REALITY SUITE INTERVIEW

“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," - Jim Testa, contributing writer to Rolling Stone magazine and founder of Jersey Beat fanzine.
Rock is dead. But hard work isn't. After 10 years of evolving as melodic rock savants while independently releasing dozens of singles and EPs, Reality Suite is determined to awaken the masses and demonstrate that rock is NOT dead. "Reality Suite has become one of my favorite bands for numerous reasons. They are a kick ass in your face rock band with a dynamic front woman," says East Coast renowned photographer Jeff Crespi. WRAT 95.9FM radio DJ, Tom Hanley stated in his blog, "The female-fronted Hard Rock act puts out a modern Arena Rock sound comprised of killer vocals, complex instrumentals and meaningful lyrics."
After the 2018 self-released "Awaken" EP exceeded fan expectations and garnered the attention of several European record labels, Lions Pride Music based out of Denmark won the partnership with Reality Suite resulting in 2019's expanded album "Awaken (deluxe.)" The leading single and video, "Kiss The Ring" will be launched on May 17th. This first full-length album not being entirely band-produced incorporates the production skills of hard rock producer/engineer Mike Ferretti (Sevendust, Saliva, Brand of Julez) and pop/R&B producer Earl Cohen (Lady Gaga, Jessica Simpson, Pink.) "Awaken (deluxe)" will be available on June 28th digitally and on CD.
Formed in 2009 in North Haledon, New Jersey 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 had joined in 2013 establishing the definitive line-up known today worldwide.
In September of 2015, the self-produced debut full length ”Skinn” was released. A unique sound to global rock fans, it was secretly a greatest hits album capitalizing on Reality Suite’s most popular songs from previous EPs. "Skinn boasts a number of standout tracks, including hook-laden first single, Die Dreaming with the equally infectious Save My Life and Playing with Fire," printed the Record/Herald News reporter, Brian Aberback. The song Save My Life was featured as the Song of the Week in Steppin' Out, a NJ music publication while MPire Magazine declared, “Skinn is a damned near perfect piece of rock, one that incorporates the old and new in the right balance."

After an aggressive band managed social media campaign, Reality Suite has developed over 24,000 followers worldwide. There are pleas from male and female fans of all ages requesting the New Jersey based band to perform in their cities and countries. Several continents are represented by fans posting photos with their “Skinn” CD, wearing Reality Suite t-shirts, posting screenshots while streaming tracks and videos of themselves singing their songs. “When recording “Skinn,” we didn’t know if anyone was going to care about it," Brian told WDHA 105.5FM DJ, Lidsay Klein in an interview. "We knew about 12 friends that would be interested, that was it. Months after its release, we are constantly receiving praise from fans around the world. It is so fulfilling. It is truly driving us to take our new album to the next level,”
In October 2016, Reality Suite released the single "Bury Me Alive." Leading music review website, Stereo Stickman stated: "It feels like an instant classic. It’s like the band have taken this incredible leap forwards into alternate territory, without sacrificing any of what we loved about them in the first place. They’ve brought back the things we loved the most about early 2000’s rock and pop-rock, and fused it effectively with this fresh and always addictive Reality Suite sound."
In May of 2018, Reality Suite released the Awaken EP. Brian King revealed in an interview with PopBreak.com: "The songs "Grave" and "Cut, Burn, Bruise" may be closest to defining what "Awaken" is all about. During the writing for what became "Awaken," Kimmii and I realized most of what we were writing lyrics about were losing loved ones. Each of us in the band had lost someone in the last two years. I lost my mother in 2016 to lung cancer - which spawned the song "Cut, Burn Bruise." Kimmii lost a close family friend which inspired "Grave." Antonio lost his mother and Joe had lost an Aunt in 2017 - so, as much as "Grave" and "Cut" are about missing a loved one, in the context with the other songs - "Awaken" becomes an album about recovery and rebirth......leaving the pain behind and moving on. The songs "Live Now Forever," "Dead to Me," and "Lust" drive that point home."

As Kimmii sings on the "Awaken (deluxe)" lead-off single "Kiss the Ring," "I don't need you telling me what's right, I've got my own two eyes - I WILL NOT KISS THE RING," Reality Suite have never compromised their visions yet earned the loyalty of many fans worldwide. Get a grip on Reality - or get out of the way. .What is the name of your band and how did you come up with it?

