INTERVIEW: Reese Weil

California artist and producer Reese Weil teams up with Bay Area heavyweight Nef The Pharaoh on 'I Ain’t Worried', a laid-back but confident anthem built for late-night drives, packed dancefloors and carefree summer nights. Blending West Coast swagger with club-ready production, the track captures the feeling of leaving stress behind and living fully in the moment.

Joined by Derek King and Cotati7z, the single showcases the chemistry between a lineup of artists bringing together distinct sounds and perspectives under one unmistakably Californian atmosphere. We caught up with Reese to discuss the origins of his material and what has been his biggest inspiration over the years.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?

I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. I earned a guitar scholarship to Berklee College of Music and spent years playing in different bands before focusing on my own music. Those experiences helped shape my sound, and today I blend live instruments with modern production.

Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?

My influences are all over the place. I grew up listening to Soundgarden and The Offspring, and I still love that energy. I also draw inspiration from artists like Passion Pit and Chromeo for their songwriting and production. Reggae has always been a huge part of my life too, especially artists like Bradley Nowell, Bob Marley, Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, and Jack Johnson. I also love the songwriting and production of Maroon 5. I think all of those influences come together to create my own style.

Was there a moment that made you decide to pursue music seriously?

Music never really felt like a choice. Once I realized I could connect with people through songwriting, I knew this was what I wanted to do. Going to Berklee gave me the confidence to pursue it professionally.

What’s your songwriting process like?

Most songs start with a guitar or a melody. I’ll record ideas on my phone whenever inspiration hits, then build the song around that feeling. I usually rewrite lyrics several times until they feel honest.

Where do you find inspiration?

Everyday life. Relationships, family, traveling, growing up in Northern California, and the people I meet all inspire my music. Sometimes a single sentence or moment turns into an entire song.

What do you hope people take away from your music?

I just hope people feel something real. Whether a song is happy or emotional, I want listeners to connect with it and know they’re not alone.

What’s been the biggest challenge as an independent artist?

Balancing the creative side with the business side. As an independent artist, you’re not just making music—you also have to handle marketing, content, and everything else that comes with building a career.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?

Working with artists like Nef The Pharaoh and Derek King has been amazing. But the best feeling is hearing that one of my songs meant something to someone else.

How do you stay true to yourself in today’s music industry?

I pay attention to what’s happening in music, but I don’t chase trends. I just try to make music that feels honest and that I’ll still be proud of years from now.

What’s next for you?

I have a lot of new music coming out, including collaborations with Nef The Pharaoh and Derek King. I’m also in talks about potentially working with Yung Pinch, which I’m really excited about. My focus is on releasing great music, making videos, and performing live as much as possible.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope to be touring regularly, collaborating with artists I admire, and continuing to grow as a songwriter and producer. More than anything, I want to build a career that lasts and create music people will keep coming back to.

Listen to Reese Weil's new single 'I Ain't Worried' below.