The Unforgettable Encounter That Inspired ReeToxA's Journey in Music

Music often begins with a spark—an unexpected moment that changes everything. For Melbourne’s alt-rock band ReeToxA, fronted by Jason McKee, that spark came from a chance meeting at a Spiderbait gig. This encounter not only inspired the creation of "The Lisa Song" but also set Jason on a path that would define his musical career. Here’s the story behind the song that started it all and how it shaped ReeToxA’s journey in the world of alt-rock.

Jason had two VIP booth tickets to a Spiderbait concert at the Forum Theatre. He wasn’t there for the usual reasons - his date had stood him up. Instead, he went to collect his VIP merch pack, which included a limited edition vinyl 7-inch collection of Spiderbait singles. While waiting, Jason found himself sitting across from Lisa, a blonde woman with dimples, dressed in a sharp power suit. She was friendly and playful, stepping in front of his camera as he tried to capture the gig. The stage lights created a halo effect around her head, sparking Jason’s imagination.

Lisa’s playful wave and the light around her felt like a sign. Jason’s mind raced, and he became obsessed with finishing a song inspired by the moment. This was no ordinary night, it was the beginning of a creative journey fuelled by a fleeting connection."

Lisa’s curiosity about Jason’s life led to a revealing moment. When she asked what he did for a living, Jason hesitated before admitting he was a university student studying music arts and a musician. Lisa wanted to hear a song, but Jason only had voice notes on his phone. This small exchange pushed Jason to take action. He reached out to producer Simon Moro, and together they recorded Jason’s first album.

The album’s final track, "Old Man Sam," was memorable not just for its sound but for Lisa’s reaction. She told Jason she had to dance to that song before disappearing into the crowd. Jason never saw her again, but the impact of that night stayed with him.

"The Lisa Song" is an emotional work of art that tells this story through music. The guitars intertwine with the melancholy piano line to set the backdrop for the longing vocals to stand at the forefront of this track. Indie music lovers need to give this a listen!