An Interview with Kaney Jaxx of Rattler Reb
In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of rock music, seasoned musicians like Kaney Jaxx bring a rich tapestry of experiences and influences that shape the sound of today’s rock anthems. As the guitarist and vocalist for Rattler Reb, Jaxx has navigated the twists and turns of the music industry with a band formed from the deep-rooted connections of past collaborations and shared musical passions. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the world of Rattler Reb, exploring their journey, inspirations, and the challenges they face in the modern music scene.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Kaney Jaxx (guitarist and vocalist for Rattler Reb), we are veteran musicians who have been around for a while. We have all played in several bands through the years and we just kind of migrated to each other because of similar musical tastes, especially Crash and myself as we played in a band together around 20 years ago. Time flies, what can you say?
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
I can’t remember a time of not listening to music and the radio. I would listen to my older brother’s albums nonstop. I remember hearing Foghat’s “Slow Ride” on the radio and thought that is what a guitar should sound like, but it was when I first heard KISS’s “Alive” album that made me want to learn to play guitar.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Just trying to earn a living and navigate a scene in the age of downloads. I miss the days of buying an album or CD. Sadly, people under 30 have no clue about a music scene like that. You truly supported your favorite bands. Would head down to the record store on Tuesdays (when the new albums were released) and grab the new release of your favorite band.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
As Rattler Reb, we just released our debut album earlier this year titled “Thunder From the South” I have been a part of several musical projects through the years and this is head and shoulders above anything I have been a part of. I would put it up against anything out there right now. It’s 8 songs with no weak spots or fillers. We have released two videos for the title track and “When You Got Nothing” which won an award for best rock song at the Nashville Music Awards in 2023.
We have finished shooting two more videos as well, one of which “Louder Than Hell and Kickin’ Your Ass” should be out in the next couple of weeks. The other video we will release is for “I’m Comin’ Home” which is a little mellower than most of the stuff on our album. I think KISS fans will get a kick out of it as I make a reference to Paul Stanley and “Come On and Love Me.”
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
Well, like I said, we’ve been around a while, so our inspirations are more 70’s and 80’s rock and “traditional metal” Obviously KISS, both musically and performance-wise, Priest, Queen, and a lot of southern rock like Black Oak Arkansas, Molly Hatchet, of course Skynyrd. Dio, AC/DC, Manowar, and even Johnny Cash and of course the Beatles and the Stones. We’ve labeled our music as Hillbilly Power Metal and with my influences some of whom I just stated I think you can see why…. and especially after you listen to it. We are going to fill a void in the music world.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
Every song is different for me. Sometimes it’s a guitar riff that starts it, sometimes for me, it’s the lyrics that come first, and every once in a while you come up with a cool title and work that into a song.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
Well, like I said, it’s out now and if you are a creative person it is something you can’t control. You just write, record, play, and sing.
What are your plans for 2024?
To go out and support our album “Thunder From the South” and preview around 4 or 5 tunes from what will be our second album which we may have out by the end of the fall …
As we wrapped up our conversation with Kaney Jaxx, it was clear that Rattler Reb isn’t just revisiting the glory days of rock; they are actively shaping its future with their unique blend of “Hillbilly Power Metal.” With an exciting year ahead, including tours and new music on the horizon, Jaxx and his bandmates are poised to continue making significant impacts, filling voids in the music industry with their innovative sound and genuine passion. Fans old and new can look forward to experiencing the powerful energy and creativity that Rattler Reb brings to the stage and studio in 2024.