“Double A Side 2 (Akaroa / Erica And The Stars)” by ReetoxA

There is a particular strength in music that can turn difficult chapters of a life into something beautiful and lasting. Reetoxa’s “Double A Side 2 (Akaroa / Erica And The Stars)” does exactly that, bringing together two intensely personal compositions from Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Jason McKee. Released on September 10, 2026, the four-track EP presents the original versions of “Akaroa” and “Erica And The Stars,” alongside karaoke editions that place the songwriting itself firmly in focus.

The release is built around memory, personal struggle and the unexpected ways inspiration can emerge from difficult circumstances. “Akaroa” carries perhaps the most unusual story. The song began with a vivid dream McKee experienced during a challenging period, involving his late mother and a young girl who mentioned Akaroa, a place McKee had never previously encountered. He wrote the name down and began developing a melody, but the idea soon disappeared from his memory.

Years later, while visiting Akaroa in New Zealand, that forgotten composition unexpectedly returned.

The experience prompted McKee to reconnect with the melody and finally complete the song.

This unusual journey gives “Akaroa” an emotional foundation that extends beyond its musical arrangement, turning the track into a reflection on memory, connection and the persistence of creative ideas. “Erica And The Stars” comes from another deeply personal chapter. Written during a period of serious personal difficulty, the composition eventually became a source of direction and stability for McKee. One of its defining features is the presence of the Budapest Orchestra, whose expansive performance captures the orchestral sound McKee had imagined while creating the song. The arrangement gives the track a cinematic dimension while preserving the intimacy of its origins.

The EP’s production is strengthened by an impressive group of collaborators. McKee handles vocals, songwriting and arrangement, while Simon Moro takes on production, mixing and mastering duties. Luke Crouch serves as engineer, with Terry Hart contributing piano, James Ryan of Men At Work on guitar, Kit Riley on bass and Peter Marin of Jet on drums. Jessica Mcpherson-Riley of The Voice Australia adds backing vocals, further enriching the recordings.

The project was recorded at The Avenue Recording Studio in Cheltenham, Victoria, with the orchestral sessions taking place in Budapest. This combination of studio craftsmanship, live instrumentation and orchestral scale allows the EP to move comfortably between personal songwriting and a broader sonic presentation. What ultimately makes “Double A Side 2” compelling is its ability to transform difficult experiences without allowing them to define the music entirely. Reetoxa approaches memory and adversity through melody, collaboration and arrangement, creating songs that feel reflective without losing their sense of musical purpose. Across “Akaroa” and “Erica And The Stars,” Jason McKee demonstrates how songwriting can preserve important moments while giving them new meaning. The result is a thoughtful and emotionally rich release that connects personal experience with hope, resilience and the enduring possibilities of creativity.