On February 5th, 2021, Reality Suite will release their first new music since June 2019's Awaken album. The digital single, “Triggers” will be available on all streaming and download platforms via DI Records. Recorded by Reality Suite, the single was mixed by two-time Grammy nominated Mixing/Recording Engineer, Mike Ferretti (Sevendust, Saliva). The single was chosen as the Makin Waves Song of the Week for the week of February 1st.
Triggers lure you back to tendencies that you've intentionally separated from. Triggers can also paralyze your reasoning to realize what is best for you. Whether it be unhealthy coping mechanisms or even outside pressures, something is always lurking around the corner attempting to cloud your judgement.
In a recent interview with Tom Hanley from 95.9FM The Rat, Kimmii Heart (lead vocals) reveals "In much of 2020 I was in a depression. I had so much to say but wasn't finding the inspiration to write." Brian King (drums) adds "When New Jersey was under lock-down, we had the intention of writing several songs then releasing the best one as a single. But we were having trouble WANTING to write. Instead, I found myself sifting through live recordings which ultimately led to a concert album and an EP. So, we spend half of the year celebrating our last few years of live shows rather than moving forward."
In the Summer, when the Covid-19 epidemic seemed to be under control in Northern New Jersey, Reality Suite reconvened for the first time in months in the backyard of bassist Antonio Valenti. Circling a fire pit after dark with acoustic guitars in hand, the band stumbled around some ideas until the verse for "Triggers'' was born. The writing of the song went quickly with the new found inspiration coming from the polarizing era we are surviving in. The band was proud of the completed song and felt additional options for the single would not be necessary.
The production costs of Triggers and the accompanying video were completely fan-funded. There was a great demand for the digital concert album, "Live at Alpha Wave Studios" to see a physical release. In the summer of 2020, Reality Suite responded to the demand by signing and numbering 70 digi-pak CDs and offering collectible bundles ranging from $25 to $100 USD. Supporters from around the world snatched these limited edition bundles and made the “Triggers” single and official video possible.
“Reality Suite is a bit of a New Jersey super-group. Their fusion of modern and classic rock is a fairly compelling mix since they really don’t sound like any other indie band I can think of," stated Jim Testa, founder of Jersey Beat fanzine. Formed in North Haledon, New Jersey in 2013 by childhood friends Brian King (drums,) Antonio Valenti (bass,) and Joe Padula (guitars) – their ambitions have been to produce heavy, melodic rock.
After several male and female vocalists, Kimmii Heart joined establishing the definitive line-up known today worldwide. Their self-produced 2015 debut album, Skinn (4K Deep Records) established the band and became a social media sensation. Tracks “Wingman,” “Die Dreaming,” and “Playing with Fire” remain to be fan favorites. The success of their debut led to the relationship with two-time Grammy nominated Mixing/Recording Engineer, Mike Ferretti (Sevendust, Saliva) and Earl Cohen (Lady Gaga, Jessica Simpson) for their second critically acclaimed album, Awaken (Lions Pride Music). Released on a Danish independent label, Reality Suite had a more intense international marketing campaign. The single, “Kiss the Ring” has received the most international praise in addition to tracks “Dead to Me,” “Bury Me Alive” and “Cut, Burn, Bruise.”
Photo by Jeff Fischer
