Jenn Renee

Music has been in, around, and through me since as far back as I can remember. My grandparents were music professors (my grandmother having kindly given me piano lessons as a child), my mom played piano and taught me how to harmonize, and my dad played guitar, trumpet, and is a prolific songwriter. As a kid I was always making up little songs and beating out rhythms, picking out bass lines and singing harmonies to whatever came on the radio. I found myself learning the chords to "I'll Be Loving You Forever" and rocking the mic with some New Kids on the Block (hey, it was cool at the time! ;) Then when I was 12 I saw the video for LeAnn Rimes' "Blue" on CMT, and something clicked. Probably a combination of awe and jealousy. ;) I threw together a cassette tape of myself singing a couple karaoke songs, and a couple years later wound up in Nashville for a few days recording a 4-song demo, followed by a terrifying radio interview in my home state of Michigan.
The next few years were spent honing my writing skills and obsessing over some new recording software I'd acquired. After one year at Central Michigan University I ended up at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, which was an unbelievable experience - meeting a bunch of other misfit music nerds like myself. I learned a great deal from my teachers about the inner workings of the business, and I was able to work with some amazingly talented people. I spent hours in the studio with my own songs and at times as a guinea pig for my engineer friends looking to toggle some dials. 12-6 a.m. became my prime working hours, and coffee and donuts my best friends. I started performing for the first time, providing background vocals for local artists in both Boston and New York City. I expanded my musical horizons a great deal, studying jazz, blues and the history of rock, to the music of South Africa and Brazil. It inspired me to incorporate more elements of different genres in my writing.
I managed to graduate in December of 2003 with a degree in Professional Music, and moved to Los Angeles for further torture. ;) I've met some amazing, talented people here and am grateful for the opportunities I've had in music thus far. I did a 1-year stint fronting a Top 40 cover band called Lazy Susan, and sang background vocals for Dina Gathe, a rock singer/songwriter (www.myspace.com/dinagathe). I'm currently writing, writing, writing and getting ready for the long but immensely gratifying process of recording over the next several months. Armed with Garage Band, some Line 6 gear, and a shiny new mic, I'm ready for a new year of music.

Other stuff...
I love to travel. Love photography, books, movies, late nights, Denny's at 3 a.m. Love my family and friends. I love change, adventure, and daydreams. I've come to love this city. I crave knowledge and open-mindedness and creativity, moments of enlightenment, morning (when I stay up to see it), and art. I like putting a new song on repeat until it's drilled into my head. I miss Michigan's summer thunderstorms, and the reflecting pool in Boston. I love walking, writing, and various attempts at vegetarian cooking. Conversations with old friends, new friends, and strangers. I enjoy volunteering, and I'm working on being more of an activist.
I'd love to hear from you if you're in need of vocals - live or in-studio - are looking to collaborate, or just want to say hello. I welcome conversation. :)

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