On Leah Renee

Remember this post? It is pointed out because while there are many still going in that direction, there are several in the music, tv and fashion world going in the other direction. The other direction meaning going the right way. Instead of crashing into trees, showing their vaginas coming out of cars, ending up in jail for dui convictions, throwing parties inviting only the anorexic, there are those who are finally breaking through with real talent. Leah Renee is actually one of those going in the right direction with real good music. She agreed to sit down and have an interview with us while in New York recording her debut album and shooting A Day in the Life (have to get those Michael Kors shoes). A Papierdoll exclusive, the interview follows below:

What are you working on currently that has all of your attention, and how is it going?

Right now I’m working on finishing up my record deal-it’s been really challenging having to deal with everyone’s different, not to mention busy schedules and living away from home…but at the same time it’s exciting! I’m also writing and recording songs for my first album and future projects…which is always fun!!!

Who deserves all the credit for Leah Renee?

Well…there isn’t just one specific individual responsible for where I am in life right now. I’m a work in progress. I started modelling and acting at the age of five…I had to BEG my parents to let me. From a young age I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic and gained the confidence I needed to put myself out there and take risks with my career. I’ve worked with some great people and those who weren’t so great…but I’ve learned something from each of them. Luckily I hooked up with my New Jersey team ( a.k.a my 2nd family) and every experience so far has been a positive. They’ve definitely helped me grow as a person and an artist. It also goes without saying that my family deserves a whole lot of credit.

You’ve done voiceovers for TV shows and animated features, how did you get into singing?

Acting and singing are kind of related in the industry-when I was eleven I wanted to audition for the musical Jane Eyre which was coming to Toronto. So I did some research and enlisted the help of vocal coach Elaine Overholt…who just recently finished working with John Travolta on Hairspray…to help me get through the whole audition process. I didn’t get the job but I did land some jobs singing commercial jingles for TV and started to work with different producers.

Was the voice-over thing something you saw as a full time job forever?

As an actor you have to be versatile-it’s a good thing to be able to do on camera and voice work. I’ve been doing cartoons since I was a kid and I fully expect to still be doing them when I’m an old lady along with singing!!

When will you know that you’ve made it?

One day.

You did the Day in the life photo series with Papierdoll photographer Reka Nyari, does the theme of that photo story reflect the way your life is right now?

Ha…no… My life is NOT that glamorous!! But it was nice pretending!

Who listens to a Leah Rennee song?

I think my music appeals to a pretty wide range of people. Between the ages of 10-30…there are a lot of songs that people can relate to. There is a song for everyone on the album.

Do you feel emotionally connected to any specific theme in your lyrics?

Well…the songs that I’ve written and co-written are generally about situations or relationships that I’ve been in…So I definitely feel connected to the themes on a personal level.

When you’re not singing what are you up to?

I’m a MAJOR movie buff- I love all types but especially love stories and animated movies. I really like to read-just about anything I can get my hands on. I also like shopping, working out, spending time with my friends and family and discovering new restaurants and different kinds of food. There are so many different and AMAZING tastes in dishes from different cultures and I intend to try them all!! My favourite is Indian. Also, lately I’ve found myself addicted to watching old performances of artists like Aretha Franklin, Billy Holiday, Tina Turner and James Brown to name a few on YouTube…they never cease to amaze!!

What’s in your iPod?

Everything. Seriously. From 80’s rock, to pop, country, r&b, hip hop, soul…I mean…the list goes on.

In the coming months your name may be everywhere, will you go diva on us?

Haha…my mom wouldn’t allow it. She’d put me in my place REALLY fast!

Most recording artists move from music to TV and Film you did it the other way around why?

Right now I’m focusing on my singing. But that doesn’t mean I’ve walked away from acting. I’ve been doing it my whole life and I’m going to continue to do
so. I believe I can manage both careers. I started to pursue singing in my early teens…it just felt natural. It wasn’t a conscious decision to do one before the other…just kind of happened that way.

Some say that pop music can’t be taken seriously, how do you feel about that?

Pop music shouldn’t be taken seriously. Pop music and any music really makes life more enjoyable. It’s a gift that brings out feelings in the listener. Songs are basically stories that are sung-they’re meant to entertain.

What makes you happiest?

I can’t really narrow it down to just one thing. I saw fireflies for the first time a few days ago; where I’m from in Toronto we don’t have them. It made my day!!! Of course being with my family is at the top of the list. But just living here on this BEAUTIFUL earth makes me happy…I love and appreciate life in all its colours.

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