things interesting and we won’t say no to the idea of collaborating with other
artists later on.”
“For now, we are not looking to expand the
band,” says Jaen, laughing when the term ‘duo’ is mentioned. “But this can
change as all things do in time. What I’m saying is we still haven’t found the
right musicians to share our vision.”
The band concludes the interview by
performing an acoustic version of one of their latest songs…a naughty rock
number with catchy lyrics & a kicking riff.
Follow Mystic Reign on Facebook for the
latest updates. News about their EP will soon be announced on Small Room Studio Productions’ website.
©2015 / J. J Brits
©2015 / J. J Brits
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