Hong Kong resident Reign Lee says two of the things she misses about the U.S. are the music scene and peanut-butter cups. Visit the Photo Place

>> GLOBE-TROTTING ONTARIO NATIVE, NOW IN HONG KONG, RETURNS STATESIDE FOR TOUR

Well-traveled indie singer enjoys her time back in the U.S.

Date published: 10/22/2009

BY JESSE SCOTT

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Reign Lee's passport has so many stamps inked in it that she likely needs to be issued a new one.

Her life has taken her all over the globe. Born in Ontario and educated in the United States, the indie rocker now calls Hong Kong her home. Somewhere in between Ontario and Hong Kong, Lee's also lived in Beijing, Arizona, Illinois and New York.

With so many cultural experiences that delicately ooze through her music, Lee is embarking on a U.S. tour to share them. On Saturday she'll pass through the 'Burg for a show at the Q Ball Cafe.

This being her first trip back to the U.S. in quite some time, there are some American staples she's been craving. "I really miss peanut-butter cups," laughed Lee in a phone interview from Vermont.

"Growing up with certain things around, there are definitely things you want when you're thousands of miles away."

With vocals that mirror Garbage's Shirley Manson in her 1990s heyday and a sound resembling a relaxed Nirvana, Lee has the goods to put out truly lasting music.

"Being so far away [from the U.S.], I've been really lucky," said Lee.

"My biggest worry when I moved to Hong Kong was that it was a good move personally, but not musically. But because of the technology and sites like Pure Volume, I've been able to keep a certain presence online."

Lee has placed in a handful of international songwriting competitions over the years, including a first-place finish in the 2007 International Free Ride Song Contest.

Her single "Helena," off the 2007 LP "Broken Skylines," propelled her to the top of MySpace's charts, where listeners voted her the No. 1 alternative indie artist from Hong Kong. The LP was inspired by songs she had written while backpacking throughout the world.

With few options to showcase her live talent in Hong Kong, Lee is excited to hit the vast U.S. scene. "In the States, musicians can get in the car and drive from town to town and be in a different city in no time," said Lee.

What: October Fest, featuring Reign Lee, Property, Van Kull and Lost Chapter Where: Q Ball Cafe, 960 Bragg Road When: Saturday, 8 p.m. Cost: $7 in advance, $10 at the door Info: 540/548-2799 Web: qballcafe.com

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Date published: 10/22/2009