Renee Landry: ‘Coffee’ (Exclusive Interview)
How did you get your start in music?
I started singing and writing songs at a young age. Music was always played around my house, and I just naturally fell into it. Listening to artists like Britney Spears and the Spice Girls really sparked my passion for performing. It is something I've worked and trained for my whole life. From voice lessons to getting my bachelor of music in vocal performance. I've been doing it professionally now for almost a decade, which is crazy to think about!
What is your music and movement all about?
My music is mostly inspired by my life events. I write about my experiences, whether it's love, heartbreak, mental health or being a woman in today's world. It's important to me that I'm honest in my story telling, and within that honesty I hope that the listener will be inspired and or find comfort. It's a magical experience hearing a song by an artist that you feel perfectly reflects your own story.
I'm very inspired by music from the 70's, 90's and early 2000's - soul, pop, rock, jazz etc.
Even though I definitely lean towards the soul/pop side of things, I don't enjoy having to label my sound. I just let my writing take me where it wants to go, whatever style or genre that may be. At the end of the day, what's most important to me is that I make authentic, timeless music that makes people feel something. I don't want to be the flavour of the week - I want to create music that is still a jam 10-20 years from now.
What was the hardest part of making this song?
The song itself unfolded pretty effortlessly. My team and I were very much on the same page. The vocal delivery was definitely a challenge. I really had to hold myself back when recording. I didn't want to over-decorate or add too much power. It was important to me that the vocals came across as more vulnerable to showcase the emotion and lyrics of the song.
What was the most enjoyable part of making this song?
Getting to work with Robbie Riggs for the first time (who is featured on guitar). He's such a terrific musician and a fun hang. We'll definitely be working together more in the future!
Who are your top musical influences?
There are SO MANY! I listen to a lot of different artists and genres. Some of my absolute favourites would have to be Ella Fitzgerald, Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, CCR, Brian Fallon, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles and the Spice Girls. Really I could go on and on. Lately my go to albums have been by Yebba, Kacey Musgraves and Abba. I'm also a die hard Switfy.
How did you prepare to make this all happen?
The creative part was easy. For an independent artist, it's the budget that's always the most crucial/challenging detail. I was very lucky to receive a Recording Production grant from the City of Ottawa, which has and will continue to help fund the project.
What can we expect from you in 2021?
The main thing at the moment would be the release of my next single "Coffee" on Friday, October 1st. After that I'll be focusing on the production for the EP, and working alongside my music director Richard Page to finalize arrangements etc. I'll have a third single coming out in the new year, and the plan is to release my new EP in Spring 2022.
‘COFFEE’ ON SPOTIFY
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