Simply Six: Renee Wahl

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Like a lot of people, music was a huge part of my family life.  I was the youngest of 4, so my brothers and sister and I were always listening to or singing around the house (and my parents were too…my grandmother, Renee, was a Vaudeville singing tap acrobat with Billy Rose).

When I was very young, there was a TV show called “Puttin’ on the Hits” where people would dress up as a particular band or act and lip sync to a song.  My oldest brother was going to audition, so I thought I would too.  I dressed up as Cyndi Lauper and lip synced to “Time after Time”.  It was such an amazing experience!  Later on I saw her in concert and I knew this is what I wanted to do!

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

Gosh, a ton of different stuff.  I can always listen to Chris Isaak, but I love everything from the Beatles to the Ramones.  I also really enjoy Angelo Badalamenti, The Reverend Horton Heat, Lucinda Williams, Sara Borges, Neko Case, Mumford and Sons, Wanda Jackson, Neil Diamond…I could fill pages with my favorites!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

In the studio, it’s always exciting to work with great musicians.  I remember sitting and talking with Bryan Owings (drummer for Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris) during the tracking of “Cumberland Moonshine” and asking him if he played the drum track on one of my favorite Buddy and Julie Miller songs “Gasoline and Matches”.   I felt so giddy when he said “yes” because I thought it was such a brilliant track and I was so thankful to have him playing on my album. 

As far as live shows I don’t think there’s a better feeling than seeing or hearing people singing along to a song you’ve written and know that they’re having a good time!  I’m sure this sounds trite, but I think every moment is great.  Everyday something new happens that reinforces why I do what I do.  I’m definitely enjoying the journey!

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

I strongly believe music has a profound effect on us as individuals.  The experiences are very personal.  I don’t know if two people can experience a song in the same way.  So as far as changing the world or current events…it dependsJ

A few years ago I read the book “This Is Your Brain On Music” by Daniel Levitin.  It’s such a great read and does a good job at explaining why music plays such a huge role in our lives.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician? 

Technology has made music more accessible to the listener.  There’s so many artist and types of music that people are able to experience more than they ever could outside the confines of traditional radio and local venues.  Now you can listen to and watch music from all over the world without leaving your home.

For me, this has made it easier to make people aware of my music and what I’m doing.  On the other hand, it’s made it more difficult because there are so many more artists out there that it takes more effort to ensure people find my music and take notice of what’s going on.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I would be a pair of Lime Green and Blue Ariat FatBaby Boots!  I actually own a pair of these and they are my most fave shoes.  They’re fun and unusual and they grab your attention, but at the same time they’re super comfy and versatile...