Meet Alaina Renae

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alaina Renae. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alaina, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I found myself in a lot of rooms where I was the only one that looked like me. I couldn’t let that stop me. When you see me, there are literally some things I can’t change (and no desire to). That is where self love and confidence comes in handy. I had to learn how to be ok with me and understand what God has for me is SPECIFICALLY for me. I know what I was meant to do, if you catch my vibe then you will know what I mean 💕

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a National Recording (Independent) Artist . The reason why the word Independent is super is because that means I do everything on my own. No record deal. No advance money. No real budget. This makes me want to push and work that much harder. I have opened

Inserting resume below

Her debut album, The Introduction, proudly displays her Gospel heritage, which is expertly woven throughout her soulful sound. While Alaina says she is not the product of her environment, she is clearly the product of her upbringing – she was raised in the church and taught to be soulful – that is exactly what you hear on this album. There are hints of jazz and R&B throughout her music, but this petite woman can belt out a song, putting her heart and soul into each word she sings. “I am a soul singer,” states Alaina. “Every day that I sing, I put my life into it. If I’m singing, you will feel what I am singing. I draw you into it. It’s personal. I make it personal.”

Alaina has opened for numerous Grammy award winning artist and currently provides background vocals for the Jim Irsay Collection. The Jim Irsay Band/performers include Music legends Stephen Stills (Crosby, Stills & Nash), Ann Wilson (Heart), Peter Wolf (J. Geils Band), five time Grammy nominee Kenny Wayne Shepard, Billy Branch, Buddy Guy, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Vince Gill, John Mellencamp, Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon, and so many more. She also recently opened the 2024 NBA All Star game joining EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson, providing background vocals for her timely hit “I’ve Got This”.

Some of the artist Alaina has opens for include Boyz II Men, October London, Al Green, Teddy Riley, Tank, Keith Sweat, BBD, Jodeci, Tamia, The O’Jays, and so many more.

Alaina has recently released her new song “It’s You” that’s available everywhere. The song definitely provides a rhyming, beautiful, lyrical, and melodious vibe. She is currently providing her vocals for commercials and jingles which can be heard on the new IU Credit Union campaign. “This is just the beginning for me, I’m ready for my own Grammy”.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

One great I having is “Reading the room”. I can have a show and try a new song and I have the ability to see if it’s going over well. I also have the ability to create a complete vibe at a show. I want my fans to leave having a fantastic experience. I would tell a newbie not to give up. I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve cried and wanted to give up. You expect all these wins and reality is….you will eventually lose. Losing is ok when you understand the process. I almost learned the hard way due to me almost giving up and getting what the world views as a “regular” job. I’m not a regular person. I’m an artist. I would tell someone starting out to read the room. Artist can become slightly selfish. You have to pay attention to your audience and create a safe space for them to completely vibe.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Omggggg!!!! I would love to collab with Jill Scott, Teedra Moses, and Pharrell . I love what they have contributed to this art and I want to feel the same thing. They can call me ANYTIME 😂. All of my social me is the same. Alainarenaemusic.

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