Listening to Relay Vol 1 feels like slipping into something comfortable. That’s because Reed is singing his stories with an amiable voice and because he uses a clever and well-known mix of pop, westcoast and country elements. Nice!

What was the biggest fun during the making Relay Vol 1?

The most fun part for me was getting back to making music for myself. I haven’t released a solo record since 2011 and it’s a great feeling of accomplishment to have finished this new chapter. Being in the studio by yourself takes a lot of discipline and restraint. I am very proud of the music that came out of that.

 If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?

I don’t think I have a song like that but the closest on this new EP is Dreaming Of The West Coast. It has a little bit of everything that I love in it. It’s orchestral and a little gritty at the same time. I’m a huge fan of melodic pop music (Beatles, Beach Boys, ELO). That song has a little bit of that classic mojo to it.

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you? And what not?

The music industry has such a constant evolution. Getting music out there is so much easier than it used to be. I’m not a huge fan of playing live so this works well to my advantage. I just love making records. I really love the vinyl resurgence. Pretty much everything I release will be available in that format. This EP is actually side A to an LP that will be released in the spring.

Who is the best musician in the world nobody has heard of yet? And why will this change very soon?

The best musician in the world is a really really tough question for me. I am lucky enough to know a ton of amazing artists that have very respectable careers.  Guys like Mike Viola and Steve Eggers are two fellas that come to mind instantly. These guys are incredible musicians and songwriters. Elliott Smith was always a huge favorite of mine as well. He has reached a wide audience with his catalog. I wish he were still around to make more great music.

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mixed tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

Mixtape (I was never good on first or second dates)

I’m Waiting For The Day – The Beach Boys

Waltz #2 – Elliott Smith

She Goes To Bed – Jason Falkner

Virginia – The Nines

Oh Darlin – The Beatles

What’s up for the next couple of months?

The next couple of months I will be releasing the new EP on December 11 along with a release show in Bay City, MI. I am finishing up the new Legal Matters record which is slated for an early 2016 release. Then I will be finishing up side B to the Relay record. It feels great to be putting some new music out into the world again.