Joce Reyome’s debut single comes across as a real stunner. “Cross My Heart” makes heavy nods to classic R&B and Blues, with tales of heartbreak and woe, drinking and gambling t’boot, but following in the more modern footsteps of Alabama Shakes, Reyome has breathed some excitingly fresh life into these genres. Considering Joce’s musical background, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Reyome has already been honing their skills alongside some of Atlantic Canada’s best, including the likes of Irish Mythen, KINLEY, and Dylan Menzie. They’re immediately recognizable as the special guest singer from Andrew Waite’s Live at the Mack cover of Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready,” and this debut single produced by award-winning producer Erin Costelo, and recorded with Colin Buchanan (Paper Lions) at Hillsound Studios.
“When I was first starting to write my own music, it was very tame and folky, just me and an acoustic guitar,” says Reyome. “I really wanted to explore other genres and started listening to some Otis Redding, Janis Joplin, Earl Hooker to feel that sound that comes from an old soul. And all of a sudden, this straight blues idea came to mind, and I said ‘Damn! I gotta get on this!’
“It was a fantastic experience working with Erin Costelo and Colin Buchanan on this song. In my day-to-day life, I am very easy-going, almost to a fault. When it came time to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or ‘I don’t like that’ during recording, I struggled a bit. But I learned very quickly that only I know what I want it to sound like, and nobody is going to know if I don’t tell them!”
There’s no denying Reyome’s natural talent though. Hearing that voice practically makes for a religious experience. It’s visceral and the clever twist of the lyrics has us ready to sign up for more.
“Now don’t lie, I have seen you lovin’
On someone else, the ultimate crime,
While I’m loving you acoustically,
She’s leaving you electrified”
Joce Reyome’s next single, “News,” is expected to be released on March 20, 2021.