(Brian) REALITY SUITE - When first getting together, years before Kimmii joined - we called ourselves The Industry Standard. As we began to write better songs, we felt that our music was more epic than the name. We tossed around words and ideas for months - then once while driving. I believe I was listening to a discussion on the radio about reality shows. I liked the term “Reality” because I felt the music we were writing was very personal and “REAL.” So I penciled that down on a napkin which remained in the car for weeks. Eventually, when on the phone with Joe while at work - we were contemplating what to call the band - we both liked “Reality” but didn’t have an idea of what other word should complete the title. Joe began a quick fire of word combinations - “Reality Fire,” “Reality World,’ and his eyes noticed on the door across from his office “Suite 207” and he used the combination: “Reality Suite.” That spoke to us…..almost like saying “all is real under this roof….”

What is your name and what do you do for the band?

Brian King - Drums, Backing Vocals

Kimmii Heart - Lead Vocals

Joe Padula - Guitars, Backing vocals

Antonio Valenti - Bass, Backing Vocals

Kimmii Heart- I’m the frontwomen/vocalist as well as writing lyrics and melodies.

Brian King - drums and backing vocals. Also, I write lyrics and melodies in addition to managing our social media among other administrative tasks.

Antonio – bass, backing vocals, associate in song creation and arrangements.

Joe Padula – Guitars, backing vocals, contributing music writer / arrangements

2.Tell us where you are based and describe the scene. How do you think where you are located influences your sound.

(Brian) We rehearse in North Haledon, New Jersey USA. The original music scene is strong and healthy yet far from the mainstream. Cover and tribute bands dominate most clubs which forces us to be more selective of where we perform. I don’t feel that our geographic location has ever influence our sound. Between the four of us, we have hundreds of musical influences from all over the world and I believe that has helped us evolve into something unique.

3.Who influences your sound that would surprise people?

Brian - The Veronicas, the Australian pop duo, The Struts from England,

Kimmii Heart- Demi Lovato, Sia, Halsey, Amy Winehouse, Celine Dion are just a few artists in which people may not expect I’d listen to, but I love their musical styles and everything about their music.

Antonio – Not sure if it’s a surprise, but Rush, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Metallica, Slayer, Mariah Carey.

Joe - I grew up with Van Halen, RATT and Kiss but I like to think we’ve comprised our influences and have made our own sound.

4.Are you endorsed by musical companies , if so who , and if not who would you like to be endorsed by?

Brian - No current endorsements, but I would love to work with Pearl drums, Zildjian cymbals and Pro-Mark sticks as I have used them all of my life.

Kimmii - Currently no, however being endorsed by any musical company would be a huge honor!

Antonio - I am in talks with Rickenbacker.

Joe - We are not endorsed at the moment but speaking for myself, I would prefer Ibanez, Les Paul, Orange, GHS and InTune.

5.When you started what was your ultimate goal? And how close to the goal are you now?

Brian - My goal was to write and record music that would be heard and praised around the world….and Reality Suite is currently achieving that!

Kimmii- My ultimate goal has always been to keep creating music and travel the world! Got one down, now I can’t wait for any opportunity to tour and share our music live with the world!

Antonio - My ultimate goal was achieved when the band formed. For me, it’s all about creativity. There is nothing more rewarding.

Joe - Our goal was to create great music for ourselves in hopes people would be into it while having some fun with it. We’ve now surpassed our expectations as we continue to build a world-wide following. The love we keep receiving from fans keeps us motivated to continue our journey and create great music.

6.In today's digital environment it takes creative strategy to keep things moving. What creative ideas do you have to keep your band relevant over time?

Kimmii Heart- I love getting super creative with my outfits, hair, and makeup etc. I really just try and find/create unique outfits that I personally love and hope our fans will love too! We’re also constantly posting content on our social media pages and updating our fans on our current projects such as videos, recording studio, practice, live shots etc.

Joe - Continuing to evolve with social media and trying to stay relevant with change.

7.We've all seen a terrible live band that is awesome on CD. Is that cool with you or do you lose respect for bands that cannot pull it off live?

Joe - Most of us know the trickery of studio releases vs being live. As long as the band has energy on stage and puts on a great show I feel I got my money’s worth.

Kimmii Heart- The excitement factor definitely goes down and it can be disappointing, but it depends on the band, they might just be having a bad or off day, however if they are consistently bad live well then that's just disappointing.

Antonio - Not every song is intended to be performed live. Sometimes the creativity and imagination is more important to convey to the song rather than constraining your limits to what can be performed live. It’s ok to have a live “twist “version to perform yet not verbatim.

8.Tell us your “core” are you Metal , Rock , Punk , Pop etc because people just have to categorize these days you know?

Brian - Hard rock with a pop sheen and flirtations of metal!

Kimmii - I’m so crazily all over the place, I'm literally a hybrid all of them.

Antonio - Sometimes, category is too formal. In this day of age, with the worlds melding together, everything has mashing roots to it, it reforms the ability to introduce something new.

