Today we’d like to introduce you to Laiya Reneè.
Hi Laiya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for music definitely formed early because of my mom. When I was 3 years old, I couldn’t fully talk but my mother noticed I would hum and actually harmonize with her or music playing. She says all the time she knew I would sing but couldn’t believe I was so young recognizing parts. From then on, she played a very big part in my vocal development and has been an amazing support system in my life. She has impeccable taste and was able to introduce me to artist like India Arie, Mali Music, Jazmine Sullivan and Brandy just to name a few! Growing up to these amazing artists inspired me and taught me that it’s important to be you and not compare yourself to others. There’s nothing better than the gift God specifically assigned to you.
Luckily, I have been able to
connect with tons of great artists across Dallas but am exclusively working in an artist collective ‘The Songbirds’ with Kayla E and Zipporah Richie. I am 2/3 of this amazing group of ladies and encourage you to check out their articles here too.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an independent artist has not been the smoothest as you could imagine. I’m originally from Sacramento, California and moved here to Dallas when I was 10 years old. Two words, culture shock lol. To my surprise, I quickly adapted to my new home but having no close family, trying to make new friends and just simply figure out who I was without them was hard. This played a big part on my self esteem for years and set me back when it came to exploring my vocality in public because I was shy. Believe it or not I actually still suffer from stage fright! The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” is real. I had nobody but my mom and baby brother moving to Dallas. By the time I was 15, I realized, I needed other people who looked liked me. I needed people who found the same interest as me, who understood me. Recognizing this early on allowed me to create my own family and build genuine relationships that I still value to this day. These relationships have molded me into not only the woman I am but the musician as well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer, trained vocalist, background vocalist and songwriter. I have had the opportunity to be coached my these amazing teachers in Dallas: Colton Blake, Dameron Growe and Christopher Rhodes. These teachers sparked a fuse between traditional r&b and classical music. I am extremely thankful and because of them I have been able to take those orchestral lessons and apply those skills to my vocal choices. I love to explore my tonality and allow space to take a simple melody and turn it into something more complex and colorful. What makes me proud is seeing and hearing how people receive and admire a different perspective in music based off of my approach and my artistry. I am currently working on original music and am excited to share. Stay tuned and follow my socials if you’d like to keep updated or even connect.
What does success mean to you?
I believe success is defined by the hearts you touch and the spirits you move. Never the number you get for streams or even a like on a video. Of course we all like to be supported and we love to be seen. It’s evident that numbers are important, impressive even. Difference is, when you have a calling “success” by number is not the end goal. I think in this generation we define everything by a count and make’s it hard to believe in ourselves. So to anyone reading this today (including me) know you are loved and your dreams are never too far fetched. Be satisfied with your accomplishments big or small. Remember you only get greater from them.
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