Keeping the Not Just A Phase spotlight in the state of Texas again today, we’re covering a brand new screamo act from Austin, Texas. Rebecka steps on to the scene with their debut EP Passion Is Failing. The four song EP comes with a bonus track on the digitals, (physicals now available by contacting the band), and the digitals are now streaming online.

Rebecka is specializing in their own brand of (scr)emotional ballads. These DIY Emo slow jams bring out the musical charm and warmth you can only find with self-recorded and self-released bands. Their debut EP, Passion Is Failing, is full of elegantly bassy, fuzzed out ballads that are laced up with the feminine, feral rage of their vocalist, Molly. With lyrics of pain, loss, heartbreak, and sobriety being wailed mournfully into your ears in their most primal form. The band is writing music for the same reason every musician should be, they’re writing music that they want to hear, something that should be a standard norm across all genres of music.

“I really admire the earnestness that older screamo/emo/emotional hardcore bands have. They sound so raw and there’s a desperation to it that’s really captivating. We hope that comes through in our sound, too. I also really appreciate the power of fem vocals. You don’t have to know anything about screamo or music to appreciate the power of a woman screaming. It rattles your bones in this really primal way,” vocalist Molly writes in the course of our discussion.

Rebecka is nominated for a Skrammy Award this year for the “Best Slow Jams” category. Keep reading for a chat with vocalist Molly, and bassist Eloise, about the writing and recording of this EP, and where they plan to take the band into the second half of 2025..

WHAT WAS THE WRITING PROCESS FOR PASSION IS FAILING?

Molly: “When we write, we often jam until we get a cohesive song structure. Then, I come in and try out different lyrics while we’re nailing out the song. I have this notebook filled with lyrics & poems that I write whenever I’m feeling inspired. Then during the jam, I pick which one fits well with the music, tone, and rhythm of the song.”

Eloise: “It's a collaborative process, usually starting from a jam, or from two of us workshopping an idea before bringing it to the whole band. We all have creative control over our own instrument but have done well with giving and receiving feedback on what could be improved or changed. Since we all have experience in different genres, it's been a lot of fun crafting a unique sound.”

WHAT WAS THE RECORDING & MIXING PROCESS?

Molly: “DIY at its most literal. We recorded out of our practice space. Benton recorded us on tape using his tascam. We spent a lot of work into getting the recording right so we wouldn't have to do much in post.”

Eloise: “Yeah just DIY on cassette then transferred to digital by Alex Peterson with minimal mixing. The drums were premixed in a PA mixer, then sent to the tascam. I mastered it myself in Ableton but I don't think it sounds too bad haha. The mixing was just done physically on the portastudio right before the digital transfer.”

ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THIS RELEASE SPECIFICALLY?

Molly: “It’s special because it’s ours. It started out as an idea, and with time, care, and a lot of help, it became this tangible thing that can have a lasting impact. We went from being a band that ‘has potential’ to a band that’s realizing its potential.”

Eloise: “I think this was a strong start for us and it's encouraging hearing people at our shows tell us how the songs have resonated with them. Everyone experiences pain and grief differently but it's great to be part of a scene that wants to feel your pain with you.”

“THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU IN DIY, EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO CARVE IT OUT YOURSELF. DON’T LET ANYONE MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE BEING DIFFERENT IS A WEAKNESS. MAKE MUSIC NO ONE ELSE IS MAKING!

MAKE MUSIC FOR YOU, AND FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO MIGHT, FOR THE FIRST TIME, RECOGNIZE THEMSELVES IN THE MUSIC YOU CREATE.”

- MOLLY, @REBECKA.ATX

My Grandma Sheila (featured on the EP cover), never let anyone stop her from living the life she created for herself. She’s a huge inspiration for how I live and move and create.”

ANY SHOWS COMING UP?

Molly: “We'd love to tour within the next year but first, we plan to write and record a full album! Besides our tape release show, we're planning a show with another local band Shoganai at the end of June, more details TBA.”

SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR REBECKA?

Molly: “We’ve been a little wrapped up in this tape release, but now we're looking forward to booking summer shows, writing a full album, and touring with that album!”

ANY CLOSING WORDS FOR THE READERS?

Eloise: DIY and Trans rights forever.

The digital release will include a bonus track, Lack of Trying, recorded by Lydia Fortuna live at Hotel Vegas and mixed/mastered by Eloise. Cover art by Molly and Eloise, featuring Grandma Sheila. The band would like to send a special thanks to Michelle Zhang as well.

Be sure to give them a follow at the social link listed the article to stay up to date with the band and what they’ve got coming this year (and forever).

Rebecka is Molly on vocals, Benton on guitar, Eloise on bass, and Trent on drums.