Reasons Be

A band, a bond and a brotherhood: Scotty Dickert and Ariel Belkin (R.E.L.) are Reasons Be, a Los Angeles-based duo whose debut four-song EP reveals an endearing optimism and a sparkling tunefulness - a resplendent meeting of two musical minds.

This partnership began on the online marketplace Craigslist, when R.E.L answered an ad, posted by Scotty seeking a guitar player. "He was the first and only guitarist we auditioned," Scotty remembers. "Fate? The musical chemistry was instantaneous."

Centered on vocals and guitar, Reasons Be's music is a faithful representation of their live sound paired with the studio craft of Lee Miles (Puddle of Mudd, Rise Against, Shinedown). The accomplished producer-engineer embellishes the duo's acoustic core with a pop-friendly studio sheen. "He is quite the visionary," says R.E.L. "He opened doors we would have never imagined."  In a review from their very first show, Music Connection Magazine said, "Reasons Be demonstrate what playing music is all about. Their ability to express feelings through songs... gives their listeners something to identify with."

Ultimately, Reasons Be is a creative democracy. R.E.L. and Scotty come up with individual song ideas and email these to each other. Scotty often focuses on lyrics and melodies, while R.E.L elaborates on the musical blueprints. Meeting up for regular writing sessions, they then advance these concepts. "In previous bands I felt like I was doing all the work," said Scotty. "Now, the more opinions the better." Although they eventually see eye-to-eye, the duo affirms that healthy dissent and subsequent resolution often leads to a stronger song. "And if it comes down to it, we'll wrestle to determine who wins," laughs R.E.L.

-Dan Kimpel, Author and Journalist