Photography: Emily Chalk.
Making music is Reb Fountain’s life. Her latest album has been riding high at number one in the New Zealand charts and in October, she heads off on a nationwide tour. But she couldn’t do any of it without the support of her whānau, in particular her son Kalvin and daughter Lola.
That support has been especially important lately as Reb has battled health challenges. Five years ago, she suffered a serious concussion when a branch hit her on the head while she was gardening. Recovery took time, then last year, she had a setback with two more head knocks.
“They were both freak accidents, but because they were close together, it was pretty hard,” explains Reb.
“One of them, I was out running with my dog and went flying. I put my hands out, but my elbow broke and then my head hit the concrete. I was just starting to recover from that when I was sitting on the beach and a dog ran into me. Its head smashed into mine just above the eye.”
Reb says that recovering from head injuries is tiring, boring and frustrating, but it can’t be rushed.
“It’s been slow going and there have been a lot of challenges. I’m still a bit brain foggy, but I’m on an upward trajectory now. I’m really grateful for my whānau because they make a huge difference. I don’t feel alone on the journey.”
A family affair
Her family supports Reb both emotionally and creatively. Kalvin shoots the images for her album covers, while Lola creates her videos.
“It started when I was 14,” explains Lola, now 26.
“At that point, I was very much learning, and Mum gave me the space for that and encouraged me, which was awesome. Since then, we’ve done some really big shoots with full crews and drones. “But we’ve also just been on holiday in a nice location and borrowed a camera off some guy, then shot a video. What’s fun about us working together is that we trust each other a lot.”
Reb agrees, “It’s really joyful – and it’s an opportunity for me to spend time with my daughter, which I find really special.”
Her new album Water For Gasoline has a particularly strong connection to family. Partly because she was still recovering from the head injuries, Reb decided to record it at her Auckland home. This is where she raised her kids, still lives with her dog Huey Lewis and cat Taco, and where she has now created a studio in the garage.
“It gave us an opportunity to do things in a different way,” Reb tells.
“There’s a level of rawness and realness that felt really important. Most of the songs were recorded in one take, and you can hear my dog and cat, and the birds singing. Maybe when people listen, they might feel like they’re in the room with us.”
Along for the ride
For Lola and Kalvin, growing up in Auckland, surrounded by musicians, made for an interesting childhood. They were always included in whatever was happening, would help Reb carry her gear to gigs and hang out with her on weekends when she busked at a market downtown.
“I only realised later what a unique childhood it was,” says Lola.
“We went on tour with Mum and had her bandmates be our babysitters. At gigs, we were allowed to have Sprite, which we never got to drink at home. I remember we particularly liked going to the Kings Arms Tavern because they also had hot chips and a pinball machine.”
As a solo mum, it wasn’t always easy for Reb. To make ends meet, she did everything from working in an organics shop, to being a kindergarten assistant and teaching music.
“She worked multiple jobs and always prioritised us kids,” says Lola.
“I’m really proud of her and all the cool things she’s able to do now. And it’s fun to have been along for the ride.”
Making a difference
Mother and daughter are constantly coming up with new ideas for videos – they even started creating one during our Woman’s Day photoshoot! And often Reb can be found at Nami, the Ponsonby Road record bar that Lola runs.
“We have a good time together,” says Reb, proud of her daughter’s talent.
“She’s a kick-ass mum,” adds Lola, grateful to have been raised by a parent that encouraged her creativity.
Water For Gasoline was written over just a few weeks and recorded in a handful of days. It’s the fastest turnaround Reb has ever had with a record and she enjoyed that way of working.
“In a different life, I might go into politics or something,” she says.
“I’m really interested in engaging with things that can reimagine our world in a positive way. But the best way I can do that now is by being a mama, being a good friend and making music.”
Water For Gasoline is out now. For info on shows, go to rebfountain.co.nz.
