Metal Anarchy

Time for the next edition of Metal Anarchy’s “new music showcase,” the feature where I introduce you to artists that readers of this site may find interesting. This time I have an exclusive Q&A with Chellcy Reitsma.

METAL ANARCHY: Tell me a little about your band:

CHELLCY REITSMA: We are based on the tiny (but mighty) island nation of Malta, EU. Affectionately referred to as ‘The Rock’ lol! I started off as a solo artist with my first single release in 2016. Then I started the band in February 2019. We kept my name because it’s too expensive to start over with re-branding and I already had a decent sized and committed fan base started. So we are quite new as a band. Personally I got interested in music in October 2014 after a series of dance injuries ended my professional dance career. The other guys in the band have all been musicians much, much longer than me.

I am Chellcy Reitsma the singer-songwriter and I’m originally Dutch-American from California. I lived in Chicago for a long time and for short stents in Italy, Sweden and Canada before landing in Malta. Now I also have citizenship in Malta so I’m Dutch-American Maltese lol! I might have identity issues lol! Alan Degabriele is the bass player who’s been with the band the longest and also plays for the popular local band Skarlett with his talented sister Sandrina. Simon Cutajar is lead guitarist also studying graphic arts and marketing. Edward Mifsud is the rhythm guitarist and a science teacher at Junior College. He has been in a number of bands and duos since the 90’s. Adam Cutajar is the drummer studying to be a doctor and obsessed with polyrhythms. All the other band members are Maltese from Malta.

We write anything from sad lullabys to feminist anthems with smooth stanzas, galloping mid-tempo sonic escapades and an eolving energy that creeps up from behind. Our style is a bit eclectic because we write the music to fit the song without concern for genres. Our fusion style is a bit poetic with a warm vintage sound, smooth and mellow, but still fresh, a sound reminiscent of the late ‘70s. From alternative rock to blues rock, from Americana to adult contemporary. The vocals are delivered with an elegist-like cadence, amalgamated harmonies, and empowering lyricism.
Discover more about us here:
https://linktr.ee/ChellcyReitsma.

METAL ANARCHY: Who are your main influences?

CHELLCY REITSMA: My biggest influences are Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen and Patti Smith because they are also accomplished writers and have such a unique and authentic music style that incorporates thier poetry as well. I also am currently obsessed with Asaf Avidan and LP for the same reasons. Lastly, Kovacs because she is also a visual artist and her music and videos incorporate her visual art background. She even designs and screen prints her own merch by hand. I really identify with these artists and respect them because I also am a poet and visual artist so I admire other artists that utilize all their talents in their work. You can see an example of that here in my first stop motion animation lyric video which I made for our song “Desolate Days.”

METAL ANARCHY: What is your latest release and why should readers of this site check it out?

CHELLCY REITSMA: On March 4, we released a new alternative rock single called “Fleshbot Prison.” An angry rock song with an artistic theory about human existence. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to the song and enjoy rocking out to it. It will also be on our first LP which we are currently writing, so it will give you a taste of what’s to come.

METAL ANARCHY: What can people expect when they go to your live shows?

CHELLCY REITSMA: An eclectic set list with a slightly dark but hopeful and empowering vibe and all our original music with a few interesting covers thrown in the mix. Sometimes a bit of poetry or spoken word added to a song to create a narrative. We are pretty high energy and I dance around a lot too lol!

METAL ANARCHY: Where do you see your band heading in 5 years?

CHELLCY REITSMA: My dream and my goal is to get our first album produced, try to book some performances and a small tour to promote the album. Playing more music festivals locally and abroad and produce at least 2-3 albums within that time. I would love to have the opportunity to open for some artists who are larger and more established than us too. That would be amazing!