The Reasons Why are Melbourne’s answer to modern grunge! Debut album, “Decade”, has just been released and band-member Scotty Bell (vocals/guitar) talks us through the origins of the band. Get acquainted with The Reasons Why, below…
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
The band started with myself and our late guitarist Brodie carver. We were an acoustic act, but we had a more darker feel than most and it didn’t sit well with the acoustic scene. After swapping acoustics for electrics and adding drums and bass, the band naturally became grunge. we have been playing for a decade now and Shev and I are the only founding members left. Paul and Locky joined later on.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
Honesty, we were totally sh*t faced! All I remember that night was opening for Electric Mary and having an absolute ball. So I guess we felt confident and ready to go! But the memory of the night is very fuzzy!
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourself?
Expect hard rock, grunge, and the occasional slow one! I guess I would describe ourselves as a very ’90s influenced band, with a modern/roots touch. It’s hard to explain, we aren’t aiming for anything, I guess we just play what we want and that’s what comes out.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
Well, if you want to be the next rock star, just be a trend monkey and do whatever other pop/rap cocks are doing. But, if you really wanna stand out? Be unique (or better yet) be yourself. Just play what comes from your heart and give it everything, then you’ll stand out and people will notice.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We just released our album “Decade”, so we aren’t working on anything official, but I’m always writing and live streaming some jamming sessions, so Facebook is a really great place to find out what we are doing!
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
Alice In Chains! If they come to Australia, I will be duct tapping myself to their van until they let us open for them!!! definitely one of my most loved bands! In all honesty, I think our sound works well with them and we get a lot of feedback from people saying we remind them of Alice.
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
After Covid, who knows! The scene has almost had a massive reset here in Australia! I haven’t seen a live band in almost a year! But I have faith that there will definitely be a band stirring the stars!
What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
My dad was an avid blues fan, he would smash a bottle of bourbon and listen to Stevie Ray Vaughan and as a boy watching and listening to such a great musician made me want to be one! Funny enough, I didn’t want to play guitar, I just wanted to sing. It wasn’t until I was 17 that I picked up a guitar, I wanted to write some songs but couldn’t play any instruments! I was also trying to impress a girl, so you know, light bulb moment/thinking with my dick!
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
It’s been ages for me!! But probably Animals As Leaders?? I don’t go and see much locals stuff, there’s not really any place close to do so. So, if I do see a band it’s usually a big one!
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
PJ Harvey, I think she is amazing. I’m definitely not a fan of the late indie scene but she just rocks. And she has such a unique sound. No, she’s not an amazing guitarist but as a songwriter, she’s amazing.
What are your plans for 2021?
2021 will definitely be a big and busy year for The Reasons Why, probably a couple of Eps and a tour.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Check out the below links!