Into The Pit with…

REDDSTAR

REDDSTAR:

Over the past year and a half the world faced a global shut down not like our generation has

ever seen. Entertainment took a huge plummet shutting down live entertainment, and causing

social distancing to where bands, and artists relied on technology to continue to work on music

and perform. Many bands broke up, jobs where lost, and many people did not know what to

do with their time in solitude.

While all of this was happening a group of musicians around the country did the unthinkable at

the time by starting a new project while not living in the same states facing travel bans. Mikey

Lopez, Russell Ray, Erik Tisinger, and Daemien Drake worked together as a team creating

demos that turned into monster tracks with the help of their friend and producer Sahaj Ticotin

and REDDSTAR was born. Since their conception they’ve also worked with video producer

Brian Cox, and an A list management team and law firm to back them up. Even though this

band is currently in its infant stage the tables will turn soon as this band will be on top sooner

than we think.

SP: Thanks guys for taking the time with us to do this interview.

You guys are a band that actually started during the Pandemic. Give us the story on how that

was possible being that you guys do not all live in the same state and the world was in crisis

with limited travel. Also REDDSTAR has already been gaining momentum fast as everything is

opening up again. Fill us in!

DD: Well luckily we have technology lol so group texts, phone calls, emails, and zoom make

everything possible being from different locations. As far as the momentum we have a great

team behind us that are helping make sure every release and future plans are strategic so that

we get the most out of every situation.

ET: Mikey started coming up with the concept and sound of REDDSTAR towards the end of

2019 I believe. At the time, Russ had been filling in on drums for Mikey’s previous project. In

early 2020 the guys approached me to play bass. I loved the name, concept, and obviously

Mikey and Russ, so I said Hell Yeah! The search was on for a frontman. We knew we wanted to

be in the rap/rock genre, so it wasn’t an easy task finding someone who checked all the boxes

for us. We searched for a couple of months with no luck. Randomly Daemien messaged Russ

and boom. We found our guy!

SP: So you guys worked with Sahaj Ticotin from RA who produced your first single “STFU”

which by the way is amazing! How did you guys hook up with him during the Pandemic? How

many songs did you record with him?

DD: So Mikey actually knew Sahaj prior and luckily he heard the potential in the demos so we

got in with him and done a shit ton of songs. We have 9 songs with the guy so far but always

looking to bang out more tracks.

ET: Mikey and Russ have worked with Sahaj in the past. We felt he was the perfect fit for what

we envisioned. Sahaj is an incredible producer and writer. He really helped us hone in our

sound. We weren’t going to let the pandemic hinder our progress, so we went to Indiana and

recorded.

SP: So far the response for “STFU” has gone really well. The bands presence online is very

professional. How did you manage to land BloodBlast Distribution right out of the gate?

DD: That was mainly through our Attorney Eric German who has done business with them in

the past. They liked the music and here we are releasing it through them haha.

ET: It’s come together rather quickly. We were anticipating a self release of “STFU”, but after

sending the video around to some industry friends we were fortunate to peak some interest.

Rob McDermott and Eric German jumped on board as our manager and attorney. These guys

are phenomenal at what they do. They helped facilitate our deal with BloodBlast and we

couldn’t be happier.

SP: The video for “STFU” is fantastic! Who directed the video and where did you film it during

the Pandemic?

DD: Brian Cox was the director and Kevin Garcia shot the footage and provided the location. It

was done in Cali (forgot the name of the city) but it was a cool day and definitely had a lot of

fun shooting it.

ET: Brian Cox directed the “STFU” video from the UK lol. We had a tablet attached to a mic

stand and used video conferencing. Brian would direct the camera crew to get the shots he

wanted. It was definitely an interesting experience. As I said earlier, we weren’t going to let a

pandemic stand in the way of progress. Brian is a genius video director. I’ve worked with him

on a couple of other videos. He’s a Boss!

