Interview with Drummer Sammy Lee of Red Reign

April 27, 2021

Interview with Drummer Sammy Lee of Red Reign

By Mick Michaels

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

CV: Every artist experiences highs and lows. In the last 12 months, most have struggled just to maintain let alone move from one level to the next. How has Red Reign combated the rippling and some cases, crippling, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its array of restrictions
Sammy Lee: Well the Pandemic has definitely changed the way we approached 2021. We had show’s lined up that we cancelled, but the way that we were able to combat this problem was to go back into the writing room and write as many songs as we can. Now, we have new music for a new album and more material for our live performances.

CV: Is an artist’s ability to manage weathering the storm have to do with an individual mindset or does it equate more to opportunity? Or is it something all together different in your opinion?
Sammy Lee: Well I think it’s both. You have to have the individual mindset to not let the pandemic slow you down. So instead of taking time off and wait, the opportunity for us was to create new music. It really has kept the band engaged during this difficult time.

CV: What do you feel an artist can do right now to stay relevant, especially in the current environment where performing in front of a live audience is a limited option for many?
Sammy Lee: Again, I think it’s an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Whether you write new music or put out a new video, you need to keep moving forward so when things open back up you are not behind in the race.

CV: Red Reign has recently released a 2021 remix of the song, “Not That Way” along with a video. What prompted the decision to do a remix?
Sammy Lee: This is a song that keeps getting requested wherever we play, so the band decided to take the song and get it re-produced and remixed by producer/engineer Chuck Alkazian (Pop Evil, Soundgarden, Tantric). This will be the beginning step for a whole new campaign followed by the band releasing new music.

CV: What do you believe give a song that “it” factor...something that has both the artist and listener taking immediate notice?
Sammy Lee: We believe it is just a great rock song with a great hook. It is such a fun song to play and the crowd really seems to get into the song.

CV: Is there any level of consideration, or even concern for you as an artist and songwriter to always have that “it” factor so to deliver on expectations, whether it is your own or that of the fans, when working on new material?

Sammy Lee: I do not believe there is any consideration or concern when writing new material. When we write, we play what we feel, sounds good, and what we believe is a good song with a good hook. Once we get the songs ready to play; now you have to go sell it to the fans. We take a lot of pride in all aspects of this process

CV: What have you found to be the balancing point between relevance and over saturation when it comes to being an artist? Especially now, as the market is being blasted with 60K plus new song uploads daily.
Sammy Lee: Well, I think every band or musician has to follow their own path and continue to persevere. You are correct that there is an over saturation of music but good music and songs will break thru and we believe we have that.

CV: Outside of music and your own songwriting, where are you able to find peace when you need it?
Sammy Lee: I spend time with friends and family. I am just a simple guy and try to take each day as it comes

CV: With venues closed, artists and bands ordered to stay put and live shows and tours canceled world-wide due to COVID-19, do you feel the music industry as a whole will rebound? Does it have what it takes to rebuild itself and will that rebuilding process rely heavily on the fans championing its comeback?
Sammy Lee: I absolutely believe the music industry will rebound as people love concerts and live events. I also believe that there are a lot of new bands that need to be heard and can carry the torch if given the chance. I do not think the industry can rebuild by throwing out the same bands for a money grab. The industry of Rock needs to be updated in my opinion. Fans will come back as long as you give them their money's worth.

CV: What's next for Red Reign? What can fans expect to see coming up?
Sammy Lee: As I mentioned earlier, we have a 2021 campaign we are rolling out slowly and methodically. It is based on new music and finding as many shows to play as we can.

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with
our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.
Sammy Lee: Thank you and thanks for letting me spread the word on Red Reign.

Check out Red Reign at:
Official: www.redreignband.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RedReignBand
Twitter: www.twitter.com/redreignband

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, 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.