Renee Phoenix (Fit For Rivals) Released New Single “EZPZ”
Interview conducted on June 25, 2021
By Dan Locke
Renee Phoenix released her debut single “EZPZ” through Freak Machine Records on June 12, 2021. The single was written by Renee Phoenix, produced by Jordan Nicholas Mattacchione, Sam Ocheltree and Renee Phoenix.
Renee is currently writing her next EP with a TBD release in 2021
What is your upbringing?
I grew up in St. Petersburg, FL as an only child.
How did you discover music?
Mostly through my parents when I was growing up. They’d listen to a lot of doo-wop, The Beatles, and classic rock.
How did you start to write music?
I started playing guitar around 11 but didn’t start writing music until I was around 17 years old. I’d write down the songs I’d write in a notebook and plan it all out in my head.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My parents got me my first guitar after watching Jennifer Batten play for Michael Jackson. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I don’t still have it, but it was a Fender black and white Strat.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model? And does it have a name?
I primarily play a PRS Studio. It feels great in my hands. I haven’t named her yet, but that’s a good idea, I should.
How did you get into Fit for Rivals?
My good friend Thom and I started Fit For Rivals after writing together and realizing it was really its own thing apart from my punk band I was in, The Explicits.
Why did you decide to go solo?
I love writing music. I wrote a batch of songs that didn’t fit with FFR, so I thought it would be fun!
Describe your music.
A good mix of rock, pop, electronic and just what I’d like to listen to really. A lot of fun.
What was your first performance like?
My first EVER performance… I was a mess. I was so nervous. But when I stepped on the stage, everything changed and I didn’t feel nervous anymore, I felt confident and just knew this was where I belonged.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve. Do you belong to any songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Yes, I am part of BMI.
What makes a good songwriter?
Not giving up. Writing 200 songs to get to that one that stands out.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
The first completed song I wrote was called ‘Indestructible’. You can hear Fit For Rivals perform it acoustically on YouTube or look up the original version by my very first band before FFR, The Explicits.
What is the process of writing your music?
It’s different every time. I like to sit with my guitar and just see what comes to me. Sometimes it starts with lyrics, a riff, anything. I just keep trying different things until something grabs me.
You have shared the stage with No Doubt, I Prevail, Flyleaf, and Halestorm. Have any of them given you any words of wisdom?
Some of the most impactful words of wisdom I’ve received was from Shirley Manson from the band Garbage. She told me to never stop making music and that what I was doing is important. That really has stuck with me.
Tell me about the making of Godless?
That was the first single I released as a solo artist. I just thought, why not? Let’s give it a go. I filmed and edited the music video myself.
Has AC/DC made any commits about your version of Thunderstruck?
Not that I know of, but that would be cool if they did!
Tell me about your single EZPZ?
EZPZ is just about letting go and diving into the more aggressive parts of your consciousness. I just wanted to make an impactful, guttural jam.
How was it working with Jordan Nicholes Mattaccione and San Ocheltree?
They’re great guys. We really worked together well and made some really special material. I can’t wait for everyone to hear all of the new music we’ve done.
What is your favorite track on your album?
My favorite track isn’t even out yet! It’s a song called ‘4ever’. It’ll come out eventually. I’m releasing new singles throughout the rest of the year.
What are you feeling about streaming music?
I think it’s a great way for people to consume music. FFR really took off on YouTube, so I’m a big fan of using the internet to propel a career.
What is Cameo?
Cameo is a service where you can ask me to send a special message to your significant other, friend, whomever. I’ve sung happy birthday quite a few times now. It’s fun.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I like having something in my hands. I’d say Vinyl, but I know I’ll listen to the digital version more.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what does that song mean to you?
One of my favorite songs is Heartbeats by a band called The Knife. I just like the production and the vocals. It’s a cool, unique track.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus is going to affect the music business in the future?
I think it affected everyone differently. Venues, performed, tour managers… People who make their money primarily from shows and being on the road were forced to find different ways of making money. I know a lot of those people are not settled and aren’t looking to go back out, while others can’t wait. I’m in between. I love working in the studio and writing, but I also love to perform live. I think it’s made people think outside of the box, which is a good thing.
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career?
Yes and no. I can see how it’s affected people in a mentally negative way where they couldn’t be productive to no fault of their own reality. I tried to be productive, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have mentally taxing moments. It’s all about making the most out of a pretty crappy situation.
During Covid-19. Almost everything got cancelled. Which included a Metallica tour? Prior to the tour Metallica purchased a “cancellation, abandonment and no-appearance insurance” policy from Lloyd’s of London in case of any potential postponement or cancellations. Lloyds of London refused to payout the policy because of the policy’s communicable disease exclusion. Do you think that Metallica is right or the insurance company is right?
Man, that’s a loaded question. I feel COVID posed a lot of different scenarios that people just weren’t prepared for. The insurance policy was made for a reason, so if they’ve been paying into it, then I’d say they should be able to collect it. Kind of like car insurance, right? I don’t know all of the ins and outs of the situation though!
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I’ve been writing my butt off! And started a new record label, Freak Machine Records. It gave me the time to really focus on these two things. Apart from that, I enjoy video games.
