Published: June 9, 2010 5:38 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight June 2010 Edition
Renee McCullough
Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Renee McCullough
Indie music Singer/Songwriter Renee McCullough possesses all the right elements that make her a sure win artist not to miss. Her driven endless passion and talent are a plus to what makes this artist a gem to listen to. Add in her love for making music and fans are going to be treated to one of the strongest female indie artists currently out in the indie music industry. In this recent spotlight with our Webzine, McCullough speaks openly about her humble beginnings and why she chooses to continue to make music. Here is what developed from our online conversation.
Isaac: Let’s get started with this interview. When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?
Renee: Music was a big part of my life growing up--I think I first fell in love with music at the age of seven. By age nine I had memorized every Bob Dylan lyric from both the Bringing It All Back Home and Free Wheelin Bob Dylan records.
Isaac: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences and why?
Renee: Most definitely they have been Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Beatles and Most recently---Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin.
Isaac: What has been the greatest highpoint in your career so far?
Renee: The highpoint of my career so far is when I received a phone call from the Birchmere in Alexandria Virginia to open on the main stage for Jack Ingram! However, I think the day my CD was finally released ties.
Isaac: What has been the greatest disappointment in your career so far? What did you learn from that experience?
Renee: I suppose the biggest disappointment has been how utterly difficult and time consuming it can be to get work and showcase my talent. It's a tough and very competitive business. I've learned, however, that tenacity pays off in the end.
Isaac: What draws you to want to play the type of music that you do?
Renee: I suppose that would simply be the need to self-express.
Isaac: What do you feel it takes to play this type of music that you play?
Renee: Honesty and the true believe that most often less is better.
Isaac: What do you think you will create that will make your performances and who you are stand out in the music industry?
Renee: I believe my lyrics and the way I convey them provide intimacy and something that feels uncontrived--two things that I feel are so lacking in today's popular music scene.
Isaac: If you had the opportunity to do one cover, what cover would you do and why? How would you put your own spin on this cover?
Renee: This is a tough question--I've been inspired by so many artists and songs. Probably, an old blues or jazz cover-without a guitar in my hand--in front of a band--I always enjoy putting my guitar down from time to time so I can completely concentrate on my vocal--I don't get to do that very often.
Isaac: What does it take to be a good songwriter?
Renee: I believe that to be a good songwriter you must write from your gut through personal experience and sheer emotion. I only put down words when I'm feeling something---Not a big fan of formulated and planned in advance songwriting.
Isaac: How difficult is it to juggle music, family and work obligation, and life in general? Explain.
Renee: Where do I begin? Extremely difficult to juggle everything. To be honest, I often walk around guilty because I choose to give up a lot of time with my children and family and neglect from time to time my day job. I have made my music a priority in my life--right or wrong.
Isaac: What is your definition of being an Indie artist/band?
Renee: Being true to yourself--creating what you believe in--and never selling-out to an industry and a popular market that doesn't understand.
Renee: In five years...I would like to think that I would still be writing music, playing as often as possible, working on perhaps my 3rd CD, and if lucky, having other well-known musicians/singers performing my songs.
