Based in Richmond, Virginia, the band has been playing since 2015, and supported national acts like Tesla, Dokken, Winger, Slaughter, and Quiet Riot, and many more. Their four piece band includes the lead vocalist and guitarist, Bubba McMichael, Stevie Shred as lead guitarist, Larry Moore as bassist and backing vocalist, and Sammy Lee on the drums. Today, their album, “Don’t Look Back” debuts, and the band are looking forward to finally putting it out there for folks to listen too.

Red Reign was initially conceptualized through the combined vision of Lee and McMichael. At the time, the two were performing with a plentiful amount of bands within Richmond, and often working alongside each other. They were great friends, but they desire to form a project in which they’d perform power hard rock. The two formulated a plan between 2012 and 2015, to see the kinds of songs that they wanted to do.

Moore was brought into the picture in 2015. For about a year, McMichael, Lee, and Moore were a three piece band, creating an album titled “Chasing Shadows” which was never released. However, the album fell into the hands of Chip Ruggieri, president and senior publicist of Chipster PR. Having enjoyed what was heard on the album, the trio signed on with Ruggieri. Shred was brought in shortly after, solidifying the band members of newly formed Red Reign. They got moving along with the creation of their first EP.

When discussing their song-writing process, McMichael was credited for writing lyrics, and coming up with many of their ideas. Adding flair to those ideas, and perhaps changing the songs a bit, includes both Moore and Shred. Lee expresses he adds his own flare through his drums, while also interjecting what he thinks could work for a piece, such as double or single bass, rudiments, and so on. Given their upstanding bond, one that consists of no bickering, a pinch of sass, and great sense of humor, the creation of songs is one that continues to work. The band members of Red Reign truly believe in the music they are creating.

While Lee emphasized the importance of keeping the band’s growing repertoire fresh, their musical influences are credited to identifiable bands of the 80s time period, such as Guns N Roses and Van Halen. “Don’t Look Back” was influenced by what the world transformed into at the height of Covid pandemic. For Red Reign, the one positive thing to come out of the ordeal was how they were touring under their old EP. They ran their tour for quite a long time with only a small number of songs. But when the world came to a halt, McMichael wrote. Through this album, they all intend to move forward with positive memories.

“Here I Am”, one of the songs on the album, focuses on a message McMicheal hoped to convey through his lyrics, about mental health issues. Covid forced everyone into their homes, resulting in people losing their jobs and work, and worsening others’ depression. It was an area many people had never dealt with. Upon recognizing this, McMicheal hoped to write a song that called out to said people, reminding them that there are people willing to help, that it’s okay to reach out, and to never consider dire alternatives.

Another piece inspired by life during Covid was “Bury Me Up To My Eyes,” which is about living life with a mask on. However, many other songs on the album, like the hard-rocking “Yesterday” and “No Peace, No Love” contain more tongue-in-cheek messages, not inspired by the effects of the pandemic.

Lee happily claims that there is a little bit for everybody on their album. Those who have heard their singles, and liked what they heard, will enjoy the remaining pieces, of both heavier and lighter sounds.

Red Reign credits their producer, David Ivory of Halestorm, for helping make their songs flow better, and offering input that benefits their work. Given Ivory’s many impressive credentials, he makes for someone they appreciate working with. They initially met him in 2016, when they were still creating their first EP. He, too, worked on “Don’t Look Back.” Lee specifies how Ivory never changes the ideas of their songs, how his trained ear, and expertise within that area has made them a better band. They are very thankful.

On the subject of an ever-expanding fanbase, Lee reveals that it is all about putting on a good show and selling the song. Especially when it comes to brand new venues, where they are unknown and presenting original work. But it is that process that Red Reign enjoys, having gotten good feedback for it too. Lee believes that if they can get someone to feel something through their work, that is the best part. They have been most fortunate to hear that their work has reached others across the many cities they have played in.

Lee shares how, following each performance, the band gets the opportunity to sit and speak with those who watched their show. Through this, they get a better understanding on what people enjoy most about their work. Lee mentions how he appreciates all input, negative or positive, believing that everyone has the right to share what they want to say. But Red Reign promises to remain set on their creative path. He mentions how much the band enjoys meeting said individuals, and how they hope to get back to it soon.

Red Reign strives to play more shows within varying areas, and it is what they are currently focused on. They often receive messages from people who either saw them perform live, or heard their songs online, expressing how much love they have for their work. Lee specified that the band wants to visit the places said fans have requested, but that it takes time. Time spent working with promoters, booking agents, and generally mapping things out. The band wants people to know they’re trying to get to every city, so that they can meet as many supporters as they can. They’re now focusing on 24 shows, and a potential tour.

To Listen to “Don’t Look Back” now, visit https://www.redreignband.com/. Red Reign’s social media accounts across different platforms can also be found at their website. Additionally, to learn more about Red Reign’s record label, Deko Entertainment, one can visit https://www.dekoentertainment.com/

By Ava Sarnowski / BackStage360

FROM THEIR FORTHCOMING ALBUM ‘DON’T LOOK BACK’ DUE OUT ON OCTOBER 27 THROUGH DEKO ENTERTAINMENT AND PRODUCED BY DAVID IVORY (HALESTORM)

Richmond, VA-based rockers Red Reign take 80’s influences and steer them in a more contemporary direction – bridging the sounds of yesterday and today. The band is comprised of members singer/guitarist Carlton “Bubba” McMichael, guitarist Stevie Shred, bassist Larry Moore, and drummer Sammy Lee. Red Reign has worked with Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum producer David Ivory (Halestorm) on both its releases: 2021’s self-titled EP and 2023’s forthcoming full-length Don’t Look Back.

Don’t Look Back, is bolstered by such standout tracks as their latest single “No Peace, No Love”, “Don’t Look Back” which is highlighted by a guest appearance from guitarist George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), and “Here I Am”. As the band explains about their latest single, “”No Peace, No Love” is a fun song about a couple who are trying to be intimate. It’s the old message, to get the love they need, they need to keep the peace.” It brings us back to the old saying, “Happy wife/girlfriend, then happy life.””

Listen to “No Peace No Love” here: ADA.lnk.to/NoPeaceNoLove

Having already shared the stage with the likes of Dokken, Extreme, Jackyl, Lita Ford, and Tesla, Red Reign looks forward to spreading the word further with live shows in support of Don’t Look Back which is already making critics take notice.

“Don’t Look Back” has an 80’s influenced sound that will take you back to a time that produced many great bands that remain as popular today as they did forty years ago. Let’s face it; great music always stays in style.” ROCK AT NIGHT

View video for “Here I Am” : https://youtu.be/U0Hpjpegtz8

Don’t Look Back will be available on CD and limited-edition vinyl. Preorder your copy now and get a limited-edition bundle while supplies last: https://bit.ly/red-reign-merch

Bundle Includes:
– (1) Red Reign – Don’t Look Back CD or LP
– (1) Red Reign – Coozie
– (1) Red Reign – Sticker
– (1) Red Reign – T-Shirt

Tracklist:
“No Peace No Love”
“Don’t Look Back”
“Here I Am”
“Follow Your Heart”
“The Truth”
“Bury Me Up to My Eyes”
“Darkness of Pain”
“Yesterday”
“Changes”
“Open Spaces”

For more information, visit:
www.facebook.com/RedReignBand/
www.dekoentertainment.com