Reana Cunningham shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Reana , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Honestly, anytime I do anything with my band I’m very proud. My bandmates are all super kindhearted and funny people that never fail to lighten my mood- even when I’m not having the best day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Reana Cunningham known online as “The Pumpkin Queen of Halloween.” I’m a musician, and a special effects makeup artist. I am vocalist for the band Dreams of Eden.
Dreams of Eden is a metal band out of camp hill pa. We’ve been focusing on writing new music and have been putting out songs fairly regularly! Our latest single just dropped a couple days ago it’s called “A Day to Dismember” and it’s about one of my favorite horror movies. We try to offer a great stage show amongst making sure that we are all having fun. If you ever see us we’re always laughing together and having a good time- even at shows!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a really anxious person growing up and still am- but I was constantly putting myself down and I was full of doubt in what I could do and who I was. I still struggle with severe anxiety and self-doubt but through music I’ve definitely gotten a little more confidence.
My good friend Jason Robinson actually push me out of my comfort zone one day at a show to do guest vocals. He’s always been one of my biggest supporters and he’s part of the reason that I think I am comfortable as a vocalist for my band now. I still get stage fright and I still have a lot of doubts on myself but I’m not where I used to be and I’m proud of that.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
So I had a really tough time in school- it was bullied really badly and it really affected my mental health and my self image. I didn’t want to go to school; I didn’t feel safe at school. I knew I didn’t fit in because I was always my authentic unique self even if that was labeling me as the “weird kid”. School was so rough for me that I decided to graduate early so I can get out of there; that was one of the best choices I ever made for my life. I started cosmetology school early, I really got to work on my life, and just started to feel more free.
I definitely healed the trauma and pain that came from my school experience through my music and my band. Now I get to write about my struggles in hopes that it will help someone else who is struggling. Music is also so freeing for me. I’m in my element and I get to have fun with people that I love. Music is what kept me going in my darkest time so I will return that favor; even if it’s just for one person.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Honestly there’s a lot of sexism in the music industry still to this day- especially with my genre of music. Being a metal vocalist I have heard a lot of things about how I’m never going to be as good as a man or how women can’t scream. All of this is just utter bullshit. Women are just as capable as men- sometimes even better.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand chronic pain- I suffer with endometriosis and used to suffer with adenomyosis. Thankfully, I got a hysterectomy this year and my pain level has gone down significantly and I’m feeling much better. It was one of the best choices I ever made.
I understand the constant fight with doctors to get the right care and to be listened to and the chronic fatigue of just dealing with these struggles in life. Especially when your chronic pain isn’t visible; a lot of people don’t understand how bad it can be day today for some people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/dreamsofeden?fbclid=PAb21jcANXV0lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp0vvr0GinybykXQBEYN5DB8DIPAUf5m6gt8DMgKIu3NLnooZPpmBV7sabLex_aem_yv85kR4vHnEamQDq6Gjqrg
- Instagram: https://linktr.ee/dreamsofeden?fbclid=PAb21jcANXV0lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp0vvr0GinybykXQBEYN5DB8DIPAUf5m6gt8DMgKIu3NLnooZPpmBV7sabLex_aem_yv85kR4vHnEamQDq6Gjqrg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BaTPqnkTA/
Image Credits
Hannah Standish – @lovelychaos_666
Taylor Bandy – @taylorbandy
Ryan Bachman – @m4ng0juulp0d
Gwyn Ellis- @_offthemo0n
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
