In the latter part of the 2010s, the artist Reaper put out a flurry of emotional, genre-mashing music. But then he went quiet. There has been a lot of talk online about his disappearance, but now we are happy to say that Reaper is back, baby. His newest EP, SHARK, displays all of the characteristics that make his music so treasured by his fans, many of whom have been clamoring for the artist’s return. It's also the result of an intense period of internal reflection in the wake of tragedy. What has Reaper been up to? Where is his music headed? We were granted a rare interview with the artist; read it below.

You’ve been away from recorded music for almost five years. What have you been up to in that time?

Reaper: I did a lot of soul searching. My older brother passed away unexpectedly in 2019 and that sent me down a rabbit hole of trying to get to the bottom of life and death and the meaning of everything. I started some side projects along the way but pretty much stopped doing any personal songwriting for a couple years. I felt like I didn’t have anything to say and was more concerned with the spiritual quest I was on. I came out the other end of it about a year and a half ago and stepped back into music with refreshed perspective and meaning.

How has music helped you navigate the process of grief and loss?

I’m not sure. I feel like when I’m confronted with heavy life stuff music usually gets put on the backburner but that being said whenever I hear “Claire de Lune” I sentimentally think of my grandparents that passed away a couple years ago so there’s definitely something there.

How did the video for “LIBERATION” come together?

I sent the song to my friend Hannah, who planned out the shoot and we just kinda went for it. We did it up in the mountains near lake arrowhead and the whole shoot felt very special and enchanted.

In what ways do you think you have developed and changed as an artist during your time away?

I think internally some big shifts have taken place but also so much of my day to day character is the same.

Do you think that mystery is important?

Probably. I mean magic isn’t fun if you know how the trick is done.

Tell us about the SHARK EP.

The project is a tribute album to my late older brother clark “shark.” A sort of journal entry of songs started around that 2020 era that explore the emotions and feelings I was dealing with at the time. 

What kind of music have you been excited about over the past few years? And how has that informed the new music you’ve been making?

I like music that makes me feel something and try to pay it forward. 

Where does REAPER go from here?

Music and plans are being made. Gods god it.