Old school soul, hip hop and a little jazz thrown in. This describes L'Renee to a tee. I've personally known her for the past 2 years and have had the pleasure of working with her last summer and I am privileged to have had a working relationship that I hope continues (hint hint *LOL*). Not only that, the sista is a rarity. In this world of pro-tools and vocal enhancers, the sista is one of the rare few that can sound just as good live on stage as she does in the studio...Something that not even so-called these so called Divas can do, And unlike the so-called Divas, whose images were manufactured by someone else, L'Renee is in total control of her OWN destiny. She is an entrepreneur who writes her own material, owns her own label as well as her own merchandise. Personally this is what I respect most about her.
Q: Before I met you face to face, I read in your bio that you grew up watching your dad play. How much of an impact did this have on you wanting to choose a career in music.
A: I believe that eventually it had a major impact on me choosing a career in music. The reason is two-folded. First by experiencing my dad performing music, I became comfortable with being around music. Secondly, as I started my label, my father who had previously decided to retire from the music industry became a silent partner of the L'Renee Productions which is now L'Renee Musique Inc. To sum it up, having the musical support and business support gave me the confidence to step out and finally decided to pursue a serious career in music.
Q: When we were in the studio together that day last summer, as well as the live performances that I've seen, you really seem to enjoy yourself. Do you get a rush out of performing or would you say that you enjoy the fact that people are enjoying your music.
A: It is a win-win situation. What really drives me about performing is the euphoric state of mind that comes with really connecting with an audience. I've been in cases where people have come up to me after a show with tears in their eyes because they were moved just that much is a strong and serious key that I don't intend to abuse. The other "win" about performing is that I just really get off on exercising a special gift that The Creator has given me. If no one wanted to hear another note or lyric from me, I'd still be singing. LOL!
Q: With 2 albums under your belt, and you performing to sell out crowds, all this success has not spoiled you. How important do you think it is to be accessible (within reason of course) to your fans?
A: My fans are the reason I sell out. If I lose touch with them then I have no show. I have no motivation. So point blank, I find it necessary to keep connection because they are my connection to my craft. I would be nothing without them.
Q: Besides your dad, who were some of the artists that you looked up to?
A: Man, these names may mean nothing me you or the viewers of this blog, but I totally admire 87, DJ Genesis, Nick Speed, Frank McComb, Eric Roberson and Gordon Chambers because of the heights of their success without major label hook ups. In addition just from a musical standpoint there are a few artists that really stick out in my mind and they are people like Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Musique Soulchild and the list keeps growing.
Q: I also read that when you were in high school, you performed in "the Wiz". At some point would you like to take on acting?
A: Actually I have started taking on a couple of roles in some independent films with Director Corey Swift of Swift Winds Media and am always keeping my options open. I have a very humble attitude towards the art of acting especially from my small time experience. It has created a greater appreciation in me for what they actually do. It's not as easy as it looks to become a character and make the audience believe that they are watching a moment of the character's life instead of watching someone act out a character. There is a big difference.
Q: Tell me about your label L'Renee Musique Inc. Did you feel that the decision to go the indie route was your only option?
A: No, however I enjoy reaping the fruits of my own labor. Sometimes when we want something we just have to go out and get it, even if no one has caught on the the vision yet.
Q: Last time we spoke, you were in the beginning stages of working on a new album. How is that going?
A: Wonderful. We are going to being recording next month. The album is not closed, however, so if and producers are interested in being a part of this movement contact me at L'Renee Musique Inc. PO Box 40193 Redford, MI 48240 www.lrenee.net lreneebookings@yahoo.com I would love to hear from you.
Q: Will there be any guest appearances on the album?
A: Yes. There will be a couple including the winner of the open mic competition from my Hoot's on the Ave show May 17, 2008. It's gonna be a surprise. You gotta come pick it up.
Q: Before we end this interview, is there anything you would like to say to your supporters?
A: I would like to make special mention the following businesses and avid supporters Melted Disc, Team Swass, SoulCommune, Urban Organic, MosaicThump, Grand Designz Printing, InnerCity Creative Group, and my street team leaders T. Mason, and T. Spears as well as all of my sponsors who bought any of my material. I appreciate you very much!
Thank you very much for your time. I wish you continued success.
L'Renee is available at Rhapsody, iTunes and Amazon.com and you can check her out on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lreneedetroit
Images © 2008 L'Renee Musique inc.
Interview © 2008 31Third entertainment.
