By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Known as road warriors for already having trekked over 10 countries on tour with more than 50 concerts in a two-year span, pop-rock/electro quartet Reaven have made the best of 2020 so far.
Set to release a new album ‘For Tomorrow,’ they hope to soon support it with a namesake tour. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has stopped live music performances dead in its tracks.
In the meantime, the band has used quarantine to showcase new live performance videos and homemade music videos, like the one for their recent single “Escape.”
Reaven is lead singer/guitarist/main composer/songwriter Romeo, drummer/backing vocalist/co-composer Vince, keyboardist/backing vocalist François and bassist/backing vocalist Rudy.
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with Romeo about what they’ve been up to lately and more.
Music Bugle – How did you get your band name?
Romeo – After a long time of research! (Laughs) Reaven is a mix of the French word “rêve” – which means “dream” – and the English word “heaven” – a place where most musicians go when they play music, I guess! (Laughs)
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your particular genres?
Romeo – Always trying to create something new. We’re always trying to discover new paths and sounds.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Romeo – We had to cancel all our shows and tours, but on the other hand, we took advantage of this period to work a lot in the music studio on the new album, but cancelling our tours and our first U.S. tour was something very hard for us.
Music Bugle – What has been the most productive thing you’ve done while in quarantine?
Romeo – New music videos and new singles. We’ve made a homemade music video for our new single “Escape,” composed and recorded during the quarantine.
Music Bugle – What do you miss the most about performing in front of a live audience?
Romeo – Everything? I guess the special atmosphere, the connection with people. These very unique vibes you get while on stage…
Music Bugle – What was it like making the official video for “Escape”?
Romeo – A wonderful experience. I didn’t sleep a lot during this period. (Laughs) We’ve never done that before. We created the whole thing from the beginning – writing – to the production – filming the music video – and edition. It was also a very good opportunity to have a schedule and goals each day during the lockdown.
Music Bugle – What is the biggest challenge of being in a band with four members?
Romeo – I think the biggest challenge of being in a band in general is that you have to maintain a balance between all the members. Keeping the same vision and direction is a real challenge. It’s like in a relationship – you grow up and to always want the same things is quite complicated, but if you make it, you’re unstoppable.
Music Bugle – If you had the chance to go back to this past New Year’s Eve, what would you tell yourself about 2020?
Romeo – I wouldn’t say anything. I would drink champagne and tell myself, “Live in the moment,” so I don’t ruin the night with terrible news. (Laughs)
Music Bugle – Are you working on any new music at the moment?
Romeo – Oh yes! A new album that’ll be called ‘For Tomorrow.’ What I can tell you is that it will be a 15-track album. We really took the time to make this one very special.
Music Bugle – What was the hardest song for you to write or compose?
Romeo – To me, it’s hard to write or compose when I have to do it. I’m a very spontaneous songwriter and a free spirit, so I don’t like when I force myself to create stuff. Otherwise, most of the time, it comes to me very easily, in a natural way.
