Features : The Reckless, San Diego Based Rock Band, Elevate Moods in New EP “Who Are You”

The Reckless, made up of Fritz Fayman, Michael Kennedy, Riku Myllykoski, and John Kelly, amalgamate various rock genres, eras, styles, and talents to bring you mood-improving reckless music. But first, an origin story, with frontman Fritz Fayman.

Fritz shares that during the pandemic, like many battling with the uncertainty of life, he decided to start recording music to keep himself preoccupied. Fritz’s dad was a musician, so he grew up surrounded by music, learning guitar at 14 and developing a deep respect for its power. However, he didn’t consider himself a songwriter at the time. It wasn’t until 2019-2020, when facing one of the world’s biggest shutdowns, that he realized the true force behind music and that, maybe after all, he was meant to pursue it. He recalls that this adventure started out as a personal project, riff writing and lyricising, until the release of the self-titled album, “The Reckless.”

Jumping timelines, Fritz lands a job with the School of Rock, teaching music to youth of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. With continued exposure to various musical styles and the environment of collaboration, he was inspired to begin assembling his own band mates. Fritz admits it took a few trials to identify the right musicians who were in sync both musically and with the vision. 

In order of alignment, Fritz first finds Michael Kennedy, who’s responsible for both the melodic and slap bass contributions you'll hear throughout the works. Next, they bring in Riku Myllykoski, a dynamic drummer who has an unexpected love for singing and a knack for helping with lyrical melodies. Finally, there's John Kelly, whose 'lightning-fast guitar licks' and 'shred-tastic' elements, as Fritz likes to say, brings powerful energy to complete the quartet. From different corners of San Diego, in an era of isolation, the band locked in their chemistry and off they went. Where? Down a creative, reckless rabbit hole. Fritz shares that his favorite thing about this band is the open-source nature of songwriting. Everyone has their own contributions, skills, and creative ideas that make the process truly collaborative, fun as shit, and crazy at times. Fritz loves that it not only helps them build and evolve their songs but also helps them grow as musicians.

Over the last few years, between releases like “Get Loud,” “Remember Me,” and a sick recreation of Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack," the band’s fan base grew rapidly. Naturally, with traction comes the stage of weeding out fans vs. non-fans. Fritz jokes in the interview that when you finally get haters, that's when you know you're making it. Ironically, after a negative interaction with some faceless internet troll, it inspired the song "Who Are You," the EP's title track. To make light of the situation, "Who Are You" channels a hype energy similar to an MLB walk-up song or the cinematic portrayal of a hero about to defy odds and face immense pressure. Experimenting with drop D tuning, heavy riffs, and driving rhythms, the track builds momentum and pushes you to face any challenge ahead. Through the resilient and confident energy of “Who Are You” it emerges as the centerpiece of the EP.  Thematically each song is a mirror into our own decisions, actions, and mindsets that make up who we are.

Next on the EP is “Do It For Free,” a rock and roll anthem about passion and purpose. The song speaks to the idea that the reward lies in the output itself—the energy, the expression, and the impact—rather than material gain. If you genuinely love what you’re doing, you’d rather do it for free than not do it at all.

Then we get “Home,” an upbeat pop-punk banger that blends arena rock choruses, '80s new wave vibes, and themes of self-discovery. It’s an ode to the rich history of rock’s evolution and the players who continue to drive its power and legacy forward. Subjectively speaking, the guitar parts in this track are stellar.

“GO ON,” the 4th track on the EP, is a reimagining of a past alt-rock song Fritz wrote during a time of discouragement and frustration with the political climate during 2020. Timely once again, it resurfaces in the midst of a still polarized and disconnected society. Fritz appreciated how each bandmate brought their own interpretation, ideas, and energy to revamp it. The song reminds us to persevere and push onward.

Fritz notes that at this stage of the EP, the dynamics have shifted from the ascension in both message and instrumentation, to a sense of resolve.

The EP concludes with "Remember Me," a song that invites introspection. Fritz explains that it’s a reflection on the duality of our desire and struggle to leave our mark on the world, in order to not be forgotten. It’s part of the human experience to feel lost or aimless at times, but once you can “break through” that and chart your impact, you won’t fade away.

From building you up, helping you overcome adversity to pursuing your passion and leaving a legacy, The Reckless create music that helps fans feel better and come out stronger on the other side.

Fritz shares a parting sentiment with readers and fans: “[Starting your path, whether it's a band or a project, can be challenging, and you'll face moments of doubt and tough decisions. Recognize the importance of chemistry, humility, and talent, and it will lead to greater confidence and happiness for everyone involved. Stay respectful, understanding, and seize those moments of connection to build something meaningful.]”

Listen to EP “Who Are You” here

Stay tuned on social media for upcoming shows in the San Diego and Bay Area, and keep an eye out for more music coming soon!

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