Interview with Red Reign Vocalist and Guitarist Carlton "Bubba" McMichael

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Carlton! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it’s greatly appreciated.

CV: Red Reign has been likened to such bands as Van Halen, Dokken and Guns n Roses. Does the band see themselves in the same descriptive light?
Carlton “Bubba” McMichael: I don’t think we see ourselves in that light. We are all fans of those bands and I am sure those influences have trickled into our music. HOWEVER, I LOVE the comparisons.

CV: Does such comparisons create a challenge when writing songs; placing any tension on you and/or expectation on the part of the band's fans?
CM: No, I don’t think so. We write songs that we like. Once an idea is brought to the table we are just looking to write the best possible song we can.

CV: Everyone has influences; influences help to create roots and diversity.  Artists are products of their overall listening environments. How does Red Reign find its own sound in light of its range of influences?
CM: Well, I think you have to write the songs that feel right to the band. Unfortunately, the influences do creep in the songs, but isn’t that what music is about…

CV: The band will be doing two shows with Tesla in April.  That is very exciting. Tell us how you came to connect with them for these shows.
CM: We actually were on tour with Tesla in 2017 and just had a blast. We were able to connect with the band which has allowed us to play more shows with them.

CV: Carlton, let's talk about the band's latest video, "Toxic" Is the song's storyline from personal experience or a collection of experiences from each band member?
CM: The song is about a relationship I think we have ALL experienced. It is about a couple whose relationship turns poisonous and even though they love each other it just will not end well.

CV: For the "Red Reign" EP, the band worked with renowned producer David Ivory, who has worked with Halestorm, Patti LeBelle, Silvertung and Roots among many others.  How did you come to connect with David?
CM: We connected with David through Chipster PR (our Public Relations Firm).

CV: How was it like working with David in the studio? Did he have any direct influence on the songwriting process and song choice for the EP's track listing?
CM: Working with David was a blast. The great thing was when we presented the songs, David had some ideas to make the songs flow rhythmically, BUT never changed the idea/direction of the songs, SO YES, he did put his influences in the songs as well. The track listing was group effort.

CV:The band has already worked with many 80's favorites such as Winger, Firehouse and Jackyl.  How do you find your music is being received by those bands' fanbase?
CM: Playing with these bands have been great for us. We have been lucky enough to be well received by the fan base, and will continue to plug away to build our fan base.

CV: How do see social media in relation to a band's PR campaign efforts? Is it as necessary to the process as people make it out to be?
CM: I think it is necessary, as it is a way to get all the information out to a mass audience. ANYTIME, you can promote your band, it is a benefit.

CV: Carlton, what type of role has social media played for Red Reign? Have you seen the benefits, and if so, what have they been?
CM: It has been a big help in people finding our music. It also helps with connecting to fans from all over the world. That connection actually helps build the fan base as well.

CV: Has there been any downside to the social media game for the band?
CM: Fortunately, there has been NO downside……Guess we have been lucky so far.

CV: It's obvious that Rock isn’t dead, as any artist will tell you...but many critics are now questioning music's integrity, saying that the music has no substance, no soul.  Do you agree with such a belief? Is today's music missing something?
CM: I do NOT believe this at all. There are so many GREAT rock bands, but the problem is mainstream outlets will only promote other forms of music. I have found some internet radio rock stations that are playing unsigned bands that are just great. I suggest to your readers to go out and find these stations/bands and promise you will love what you hear IF you are a Rock fan.

CV: How does Red Reign set themselves apart from other bands? What makes them unique?
CM: I am not sure we are unique, BUT I think what the fans like about us is, We go out on stage and have fun, we enjoy playing in a band with each other, AND we BELIEVE in our songs. I think when you can do that, it is real and people pick up on that vibe.

CV: In addition to the upcoming shows with Tesla, what's next for Red Reign?
CM: Well, we just added a show with Stryper in June and have a few other shows we hope to announce in the next week or two.  Keep checking www.redreignband.com OR Red Reign on Facebook for announcements

CV: Thank you again Carlton for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers.I wish you all the best and continued success.

CM: Thank you so much for giving me a forum to talk about the band.

Check out Carlton and Red Reign at:
Official: redreignband.com/

Facebbok: facebook.com/RedReignBand/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word.  Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.

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