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Conversations with Jon Reece

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Reece

Jon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
R.E.C. was born out of frustration and ambition. It started with me and a few friends who felt trapped in the same small-town cycle, stuck playing shows in the same bars with the same faces. Music was our only escape, the one thing that felt real. We poured all that frustration and longing into our songs, creating something that spoke to anyone who felt the same way.

The early days were chaotic. We were just a group of kids chasing a dream with cheap gear and whatever studio time we could scrounge up. But we had passion, and that pushed us to keep going. We recorded our first albums as a way to make our voices heard, to create something lasting. The more we played, the more the sound of R.E.C. took shape—equal parts rebellion, emotion, and grit.

Over time, members came and went, each change leaving its own mark on our sound and approach. Finding the right people was like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. It was frustrating, but it forced us to adapt and evolve. Eventually, it became clear that R.E.C. was bigger than any lineup. It was an idea, a movement, a story that kept unfolding no matter who was on stage.

Today, R.E.C. is a core duo—myself and Creed. We’ve embraced the chaos and turned it into a strength. Our approach is fluid, bringing in different musicians for live shows and recordings, like a rock ‘n’ roll collective with a singular vision. It’s raw, it’s unpredictable, and it’s ours.

2025 is the culmination of everything we’ve built. We’re releasing four albums this year—The Trilogy Reimagined (remastered versions of our defining works, Liberosis, Occhiolism, and Monachopsis) and our brand-new album, Sungazers. We’re not just putting out music; we’re laying down a legacy. And the journey’s only just beginning.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth road? Not even close. The path to where R.E.C. is now has been paved with chaos, frustration, and countless sleepless nights. It’s been a constant fight against everything trying to pull us down—whether it’s lineup changes, creative burnout, or the brutal reality of balancing art with the grind of everyday life.

We’ve lost band members, faced dead ends, and stared down the crushing feeling of stagnation. Trying to find the right people who share the same vision has been like trying to build a house during a hurricane. But every setback became fuel. It sharpened our edge, made us more determined to break through the noise.

When things hit the hardest, we doubled down. Creed and I embraced the chaos and turned R.E.C. into a core duo, keeping the vision pure while bringing in other musicians when needed. We built something resilient. The struggles aren’t just part of the story; they are the story. And now, that raw energy and pain are poured into our music. It’s what gives R.E.C. its power.

The road hasn’t been smooth. But the rough edges? That’s where the magic happens.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
R.E.C. is all about breaking boundaries and pushing rock music into unexplored territory. We specialize in creating songs that are raw, emotional, and unapologetically real. It’s a blend of alternative rock, punk grit, and anthemic energy wrapped in storytelling that hits hard and sticks with you.

What we’re known for? Taking our struggles and turning them into art that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt trapped, lost, or pissed off at the world. We’re not afraid to experiment, to blur genres, to make something that feels alive and unpredictable. And the fact that we’re releasing four albums in one year—that’s a testament to our relentless drive.

What I’m most proud of is our evolution. We’ve taken every setback, every moment of doubt, and turned it into something powerful. Our upcoming releases, The Trilogy Reimagined and Sungazers, represent both where we came from and where we’re headed. It’s like capturing lightning in a bottle over and over again.

What sets us apart? Our hunger. We don’t just want to play music; we want to change the game. We’ve stripped R.E.C. down to its essence—a core duo of myself and Creed—then rebuilt it stronger than ever, pulling in other musicians when needed but always keeping the vision intact. We’re making music on our own terms, refusing to compromise, and daring anyone to try and stop us.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson? Adapt or die. The music industry is ruthless, and if you’re not willing to evolve, it’ll chew you up and spit you out. We’ve learned that nothing is guaranteed—bandmates leave, plans fall apart, and the dream you’re chasing can feel like it’s slipping through your fingers.

But instead of letting that break us, we learned to use it. We embraced change, stripped R.E.C. down to its core, and rebuilt it stronger. We stopped trying to force things to fit a mold and just made the music we wanted to make. We learned that passion and authenticity are the only things that truly matter.

Another huge lesson? Nobody’s going to hand you anything. You have to fight for every single inch of progress. And when you get knocked down, you get back up, twice as hungry. Perseverance and reinvention—that’s the secret. Keep moving forward, keep evolving, and never lose sight of why you started in the first place.

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