Joe - Rock with a dash of METAL

9.This is a tough question but a very real reality, Is your band actually talented or just popular?

Many bands make it with a cliche or publicity stunts etc. Would you accept fame even if it was just because of being the “ in” thing or is it actually important to you that you gain favor with talent?

Brian - personally, I believe we are talented. How cliche is that? Hahaha But - I do believe the importance of having good songs with attitude and catchy hooks is important. And we continue to improve our songwriting.

Antonio - If this band did not have talent, it would not be a band. We’ve paid our dues, and did our best to commence the rock to the masses naturally, and as best as we can. If we have never gained a fan, we would at least have the satisfaction of acomplishment.

Kimmii Heart- I honestly really believe we are all very talented. I hope to be respected in the music community and as an artist, so I rather not be infamous. But hey if I do something stupid and it goes viral, and fame does come along, well that opens doors and new opportunities too.

Joe - We all Suck at our instruments so I guess I would say the latter LOL

Take a listen to us LIVE and judge for yourselves.

10.Tell us what to expect from you live. Nothing is more boring than watching bands stare at the floor and bob their heads to music nobody but the band knows. What can your band offer in a live setting that people will remember?

Kimmii - I think we have a strong stage presence and lots of energy, you can expect hairflips, we try to get the audience involved, oh and if your lucky Joe might show his skills soloing with his guitar behind his head.

Antonio - I hate viewing bands that are boring, it’s a waste of everyone’s time, who wants to go to a party that has no life to it? A show is your private party. The fans know the songs, and we become a part of the fan. It’s just a big fat party for everyone!

Joe - We always try to perform with the fans in mind and put on as high energy show as possible. With Kimmii being the focus of our shows and with all eyes on her she sets the bar high for the rest of us to stay on our toes and keep up ;-)

11. What releases have you put out , When will we see something new?

Brian - We released “Skinn” in 2015 on our own record label. In 2016 we released a single called “Bury Me Alive.” In May of 2018 we again self-released an EP called Awaken. On June 28th we are releasing and 12 track deluxe edition of Awaken via Lions Pride Music on CD and digitally. The latest ingle and video is called “Kiss the Ring.”

12. If you have videos where can we see them?

Youtube.

13.Everybody has Bandcamp , ReverbNation , Soundcloud , etc

Why do you think this is so important? Doesn't it seem like everyone is giving everything out for free?

Kimmii - The music industry has been ever changing and evolving, there's no way around it. Artists no longer survive on cd sales now because technology is changing, and so is the way artist are getting paid. Artists need to make there music available for free online or else people wouldn’t be able to discover them in the first place.

Antonio - Great question. Streaming has a stronghold on the ability for sales like in the past, but not completely. True fans, and purists will want something tangible, and better quality than any streaming service can offer. Convenience will always have a slight drawback in quality. Our new album will be released in June available on CD.

Joe - In my opinion, for people who want to listen before purchasing the physical CD yet sacrificing sound quality, go for it.

14.Best moment of your career so far?

Brian - Discovering that we had made the cover of our local music newspaper, The Aquarian. I felt like we had finally won the recognition in our own state of New Jersey as opposed to only bring praised worldwide. Very ironic.

Kimmii - We supported the female rock band Vixen at The Space at Westbury Theater in New York. it was such an exciting experience, there as a backstage and they had food for us and everything, they really made us feel special!

Antonio - Every show.

Joe- Playing LIVE, that’s what I love.

15.Your message to the fans?

Brian - Thank you to each of our friends and fans - we never take you for granted. We are still humbled by any praise that you throw our way.

Kimmii - Life is too short; Don’t ever let anyone dull out your shine, and if they try... shine brighter! If you like something stand up for it, if you want something, go for it. Never ever give up no matter how many people tell you otherwise! Be you, it's so important <3

Antonio - Thank you Thank you Thank you. Nothing shows the beauty of humanity more than our fans. They are such loyal people, and so wonderful, it rejuvenates the idea of great people in this world.

Joe - Thank you so much for all the love you have given to us and continue to on a daily basis. YOU are the reason we continue to thrive. We can’t wait to see you in your hometown to show our appreciation one-on-one.

Bonus Question who do you bring back

Dime , Cliff , Dio , Lemmy , Randy

Kimmii- Kurt Cobain

Brian - Cliff….I love every era of Metallica and all their bassists, but it’s a wonder to imagine what they would have done in the future with Cliff Burton.

Antonio - CLIFF ALL THE WAY. Sorry, I dig them all, but he is my hero.

Joe - Tough one… between Dime and Randy. I’ll have to go with Randy