Renee Phoenix – EZPZ

By starrymag | October 8, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) A mix of a bunch of music that I personally like. Everything from Nine Inch Nails to Garbage to Britney Spears. I love it all and I write music that I’d like to listen to in the car.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Trent Reznor. He wants to learn and know about everything. From the lighting design to production to everything in between. I’m inspired by that, and I want to know how to do everything.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “EZPZ.”

 

A) It’s a song about how easy it is to get angry. It’s about letting go of your inhibitions and just letting loose.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) The aggression. The overall sound and feel of the song just pump you up.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) It plays off everyone’s frustrations. Really it can be applied to whatever is going on in your life, but we were trying to convey the energy the song emits.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It can start from anywhere. I will usually pick up a guitar or bass and just see what comes to me. Sometimes it’s a drum beat. It just has to spark something inside of me to pursue further.

 

Q) The song was produced by you, Jordan Nicholas Mattacchione and Sam Ocheltree. Why is it so important for you to have a hand in the production of your music?

 

A) I want the music to come from me. I need to connect with what I’m doing, especially if I’m going to sing it every night. Plus, I love songwriting. I love the process. I love messing with all of the production elements and looking at things from every angle.

 

Q) You’re headed out for some upcoming shows! What can fans expect from a live Renee Phoenix performance?

 

A) A lot of energy! We are a 3-piece, so our stage performance is of the utmost importance.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) My favorite place I’ve performed was a venue in Boise, Idaho. Fit For Rivals had never been there before, but the radio station really got behind our latest single. When we showed up, people in the audience were chanting our name. We never experienced anything like that before. It was a turning point. We knew, hey, this is actually doing something.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Anyone who is talented and has good vibes about them. I’d love to get with Shirley Manson of Garbage. Her voice is so unique, and I’d love to explore that parallel.

 

Q) It’s pretty badass that you’re the CEO of Freak Machine Records! What advice would you give to up-and-coming musicians?

 

A) Don’t sign shit! Stick with it and never give up. Don’t let the bastards get you down!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) That’s a big part of things. I want my music to resonate with everyone and for people to relate to me as a real person. Social media is a bunch of bullshit. Everyone conveys the best parts of their lives. It’s a love/hate relationship I have with it. I’ve come to realize how much I enjoy just being in the moment rather than having to document everything. I don’t know. There’s just so MUCH social media it can be overwhelming.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) THANK YOU. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here. My journey is only just beginning so hold on to your butts.