Songwriter Interview – Reuben Reuel – Slow

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Reuben Reuel talks about his fan-favorite track Slow, which resonated with many for its message about the frustration of feeling stagnant, and the fresh remix of the song by Janelovesu!

 

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Reuben Reuel about his life and career, the remix of his hit single Slow, and his creative process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

My name is Reuben Reuel, I am a multidisciplinary artist, with a focus on music. I’m a native New Yorka, I’m a Leo, and I like to have a good time.

When did you first WANT to write music?

I think it all started when I was in middle/high school. I used to make songs when I was a kid but I downloaded a trial version of FL studio and I think that’s really when I started wanting to write music.

When did you take a step to start writing music?

Definitely when I downloaded FL studio. That was the first step, even if it was a trial version. Professionally, definitely sometime in college when I took a music production class. We were taught about logic, pro tools, etc. I would use the recording studio on campus to record and make some songs.

What was your first piece of music released, and what inspired it?

My first ever piece released was a little song on soundcloud called ‘Know You Like It.’ The beat was produced by Henrik the Artist, I had asked him if I could use it and he said sure. I went ahead and created the song but I didn’t realize I should’ve sent it to him before releasing… and he was not happy about that which I 10000% understand, but he ended up liking the song. I actually hate that song now, but I don’t think I would be here if I didn’t start with it.

What was your latest music released, and what inspired it?

Latest music released is actually a remix of an old song of mine, Slow, which is also one of my favorites and a fan favorite. It was inspired by feeling like you’re not moving fast enough and you’re almost where you are but you’re moving too slow. My friend Janelovesu! remixed it and breathed new air to it.

Focusing on your latest piece of music. What were your biggest challenges with Slow?

There weren’t really any challenges with it thankfully!

What are you working on right now?

I am working on a brand new project and I am so excited to share more about it in the coming months. I already have the lead single ready for it and a video is in the works; it will be out very soon.

Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?

The projects usually have a theme but I usually go where the mood strikes. I do think there’s a theme I follow that’s my own sound but besides that I like to just go with how I’m feeling.

What is your favourite piece of music you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?

As for released, definitely my song Surreal. That song was so much fun to create, S!lky Jones and Janelovesu! are phenomenal artists and they produced a really great track. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a song as much as that one- especially with its switch in the middle. In terms of unreleased, I don’t know if I can name a favorite just yet but it’s definitely one of the newer ones.

Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?

Absolutely! I listen to a lot of people so I don’t necessarily know who to say I listen to the most but I am always inspired by other artists and music. My peers inspire me a lot too.

Do you record and produce your own music, or pay musicians and producers?

Both!

What instruments do you play?

I don’t play any instruments unfortunately but I do know how to play a little piano. I want to get into playing the guitar, I feel like I was a rockstar like Slash in a past life. I do produce beats, however.

Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?

I LOVE IT. It’s my favorite thing to do. I get the most excited to perform new music especially. I have been doing shows all around New York and hope to expand soon. I’m not doing anything currently but I will be soon, especially as new music rolls out.

Is your music available to the public, and where can people listen to it?

Yes! You can find me on all streaming platforms.

Are you able to make music full time, or do you have day job?

Right now I have a day job, it’s with an organization I am very proud of, but I hope to transition to full time soon.

Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?

Very much so. I come from a musical background and most of my friends are artists themselves.

What’s something you never expected about writing music? What have you learned that surprised you?

How interesting you can get with it. There’s so many ways you can write and so many genres you can cross. I think just knowing how to do automation on logic pro was a surprise. I don’t know, I feel like I’m always learning something new and getting used to some new plugin.

Have you had any experiences that really stand out because of your music?

Yes! I have had a few people tell me they’ve heard my music at a bar or a club, one person told me they heard someone playing Hazel Eyes in their car while they were driving. It’s also fun when your friends spin your music at a club.

Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?

I’m sure I will very soon…

What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write music?

Don’t worry about it being good because you will probably hate it no matter what, just keep going.

And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Oh I’m very proud. I’ve done a lot in a short period of time and I do not plan to stop anytime soon.

Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

https://reubenreuel.com
Spotify
https://www.youtube.com/@reubenreuel
https://instagram.com/itsreubenreuel
https://www.tiktok.com/@itsreubenreuel

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