Why did you redo the Damage video after 11 years? I did see you say something in your social media last year about Damage.
We got flagged on YouTube for the video and it became restricted which meant people under 18 could not view it. We had a safe for work edit done and upped the quality to 4k. Now everyone can view some new footage in a better resolution.
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
I quarantined, washed my hands religiously and wore a mask. I got the vaccine as soon as it became available!
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I dived into video games a little more which was fun. I spent far too much time playing Assassins Creed. Played a lot more bass and sharpened my drumming.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on live streamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses. The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only. How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
That’s too bad to hear! Especially since that’s a great way to reach fans and that’s what they want. I feel like artists are just going to have to look for alternative ways to stream. The internet is a constantly shifting space. You just have to adapt.
How is using Twitch?
I like it. I haven’t been on in a minute. I’ve been just so busy with everything else I have going on for now!
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
Using social media platforms to connect to people is important. You just have to keep putting out content and make the most of the situation.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinking like a playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
Yeah, it is. I’m against the model but to each his own. I just know a lot of people who haven’t had a great experience with it.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
That would be awesome. Very Star Wars and I’m into it.
Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” Do you think this will save music venues?
I’m unsure if it will. It all sounds good on paper, but action speaks louder than words. I know a lot of venues that have already shut down from the impact of COVID so it may be too little, too late.
Did you know that the Grammys MusicCares can help artists? The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief has helped thousands of music industry artists and professionals during these difficult days. This is the most recipients helped, for any single event, in MusiCares’ history. The need remains great, and these unique times remain critical for music people. It has taken a community uplifting one another to get through this pandemic, and MusiCares has pulled together a list of additional organizations and resources to further support you. RELIEF RESOURCES. Have you applied for it yet?
I did not know this and I have not. I’ll have to look into it and let others know. Thanks!
In the past if a musician stopped doing music, they found a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you can’t do music, what would you like to be doing?
I’d love to race professionally in the Superkart circuit. I’d consider going back to doing something like that again. I won a world title for indoor karting a while ago. Other than music, I’d say I was best at that.
What is your happy place?
Writing music, playing video games and spending time with my wife and pups.
Red Hot Chili Peppers are about to sell their entire song catalog for $140 Million. In the past year a lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks ($100 Million), Bob Dylan (over $400 Million), Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, K.T. Tunstall, and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Neil Young sold 50 percent of his worldwide copyright and income interest in his 1,180-song catalogue to Hipnosis Songs Fund limited. Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative than the mechanical royalties paid to artists based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial. The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning. Do you think you would be willing to sell your back catalog if someone like Universal is willing to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs?
At this time, absolutely not. I’d rather own my music and not deal with any of that. It just rubs me the wrong way.
Spotify’s ‘Stream On’ event on (February 22), the company confirmed that more than 60,000 new tracks are now being ingested by its platform every single day. This means people are adding new tracks uploaded to its platform every 1.4 seconds. The figure, announced by Spotify’s Co-Head of Music, Jeremy Erlich, means that across the course of this year, approximately 22 million tracks will be added to Spotify’s catalog. Spotify confirmed in November last year that its platform now played host to around 70 million tracks. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that, by the end of 2021, SPOT will be home to over 90 million tracks. And that in the early part of next year, it will surpass a catalog of 100 million for the first time. But still back at the beginning of the year Spotify deleted 750,00 songs, mostly from independent artists. What do you think that could mean to independent artists?
I’m honestly unsure. I wonder why they were deleted? I’ve seen people add silly things on there like their husband snoring. Which, while hilarious, if that got deleted, that’s a bit different than someone’s life’s work. I guess it depends on the context.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
I’m trying to get more into TikTok. There are just so many social platforms it’s hard to keep track of it all. I miss the good ole days when people just had a Myspace.
Breaking news: TikTok is launching TikTok Radio, a full-time SiriusXM music channel going live this summer. The station will be available in vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices. The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary, Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent. Do you think this platform could become a force in the future of streaming music?
I think TikTok is already making a huge impact on the industry. Music has the possibility to go viral and spread like wildfire there in an unconventional trajectory. As in, not through the regular single launch campaigns that labels do. I think it’s cool.
Danny Wimmer Presents just announced their 2021 Festival Calendar: Which includes the following live shows:
DWP Partners With Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival For July 23-25 Event In Mansfield, OH
Louder Than Life Set For September 23-26 With Newly Added Thursday Night Celebration In Louisville, KY
Welcome To Rockville Expands To 4 Days And Shifts From Spring To November 11-14 In Daytona Beach, FL
Aftershock Set For October 7-10 In Sacramento, CA, Almost Sold Out
Would you be willing to play these shows and what precautions would you like to have in place?
Sure! I’ve played Rockville a few times and it was fun. Now people are getting vaccinated, it’s a lot safer. I think everyone is just ready to get together again.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thank you for your time and I’m glad you enjoyed my latest single, EZPZ. Look out for new releases this year through Freak Machine Records. You can check out what we have going on at https://www.freakmachinerecords.com
