Each month, we invite local artists to Greeny’s rehearsal space to lay down a stripped-back live session. One take. No do-overs. This month features emerging Sheffield duo Ree-no — aka Curti$ and Luky-D — who brought their R&B-tinged rap stylings to the session room. Watch the full vid over on the Exposed Instagram channel (@expmagsheff).
We meet the pair a few weeks after their recording at a café in town. Straight away, their easy chemistry is clear – bouncing off one another with unrehearsed ease. They’re instantly likeable, charismatic without trying too hard, and they speak with a level of confidence and self-awareness that belies their 23 years. It’s obvious why people are paying attention.
During the session, Ree-no brought that same natural chemistry and charisma to the fore – along with no shortage of talent. Opening track ‘Symbiotic’ is built on crisp production and sun-drenched, nostalgic melodies. “It was the first one we made together with [producer] Winter Soldier,” says Luky-D. “It’s got that 2010s UK hip-hop vibe – something you’d hear in the summer. It felt right.”
In contrast, second tune ‘Spotlight’ was originally created with a larger group of young artists through Tracks and needed reworking for a live two-piece setup. “I had to write a whole new verse last minute,” says Curti$. “I spent the rest of the time scrambling, writing what I could.”
They were backed by a house band of Joe Green (drums), Philippe Clegg (bass) and Chris Mayall (keys). “They’re geniuses,” says Luky-D. “Every single thing you can think of – they’re playing it.” Curti$ agrees, singling out Clegg’s style: “He grooves. Same face the whole time, but he’s just in it. Proper musician.”
Their ease in the space comes from years spent immersed in music, surrounded by people who inspire and challenge them through Tracks. The project – founded and run by Lucy Revis – was a key catalyst in both artists’ development.
“I only started making music because of Tracks,” Luky-D admits. “I started going to open production sessions at Flourish, where Lucy used to work. They just put you in front of Logic with some guidance and let you get stuck in. Lucy offered me some mentoring sessions and from there, it just clicked.”
Curti$ was already trying to coax him into the studio years earlier. “I knew he had a voice – I’d hear him singing while we were on PlayStation. I was like, ‘Get in the studio!’” Luky-D laughs: “Neighbours must’ve hated me – I was always singing!”
That low-key love of music eventually bloomed into passion. “Once I started producing music at Tracks, it unlocked something. I didn’t even know I wanted to do it – now it’s just what I love.”
Tracks has played a pivotal role in both their stories – and their lives. Now volunteering and mentoring others, they’re giving back to the very system that helped them grow. “They make music accessible,” says Luky-D. “You don’t need money to get involved. And the mentors – they’re actual musicians. You feel lucky to be in the room.”
Curti$ adds: “Music in schools is all classical, and if that’s not for you, it can put you off. At Tracks, they ask what you’re into and work with that. It’s how it should be.”
Despite being only 23, both artists carry a grounded understanding of their ambitions. “Before Tracks, I had no idea what I wanted to do,” says Luky-D. “Now things feel more clear.” For Curti$, the aim is simple: “I want music to be the job – not something I have to fit around loads of other ones. I want to be able to live off it and keep making it.”
That mindset flows through their creative process too. “We work differently,” Curti$ explains. “He’s melody-focused, I’m lyric-driven. I’ll write a full verse while he’s figuring out the hook, then sometimes I’ll bin it all and freestyle something new in the booth.”
It’s an organic process, one that reflects their hybrid musical identity – which even feeds into their name. “Ree-no is a mix of ‘retro’ and ‘neo’,” explains Curti$.
“We wanted something that felt nostalgic but new. Like something you might’ve heard in your teenage years, but with a fresh spin.”
With a clutch of tunes already in the bag, more in the works, and a Tramlines performance on the horizon, things are moving fast. “I’m a bit anxious,” Curti$ admits. “I keep saying the number – 40,000 people – just to wrap my head around it.” Luky-D, more zen, smiles: “With every performance, I enjoy it more. You get used to it.”
With more gigs, more writing – and more chances to let the sound of Ree-no speak for itself – the future looks full of possibility. “It’s about trying,” says Curti$. “Pushing ourselves. Seeing what’s possible.”
Check out the full vid over on Patreon
