Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
The name actually started out as “Housewife Reliever.” That changed after a few months to “Reformation”, because in August of 2020 I had made the decision to get sober. At that point I had quit doing drugs for 13 years but replaced them with alcohol. Without going into a long story about that, I was basically dying from my alcoholism. I would later learn that I was days or weeks (at best) from dying. My body was shutting down.
Reformation, is not a religious reference, but what I was experiencing getting sober and learning to live sober for the first time in my life. The 8-sided star Logo (actually 8 triangles) represents hope which is also tattooed on my right wrist.
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
Reformation consists of myself only. I am from Mount Pleasant, SC in the US. I write, perform and produce all the music for Reformation. I currently have a small home studio that consists of 6 guitars, 2 basses, and a keyboard.
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
Favorite band of ALL Time…Rush. Geddy, Alex and Neil are all masters at their craft and the tones Alex gets using different reverbs was the first “Wow” I ever had as a kid. Next would be 80s and 90s Pink Floyd. The way David Gilmour’s guitar sounds in those later records blew my mind. The delay and reverb through that Strat was the tone I had always been looking for. I love the use of the synths in those later records also. Dream Theater for the musicianship and precision. Currently I like listening to Riverside, Porcupine Tree and If These Trees Could Talk.
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
I have actually played in a band since 2003 (still together) but it was always more of a hobby than anything else. I have a full-time, blue-collar job (18 years) that I like, but can’t do forever. The technology advances in all aspects of music have allowed me to discover the sound that has always been in my head.
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
Some bands that are on my Spotify Playlist “Inspiration” are Collapse Under the Empire, Pineapple Thief, The Last Sigh of the Wind, Exxasens, God is an Astronaut, Meniscus, Glasgow Coma Scale and many others.
Do you sing in the shower?
No singing in the shower even though I am vocally trained. Only business in the shower. Get in, Get out.
Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?
The only plans I have this year is to try and get my music out to people that would share it and enjoy it. There isn’t much a market in my region for it. Most people here listen to country or pop. Europe seems to be the most viable for my style.
Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?
Right now, I have 4 songs finished since my last album “Crop Circles” from earlier this year. Three of those songs have been released on all platforms, but I think I am going to sit on the next 4-6 songs and release a full-length album around April or May 2024. We’ll have to see.
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
Any venue in the world…that’s a tough one. The Acropolis or Red Rocks on a very dark starry night for both.
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
Favorite Album would have to be “The Division Bell” by Pink Floyd. I just love all the music in that album.
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
Guilty pleasures album would have to be “Angel Dust” by Faith No More. That shit never gets old.
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
Greatest Show on Earth would have to be Steven Wilson (vocals, Guitar), John Myung (bass), Neil Peart (drums), Michal Tapaj (keybords), Jeff Kalal (guitar)
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
The first album I ever bought was “Presto” by Rush. It was a used cassette for $5. I wore that thing out in a week.
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
Well, I don’t think I have any fans yet, but I would say to them:
“This is only a beginning. I don’t know what life is going to present me, but I do know that I will continuously write new music for as long as I can. Experimenting with different ambience and textures. Trying to immerse you in sound.”
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
My website – Reformationchs.com
Instagram – @Reformation_Band
Facebook – facebook.com/profile.php?id+100077967551218
Band Camp – reformationsc.bandcamp.com
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