He is young and extremely talented. His works are making the world come to its knees as he stands strong and tall. With melody in his voice and pen with charming lyrics, Reece Van Schalkwyk is embarking on a journey to ‘Forgive It All’. Letting go of the pain of high expectations and being led down by your loved ones is something most of us have experienced in the past but this cathartic track is something that will make realize the art of letting go and the calmness you can achieve from it. So, hats off to this 23-year-old musician as he offered the most engaging track on the 7th Of April, 2023.
DMR: First, congratulations on your video, it was a treat to witness, from its lyricism to its melodies, this track was a complete experience altogether. Would like to share some more on this track?
Reece: I have to say…after reading your highly detailed feedback, I am greatly impressed. I have never had such a thoughtful, descriptive and deeply passionate response such as the one you have given me about my song. I am beyond grateful that you have taken the time to put together this wonderful, authentic article of my story.
Furthermore, my song was created within 8 hours, in one day. I walked into the studio and told the legendary producer – Dave Pearce – exactly how I wanted the song to sound and escalate. I did that by simply (in my own unique way) singing the song straight to him and describing the ambience and atmosphere of the song while simultaneously mimicking the instruments that I wanted to use in each part. It was a slightly shocking experience for Dave though, as he had never worked with someone so detailed, fast and razor sharp about their vision and intention. Creating the musical foundation of the song was quite tough in the first 2 hours…but Dave and I truly enjoyed working together and built such a masterpiece that we will never forget. He impressed me more than anyone ever has in a long time. His skills as a music-producer are unmatched, and he deserves the praise and recognition for his efforts in this project.
DMR: Share a memory related to this track. It can be anything, a memory from a recording studio or a memory from your outdoor shoots.
Reece: One particular memory I will share from this project…is when I was filming the forest scenes – and no one else knew this except for Dr. Torsten – I was actually very unwell, and was on antibiotics and had no food that entire day cause I couldn’t eat without feeling very sick. I was extremely exhausted and wanted to drop dead as my body was so weak during the filming of the forest scenes. Even though I was going through this horrible unforeseen health problem…I managed to somehow keep myself together so that I could successfully create this video without delays – And anyone who truly knows me…knows that I hate delays, and that makes me laugh as I’m saying this, cause the level of patience that is required when you’re an artist is huge. I am working on my patience…but it makes me so mad sometimes. I am sure everyone can relate.
DMR: Who has been the all-time musical inspiration for Reece Van Schalkwyk? And who is the first person that comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “Dream Collaboration”?
Reece: Celine Dion. ONLY CELINE DION. hahahaha. She is the only person that comes to mind. I love her.
DMR: Would you like to give a shout-out to your all-time motivator? It can be a family member or a friend or colleague who has been there for you in your highs and lows.
Reece: My all-time motivator would definitely be my dear friend, Dr. Torsten Weist. He is the most understanding, wise and affectionate man I have ever met in 23 years. Besides the huge fact that he invested so much into this project with me…he has personally been there for me through it all. And for that, I can only say I’m beyond appreciative of him. He is absolutely amazing and exactly what I need in my life.
DMR: Can you share a childhood memory regarding music? Or you can share the memory of the first time when you performed a song in front of others.
Reece: A glorious memory from my childhood was when I performed for the very first time on stage. It was at a massive church. I was only 9 years old with this huge dominant voice that everyone seemed to admire and praise. That first live-experience was truly unforgettable, and it left a great mark. I still remember how many people stood up screaming and crying in support…It was so mesmerizing.
DMR: Would you like to share more about the entire team of ‘Forgive It All’, and how you have connected with each other to offer this incredibly profound track?
Reece: The guitarist, the producer, actors, and everyone else involved were such a blessing to me. They showed up when I needed them most, and they did not let me down like so many others before. I found the first lady – Esneth Gumbo – (shown in the forest) by chance through my Uber driver who I had a very meaningful conversation with (days before filming), and suggested that he be in the video…and he brought his wife instead, who gladly took the opportunity to be on screen (with no previous experience). That was truly a gift I did not expect. The other lady with the dogs in the end of the video – Jessica Dreyer – was a magical encounter in which she witnessed me singing on the beach that day…and she pulled out her phone and happily took some photos/footage. I was smiling at what she did and walked up to her with the opportunity to instantly be a part of the video – she immediately accepted it, and was very surprised that I wanted her in the video (as we are technically strangers). As for Dr. Torsten Weist…..I knew he would be in the final scene, as he was so enchanted by the script. His character is a very special one. In the video he represents someone else who was everything to me, many years ago – someone who was murdered. I pay deep tribute to that person…in that final scene with the Teddy Bear.
DMR: The locations of the video are extremely eye-pleasing. Can you give your viewers the names of those places?
Reece: The forest location is “Eden’s Forest, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa”. The beach is at Noordhoek, also Western Cape, South Africa. Such magnificent scenery there and truly memorable.
DMR: Are there any upcoming projects that you are working on right now? Can you share some details on your upcoming project and when can your viewers expect it to release?
Reece: 8. That’s a surprise. haha.
DMR: Can you please share about you’re the musical instruments you have used for this number?
Reece: The instruments we used are guitar, ambient soundscapes, dark piano, drums, clicks and beats…there’s so much more to it. It was like creating a magical potion during the process.
DMR: Which are the genres you would like to explore in the future or do you just want to master one genre without experimenting?
Reece: I would gladly do it all. I especially appreciate the blues…jazz…and country music. Country and Rock music makes me feel filled with reality and purpose, which is why I connect with it so deeply.
DMR: Do you have any suggestions for those who are willing to make a music video but haven’t succeeded yet?
Reece: Anyone who has a true artistic vision, will end up bringing it to life if they just keep pushing (with great force) forward and using every resource and chance they have. You MUST use your wits and a deeper psychology, in order to get through the toughest obstacles and rise above to a different level of being, a different perspective in which you see things like an eagle from high above – the bigger picture. It takes great inner growth to bring your dreams to reality successfully without losing yourself in the process. I have learned a lot in a very short time due to my traumatic experiences which have given me such an unspeakable, immeasurable versatility.
DMR: Please share a note dedicated to your listeners.
Reece: To all who listen to this intimate song of mine…I will tell you right now, that life will continue to surprise you in the best ways, if you can find a way to view life from above ground…As a floating spirit who has already lived… See your life as your own perfect movie with all this magical potential…see yourself and begin to feel how much power you have over your life. Society will not let you realize that, so you must do it yourself. If you want something enough…you will NEVER stop until you get it. Do whatever it takes and tell no one. Stay true. Do your work efficiently, smartly and let it speak for itself. As long as you know who YOU are, and where YOU want to go…you will always have a reason to keep living this life. Everyone will be gone one day…So just build the courage to make your life match who you truly are.
Follow Reece:
https://soundcloud.com/user-506949550
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6HaOWUyaeOdadTUve1Tdak
https://www.youtube.com/@reecevanschalkwyk5077
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/reece-van-schalkwyk/1574241550
https://instagram.com/reeceofmagic
https://www.tiktok.com/@reeceofmagics
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