Interview with Rachel Renee

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

• There was a piano at my house and at the age of 3. I jumped on it and started to pick out the tune of a song on the radio, by ear. My mother heard me, and immediately put me in music lessons. She knew I had an “ear” for it.

  If I wasn’t doing music, I’d be doing dance, because at least I’d still have something to do with music…quantifying sound through movement.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

• I love to read and write, as much as I love children, so I write children’s books. It actually keeps my creative juices flowing, coming up with different topics - for all ages, and some easily turn into song lyrics.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

• Well, I am currently in Florida, the international gateway to the U.S., but like my multi-cultural heritage, I have lived many places - from California to Mexico to Chicago to Jamaica, and my music draws from all the influences of each area as they are so different from each other…molding me as the unique artist that I am.

What is your dream venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

• The Grammys - if I’m performing there, it means I’m probably nominated, or even getting a Grammy! Second to that, I’d say The White House, Madison Square Garden, and the Superbowl.

• I haven’t really performed at any venues yet, so I’m excited for all that’s to come!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

• Chris Brown, Taylor Swift, B2K, Cardi B.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

• Easily, to follow your passion and instincts and stop worrying about what others think. Yeah, I put off music to live for everybody else, now I’m finally trying to live for me, but all that time wasted (or delayed) that I could have been empathizing with my fans and being their voice.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

• Pretty much, the same answer as above - to follow your passion and instincts and stop worrying about what others think.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

• “Remember.” It’s where it all started with my project, and what brings everyone to the table.

What is the creative process for Rachel Renee and what inspires you to write your music?

• My inspirations stem from: my diverse background, the different things I’m involved in, the vast amount of times that I have been hurt by people, my accomplishments, injustices of the world, my love for animals and nature, my love for LOVE, and my fave job of all - being a mother.

Tell us a bit more about your latest single “Remember”

• “Remember” is a spellbinding ballad that captures the essence of pain over a true love lost. And yet, it's not meant to be hurtful. It's a journey back; reminiscing on when everything was perfect together...and how/why/when can we live that way again? But, is that even possible...is it repairable...is the other person even physically here anymore?

  The sound is intensely full, in order to grab the audience and bring their feelings to the forefront by utilizing a myriad of sounds with depth - from pouring rain and thunder, to live violin strings, to the beat of a heartrate monitor. Notably, this song plays more like a soundtrack!

  “For me, everything stems from this song. I have always felt there's someone out there that completely empathizes with its meaning, and it must be shared with the world for that very reason."

  Music proponents believe "Remember" will bring back what's been missing in the R&B genre for so long.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

• That I understand; I GET IT. I am on the level of my fans, with them, never above them. They are not alone. And you can do anything if you put your mind to it, at any age, despite what others might think or the obstacles put in your way.  When you have hit rock bottom and the trials and tribulations seem more than you can bear - hold on and you will see, at the other end of it all - is pure beauty and peace.

  I am not in the music industry for the fame and fortune; I was called to it to be the voice of my fans, and that is what I plan to do, always.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

• Excitedly, I am working on my first album!! It is dropping this year and I can’t wait for my fans, my heartbeats, to hear it!!!