Hi Chellcy, and welcome to LiveTrigger Magazine! We are really excited to support you in this new exciting release. Tell us everything about it.
Chellcy Reitsma
Thank you! Our latest release is an alternative rock single called ‘Fleshbot Prison’. An angry rock song with an artistic theory about human existence. I wrote the lyrics and melody lines then worked with my band on the musical compositions. The Animal Farm Music in London produced the track with further compositions by Mat Leppanen. The vocals were recored in Malta with Peter Borg at Railway Studios and Gethin John at Hafod Mastering did the matering. You can listen on Spotify.
Are you excited about this single launch?
Yes very excited! We have been working on this single for a while. It is also part of a mini 20min production we created for a music and arts festival in Malta that debuted last summer.
What is the process you use to create your music?
I get the majority of my ideas while driving or traveling and I do most of my songwriting initially in the car. Sometimes I record a lyric or melody line on my phone while driving or I pull over to the side of the road to write something down. In Malta, where I live, I also have a few places I go to park and write near cliffs overlooking the sea. I do not play an instrument at a professional level myself. Later at home, I sing and songwrite and record my melody lines, maybe some basic rhythm on my cajon or a few chords on my keyboard and then work with a guitartist (preferably) to find the chords.
So I need someone that can work like that from the lyrics to the compositions. Usually I send my demo to one of my band members. Later, when I know exactly what I want, I work with a producer to develop the song further and produce the song. For example, I’ve done a lot of songwriting and producing with Peter Borg. Like my first concept EP ‘Black Water’ which tells a story. Peter just got me and knew exactly what I was looking for. I had similar experiences with my bass player Alan Degabriele and producer Mat Leppanen at The Animal Farm Music, whom I did my most recent releases with including ‘Happy New Year’.
And what about the video?
The video for this song will be produced later and released with an album. My latest music video is ‘Happy New Year’ which released on the 29th Dec.
It has been in the Maltese music video chart for 10 weeks and in the top 10 for 4 of those weeks and climbed to #6.
was inspired by the one year anniversary of my cousin’s death. He died on Christmas Eve in a motorcycle accident, hit and dragged by a semi-truck on a highway in California. We grew up together and were neighbors for some years. He was only a few years older than me and his death really struck a deep chord with me. Then I thought about all my many family and friends who have died and felt like I could end up, eventually, being the last one left at this party we call life. So I used a New Years Eve party as a metaphor for life and death. The song is my way of processing all of this and a tribute to those who have gone before me.
What are your favourite artists and/or composers? 6) Do they have anything in common?
My biggest influences and favorite artists are Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen and Patti Smith because they are also accomplished writers and have such a unique and authenic music style that incorporates thier poetry as well. I also am currently obsessed with Asaf Avidan and LP for the same reasons. Lastly, Kovacs because she is also a visual artist and her music and videos incorporate her visual art background. She even designs and screen prints her own merch by hand. I really identify with these artists and respect them because I also am a poet and visual artist so I admire other artists that utilize all their talents in their work like I did in my Desolate Days stop motion animation lyric video which was part of the Valletta Cultural Agency’s program in 2021
How did they influence your style and sound?
Our style is a bit eclectic, like the artists I mentioned above, because we write the music to fit the song without concern for genres. Our fusion style is a bit poetic with a warm vintage sound, smooth and mellow, but still fresh, a sound reminiscent of the late ‘70s. From sad lullabys to feminist anthems with smooth stanzas, galloping mid-tempo sonic escapades and an eolving energy that creeps up from behind. From alternative rock to blues rock, from Americana to adult contemporary. The vocals are delivered with an elegist-like cadence, amalgamated harmonies, and empowering lyricism.
What’s the most exciting thing that happened to you recently?
Two interviews for programs on the national TV station, TVM in Malta. One for ‘A Day In The Life’ an awesome initiative by Peter Borg, Wayne Camillieri and Victor Abela to inspire young people to seriously consider going into the arts and entertainment industry as a career or viable business. The other is an interview with myself and an acoustic duo, live performance with my band mate Alan Degabriele on guitar; for @magic with Dorian and Amber. The song was also recorded and will be featured on Magic Malta 91.7 for a week during the airing week of the TVM interview. I’m super honoured and excited for these programs to air! Check my IG and FB pages for updates on the airing times.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are currently working on a number of new songs in preparation for hopefully producing our first full LP. It will also include some poetry as my Black Water EP did. My last 3 single releases ‘Every Time’, ‘Happy New Year’ and ‘Fleshbot Prison’ will be included on the album and we will be making a music video for ‘Fleshbot Prison’ to promote the album. To get a taste of what’s to come you can listen to those songs or see the ‘Happy New Year’ music video.
What do you think about Livetrigger?
I love it! Such a great, comprehensive resource for musicians to find gigs, live music venues, tours and more.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
It’s all here! 🙂
Chellcy Reitsma singer