Mushroom Music Publishing

Born in southern California to her music lovin’ peace-making parents, Reb Fountain was in for a bit of a rough ride eventually leading her to her current life in Auckland.

Arriving by ship into Lyttleton harbour with only $100, Reb’s family relished in get-togethers and sing-a-longs, Reb receiving her first guitar on her sixth birthday. Always an imaginative writer, it wasn’t until her parents divorced in her early teens, that Reb tried hard to find solace in her musical expression, often struggling with her emotions. After going through troubled years, Reb took control of her life at age 16 and moved out of home, her guitar slung on her back, and her mind on her music.

“I've grown up listening to and singing folk music, cowboy songs and the blues - this kind of music is very traditional - that is they were songs that were passed on, interpreted and re-interpreted for free - it was the spirit of traditional music that it be sung and shared because that's what music is - it's a gift.”

Reb formed her first band Immaculate Sun with Pete Woods (Salmonella Dub) creating a new scene in Christchurch and playing almost every venue from the late Carlton to the Dux. Following her heart on her OE to London and then back to the States Reb studied performing arts in Nirvana’s hometown Seattle, Washington. As a jazz vocalist, Reb landed a place at the prestigious “Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley” club, immersing herself in the work of the greats – Eartha Kit, Tito Puente, Flora Purim and more.

Leaving her husband behind, Reb headed home to New Zealand at age 23, and started a new band Like Water. From here, she finally felt comfortable with her ability to cope with her relationship and past pains through her music. Reb’s creative work with Like Water was well received, the Otago Daily Times comparing her song writing ability to the likes of Don McGlashan spurring Reb to team up with her brother to co-produce her debut album 'Like Water'. She also recorded the song “Like A River” for Jody Lloyd’s compilation album ‘The Grey Between Shadow and Shade’, ultimately leading a newly confident Reb north to Auckland. One of her first gigs in Auckland came about when the Odeon Lounge asked Reb to step in for an absent Steve Able who was stuck on a roof protesting at the time. Reb was continually booked from people seeing her compelling live set, which varies from solo acoustic softness to a full six piece rock out, and can go anywhere in between.

Holster, her new, second album, introduces Reb with her acoustic guitar and her voice. It is immediately beautiful, carrying child-like innocence and serenading peace, before she reveals her tough side through edgier electric numbers with backing band, The Bandits. Drawing influence from Patti Smith, Joni Mitchell and P J Harvey, Reb unleashes fistfuls of vocal ammunition reverberating contrasting states of aggressiveness with wistfulness, snarling seduction with wide-eyed elegance, heartache and hope.

"It's ok for a woman to be a woman and own her self. People can be anything they want - and even though it's fucking hard if you want to be different it's the best and only way to travel. Even though it sounds cheesy, being yourself is the only way to be happy, and although committing to your own journey is the hardest road, it's the most fulfilling one.”

Holster is unconventional and challenges gender roles, Reb often taking a man’s approach illustrated in the new video for “78” where Reb straps down her breasts, pouts moustached lips and fearlessly takes control from intimidating men. Her second video for “TAB” show’s Reb taking on one of NZ’s former ranked #1 boxers Dylan Russell in a round of chess boxing. Somewhat an outsider, Reb’s insight and outlook on life engages her listeners to hear the messages in her songs but not to dwell on sorrow. Holster is a musical journey of resolution and empowerment.

Reb Fountain wooed audiences on an extensive nationwide winter 2008 tour with Johnny Barker a.k.a Sleepy Kid (from notorious Shortland Street serial killer fame). She also teamed up with Johnny Barker at the 2008 Silver Scrolls awards, where they honoured the Top Twins Hall of Fame induction, performing ‘Milestone’ to wide acclaim from industry insiders and their musical peers. Those lucky enough to be at the awards were stunned with Reb’s performance and have been talking about her ever since.

Riding stronger than ever, Reb Fountain draws emotive songs from her hip, loads them with friction, and aims with a careful eye, resulting in the makeup of Holster. She is truly both a lover and a fighter.