SP: By the marketing for “STFU” I see that you have used politicians and celebrities in a “Shut

The Fuck Up” fashion. Can you touch base on the lyrical content for this track and the

message that the band is sending?

DD: So many talk and not enough people listen so we figured it’s only right to tell those people

to shut the fuck up. Theirs not enough edge in rock and I feel like it’s gotten soft so that’s why

people are gravitating towards other genres to get that edge. We’re trying to bring it back.

ET: Shut The Fuck Up! Haha.

SP: REDDSTAR is now gearing up to release your follow up single to your debut “STFU” called

“Penetrate!” What is the release date on this track and where will it be available?

DD: July 23rd on all streaming platforms.

ET: “Penetrate” will be out 7/23 everywhere.

SP: Touch base with us on the lyrical content for this track as this is an interesting title?

DD: I’ve failed a lot between life and music. But no matter how many times I fail I continue to

push my body and mind to its limits to break through. I don’t like to lose.

ET: It’s pure sex!

SP: Is this single under BloodBlast Distribution as well?

DD: Yes this song will be out through them as well.

ET: Yes, this will be through BloodBlast.

SP: Will you guys also be using the same director for this video and can you touch base with

us on what this video will be like in comparison to how the first one came out?

DD: Same guy different concept. But this video has balls just like the last one.

ET: Brian Cox directed the “Penetrate” video. He absolutely knocked this one out of the park. I

don’t want to give too much away on it, but it’s awesome.

SP: Where was this video shot?

DD: Three different locations in LA, all very unique and loud.

ET: We shot in three different locations all in Los Angeles.

SP: We also see that REDDSTAR already landed tour dates with RA and Awake At Last.

Congrats!! How did this tour come about being that you guys just landed on the scene, and

where is this run headed geographically?

DD: Sahaj straight up asked if we were down and of course we said yes. The shows are mainly

in the Midwest but I’m just stoked to get back on stage again.

ET: To be honest, it was a total surprise. Sahaj called Mikey and asked if we wanted to open.

We said yes of course. We will be on 6 of the dates through the Midwest.

SP: After seeing all of the members perform in the “STFU” video I can only imagine how great

and energetic this band will be live! Being that live music has been on hold for over a year now

how does it feel to be hitting the stage again?

DD: Not playing a show since 2019 where I use to play shows all the time it’s much needed.

This is my release and where I’m really in my element in music.

ET: We are definitely excited to hit the stage. I absolutely cannot wait to throw down.

SP: Where can fans find your tour dates online? Is REDDSTAR on bands in town?

DD: Should be!

ET: 8/20 - Madison, WI @ The Annex

8/21 - Fort Wayne, IN @ Pierre’s

8/22 - Joliet, IL @ The Forge

8/24 - Des Moines, IA @ Lefty’s

8/25 - Racine, WI @ Route 20

8/26 - Columbus, OH @ King of Clubs

SP: Also are you guys selling merchandise online and if so where can people find it?

ET: reddstarmusic.com

SP: What can we expect from REDDSTAR for the remainder of 2021?

DD: More music, more shows, and more flex!

ET: We plan on releasing a bunch of music and more videos.

SP: Is there any other information you want to let our readers know about REDDSTAR that we

didn’t touch base on?

DD: Stop sleepin on us!

THANK YOU so much to REDDSTAR for taking the time to talk with us here at Salsaman Photography’s “Into The Pit”! A perfect timing side note…the REDDSTAR shirt I had ordered, arrived as I was finishing up this interview. The quality, size and price are all on point! Be sure to grab yours! It is kid approved!

October 22, 2020

Welcome to Into The Pit…’s historical first interview entry. It is such a monumental event, that we decided to not go with just one, but 3 of today’s most amazing drummers and incredible souls to kick this off! Austin D’Amond, Russell Ray and Wade Murff honored us here at Salsaman Photography’s - Into The Pit… to do a unique 3 part interview that connects each of them together. We hope you enjoy!