(Moncton, NB) – Every highway has its share of bumps but the Rik Reese band sure knows how to dodge and swerve. Formally known as Rik Reese and the Neon Highway, they have had their share of triumphs and tragedies. A highlight within their career was in 2011 when they opened for Country Superstar Toby Keith. However, it was trumped by tragedy just hours later when their bassist; Pete King, was killed in a motorcycle/moose collision returning from the show. Today, a corner stone of the Cavendish Beach Music Festival Main Stage has been engraved as a Pete memorial; the stage of his final performance. Through perseverance and fan support, Rik Reese has come out swinging with a stellar line up of committed and talented musicians. From intimate, acoustic shows to large scale festivals, Rik is a natural performer who connects with his audience and the solid musicianship and passion of the band fills the stage at every performance. Coined by their fans and peers as one of the hardest working bands in Atlantic Canada – “People HAVE to see RIK REESE live. He’s ALL ABOUT the live SHOW!” Casey Clarke – CMT Host
I’ve had the opportunity to interview Rik. Here’s what he had to say…
Dave – Thanks for taking the time to do an interview for Music Life Magazine. So, how has the touring been going?
Rik – We just did a whole Alberta run. We also did the Big Valley Jamboree. It’s one of five country festivals under the CCMA umbrella. It’s Canada’s largest country festival.
Dave – I’ve noticed you and the band do a lot of festivals. Why is that?
Rik – It’s the preferred thing to do. You get your time slot, the equipment’s all supplied, and there’s thousands of people attending. It’s a big country party all weekend.
Dave – You have a multi award nominated CD out now called “Mama Raised A Good Boy“. Are you working on a new one?
Rik – Yes, I am working on another one. It seems every time I get ready to record it something comes up.
Dave – You have been down to Nashville, was that a get acquainted trip?
Rik – Yes , but there are a lot of capable producers and studios here in Canada. My next CD will be done here in Canada. I’ll give a little leaked information here. Greg Martin, guitarist for the Kentucky Head Hunters, has agreed to play on the new CD.
Dave – Who are your current band members?
Rik – Right now it’s three guys out of the Bouctouche, NB area. Marc Leger on Guitars and Andy Bastarache on drums. Andy has relocated to Alberta but is back and forth. My long term guy on guitar is Philippe Vautour.
Dave – Rik, I know your life is dedicated to music, but what do you do to relax from the stress of the music business?
Rik – All my life is dedicated to music. What do I do to relax? Now that’s a tough question there, by itself. Downtime is used to write new songs. It’s 24/7. I had a corporate job before this and people say “oh, Is that all you do now”? I put in more hours now then when I had the 40 to 50 hour corporate job.
Dave – What made you leave the corporate job and do music full time?
Rik – I was working for a boss who wasn’t in the best of health. One day we were on the road for business and we were talking. He asked me “if you could have your dream job , what would it be”? I said it would be playing music. He said “then why aren’t you? Don’t live with regrets.” So, three months later I was playing music full time. It’s now been six years.
Dave – Could you describe to the readers what they will experience when they come to one of your shows?
Rik – We like to have fun on stage, so we have to make sure the audience is having fun. It’s mutual, we feed off of each other. It’s a high energy show.
Dave – When you’re on the road for six years there are highlights and low points. What have been some of your highlights?
Rik – Meeting the people that turned me on to country music like Dwight Yoakam, Alabama, and all those guys. Playing the main stage at Cavendish, playing the Big Valley Jamboree and getting down into Maine. I have some Europe gigs coming up. There’s low points too Dave . You and I know those.
Dave – Yeah , I was the band photographer the year of the low point when the band lost a good friend and bassist Pete King to a motorcycle accident. A tough time for everybody.
Dave – Who are you signed with now?
Rik – Rix Kix Music. It’s my business. No one can manage you like yourself.
Dave – Thank you for taking the time to talk. I know your time is valuable.
Rik – You’re welcome.
In the 6 short years as a full time musician, Rik has opened for an extensive amount of Country Music Royalty. They include: Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Ricky Skaggs, Chad Browlee, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, The Kentucky Headhunters, Doc Walker, Little Texas, Joe Diffie, 2 Nazareth, The Stampeders, Blue Rodeo, Julian Austin, George Canyon, Tara Oram, Matt Minglewood and Lennie Gallant.
(2010) Performed with Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum at the Cavendish Beach Fest.
(2011) with Brad Paisley, Johnny Reid.
(2012) with Alabama, Rascall Flatts
(2013) with Dwight Yoakam, Kenny Chesney, Dixie Chicks
(2014) with Zac Brown Band, Miranda Lambert, Oak Ridge Boys
(2014) with Lady A and Hunter Hayes at the Big Valley Jamboree in Alberta
Rik has garnished some recognition within the music community. Here are his achievements to date:
- Canadian Music Week-Toronto, ON: Official Showcasing Artist
- Music New Brunswick Nominees: Video of the Year, Group Recording of the Year and Country Album of the Year.
- East Coast Music Award Nominees: Country Album of the Year and Fan Choice of the Year.
- Country Music News : Canadian Country Albums of the Decade List and Top 12 Canadian Country Album of the Year.
- CMT: Featured Artist of the week.
For more information on the Rik Reese band please visit:
http://www.reverbnation.com/RikReese
https://www.facebook.com/RikReese
Written and interviewed by David Hodges
Image credit: FireFly Photographers
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