Gina Rene

GINA RENE
Born into a multi-ethnic family, Gina Rene grew up in the Bohemian setting of Santa Cruz, California. As a youth she listened to artists like Stevie Wonder, Cab Calloway, and Ella Fitzgerald along with more contemporary artists like Prince, Chaka Khan and Run DMC. She was raised in the early Hip-hop/Pop era of the 80’s when it was about raw creativity and truth. Combining all of these influences with her own melodies, flowing over beats with her own rhymes became second nature to Gina over time. Music runs in her family. Leon Rene, her grandfather, wrote; "Rockin Robin", recorded by both Bobby Day, and the Jackson Five and he wrote "Sleepy time Down South" which became Louis Armstrong's theme song. He also owned the first black independent record label on the West Coast, Exclusive Records. Her father Googie Rene, is also well known for his album; “Wham Bam”, by the Googie Rene Combo, which usually contained the cream of the west coast session men including Earl palmer on drums and Johnny “Guitar” Watson and others from the early rock n’ roll years. Recently Ace records of the UK re-released “wham Bam” due to a surging demand for funky instrumental music . Gabriel Rene, Gina’s brother, has also been a very important factor in her growth as an artist and she would say that without his highly refined and ingenious skills as a producer, she wouldn’t be who and where she is now.

Gina sang in both jazz and concert choirs during her high-school years. She was accepted into both the regional and All-State Honor Choirs in 1994. After graduating, she moved to San Francisco and became the lead singer/co-songwriter of her Brother Gabriel's band, Soulstice. The multi-cultural arts scene in San Francisco really inspired Gina to explore multiple directions with her music. She played with numerous vocal styles such as r&b, hip-hop, drum n’ bass, house, electrofunk, soul and torch style singing from the Jazz influenced 1940's. By freestyling over various d.j’s while living in San Francisco she found her strength in multiplicity. A fan gave her the nickname, "Miss Stylistic." She studied with vocal coach and singer Raz Kennedy. Raz worked with Bobby McFerrin and other great artists and taught Gina Rene that her voice is truly her instrument and to "live in it."

Gina Rene has just a bit of irreverence towards limitation in her beliefs and makes it known with a wide variety of vocal stylings and topics in her music. She'll sooth you with her melodies and then wake you up with the truth in her words. She writes and sings her own songs, and a few in co-laboration with others, blending R&B and Pop melodies with the wit of a true lyricist. One original of hers; "U Must Be, co-written by Artstrong Clarion & produced by Gabriel Rene, was featured in the 2006 film/soundtrack Step Up, released theatrically by Buena Vista Pictures, a part of the Walt Disney Company. She also co-wrote and recorded the hit song "MeanGurl" from Paramount film "Meangirls". Recently Yo-Yo, original female rapper and DJ on LA's first Hip Hop station, KDAY 93.5 fm, sponsored a contest called 'Throw it up or Slow it up'. Gina's song "Cluck, Cluck" won the audience over in 2 rounds. Yo-Yo offered Gina a non-compete slot to open up for KDAY 93.5 and Yo-Yo’s “Best of the West” contest of Hip-Hop artists. Gina frequents The hip-hop Café in Hollywood and is known as one of the fiercest femcees at their late-night freestyle sessions(www.hiphopcafe.org).

Gina is also a part of the Agape International Spiritual Center(www.agapelive.com)- a community that stands for Peace and Unity of all humanity. Agape is the home of the world renowned spiritual Teacher (Rev.) Michael Bernard Beckwith. He’s a fan of Gina's gifts and is a spiritual father to her as well. Beckwith was featured in the film “The Secret” and was also recently in the studio recording powerful words of wisdom on Gina’s up and coming single “Be the Change”-a song that reflects on what isn’t working on the planet only to then bring-forth a mentality of possibility -to inspire the listener to take the simplest actions, that will bring Great change in these times of war and peace.
You will find Gina featured on the youtube video “Greedy gentlemen” written by Peter Rader in support of WGA and the writers strike of 2007 in Los Angeles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPMJ5XekT8Q)
. She’s also featured in a short documentary on her life by Ashley Hughes soon to be available on the current t.v. cable channel and website(www.current.com).

Gina knows her music is a tool for her own personal growth, healing and self-discovery. Having had her share of ups and downs and living as an artist in urban America, she sees all of the violence/misunderstanding on the streets & around the globe and feels the great need to speak on it especially for future generations. Recognizing the influence Hip-Hop music has on youth the world over, she feels a great need for positive role models and is