Callum McDougal (Rei)

Where are you from?

Wellington but I moved to Auckland in 2015.

Was there music around you when you were growing up / how?

Sure was! My mum's a good singer and also plays the guitar and piano, so we had a lot of family singalongs. My dad is also a great guitar player; every weekend, I would wake up to the sounds of him noodling away on the guitar. I wrote my first songs jamming on my dad's guitar!

When did you start making music? How has the music you make changed over time?

I started writing songs on my dad's guitar when I was about 13. I'd just strum some power chord structures and make up some melodies and lyrics.

I wrote and recorded my first EP when I was 13, just jamming on the guitar and recording with a low-quality journalist microphone into my mum's computer. Pretty soon after, I started making beats and writing raps as well. Ever since then, I've just loved writing songs! My production and songwriting have gotten a lot better, but to be honest, not much has changed.

I still just tinker around on the computer until my music sounds good. I just keep trying new things and breaking stuff until it works!

You participated in Smokefreerockquest... how was that experience for you? Do you have any advice for this years participants, or young musicians in general?

It was fun! I participated in two Smokefreerockquests during my teenage years; I think we made it to the regional finals once. It was a cool goal to work towards, and a fun reason to form a band and jam out with mates. At the same time, I was writing raps and doing hip-hop, but we entered Smokefreerockquest as a rock band with some friends. I was on guitar, backing vocals, and synths—big vibes! My advice is don’t be scared off by the name 'Smokefreerockquest.' Your music doesn't have to be rock; it can be hip-hop, drill, phonk, whatever! You can still enter; it's a great opportunity to perform on a big stage to a large audience with a full light and stage crew. And don’t be afraid to use computers or laptops on stage! You can play backing tracks on stage no problem—I think you just need to hit one instrument once to qualify, lol, so bring a cowbell!

You have played on some major stages and had some great media coverage of projects you've been involved in... is there any part of your musical journey that stands out as particularly special / a favourite moment?

Playing at WOMAD this year was a highlight. Playing on stage to 5000 people at the end of the night was a huge buzz! I had lots of moments on stage where I was just laughing with joy. I've worked hard for 12 years to play gigs like these, so I made sure I took lots of moments to just stop and enjoy the moment. Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers, wherever you are on your journey! I've played MANY shows to less than 10 people too, and this is all just part of the process.

When you're writing, what do you start with? What is your process from beginning to end?

Usually I'll have an idea for a chorus, a simple concept in mind, then go from there. I'll then start writing the bones of a beat, and develop the chorus lyrics and melody at the same time.

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Then I just keep writing the beat and lyrics as I go.  I record the song as I go also. Usually it takes me 1.5 days to complete a full demo. Then, if I decide to release the song, I'll re-record my vocals at Kog studio using their manley microphone (another 4 hours recording). Next up is vocal editing and finishing the production (another 4 hours min). After that I'll take the song to Chris at Kog and we'll mix the track together (usually takes about 2 full days). We usually keep adjusting the production and vocal editing as we go over this time. After that, we send the track to our distributors and it's promo time baby! Make some tiktoks!

How do you choose what songs to release?

I play my songs to my friends and whānau and get feedback, I also just see what songs I listen to myself the most, what songs excite me the most.
Sometimes it's helpful to be strategic. Say if it's about to be summer time, I might want to release a summery reggae soaked tune. If it's winter, I'll release something a bit more heavy.
Also never shy away from releasing songs in different genres at the same time. For example, I've had dance singles being played on george fm at the same time as Mai fm is playing one of my hip hop/rnb tracks.

What are two things you have learnt along your journey, that you would tell yourself if you could go back in time?

Trust in the process, enjoy the ride! I spent a lot of time in my early twenties being a bit bitter about my career, because I was so hungry and desperate for external musical success.

But at the same time I was making music that I really loved, which should be what it's all about. That sense of bitterness also affected my relationships and those around me. If I knew then that I'd be as successful as I am now then I probably would've relaxed a little more. It's possible to stay driven and keep a good work ethic and also enjoy the process and not get mad if things don't go your way. Everyone's music careers are on different trajectories, and things happen at their own time. So don't stress, just keep making the music, keep releasing the music, and don't overthink it :)

Also, if people try to box you into a certain genre or certain sound, take that box, tear it apart, and make whatever you want out of it!

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