With her new single ‘Crazy In Love’ garnering shockwaves of praise, chanteuse Renee Reid whose stage name is Double R (RR), has stepped into a realm of subtle heartbreaks and whispered truths through love’s rhythms. It’s not very often that we come across artistes that can take you through a maelstrom of emotions over the course of a four minute long vocal delivery, but RR has carved a captivating artistic expression that effortlessly pulls you closer with every word.
“The beauty that lies with ‘Crazy In Love’, is the fact that it doesn’t simply talk of the here and now, but encompasses a theme of relatability that can transcend years,” offered the vivacious vocalist.
“I feel as though the musical landscape today lacks great lyricists, which is why most of the songs today are forgotten after a short period of time, but luckily I was blessed to have the genius of Reggae crooner Chevaughn in crafting this particular single.”
Inspired by the musicality of multi-platinum and Grammy-Award winning artiste Beyoncé, RR isn’t worried about breaking into and being accepted on the music scene, but rather aspires to constantly hone her talents to earn a permanent place among her childhood idols.
“In all aspects of artistry, Beyoncé is arguable the most consistent entertainer for the past decade. I try to emulate her work ethic and forward-thought,” RR elucidates, noting that “being an up and coming female artiste, attempting to become a mainstream entertainer, is by no means an easy task, but it has been proven to be attainable. From persons like Aretha Franklin and Etta James, Marcia Griffiths and Phyllis Dillon, to most recently Jhené Aiko and SZA, to Etana and Tessanne Chin, female acts can make it mainstream. We just have to work a bit harder.”
“I’m very positive that my sound and appeal can blur the lines that tend to create boundaries for Jamaican artistes and female vocalists in particular. I’m surrounded by a great team and musicians that are highly supportive of my ventures and we’re all likeminded. What I’m bringing to the fore is a calculative approach to garner a wider appeal,” expressed RR. She has performed at Sumfest International Night Two and across the Bahamas for Hennessy Artistry.
“I believe that as a singer, you can’t limit yourself and range to that of only one genre; you have to constantly pull from varied cultural and musical influencers. Yes I may have a single out on a ‘Dancehall-esque’ rhythm, but the sound and feel of the single has an R&B edge to it, which might be one of the reasons Mavado heard the single and decided that he had to have a remix created,” offered RR, chuckling at the thought.
She describes herself as a motivated, driven, all-rounded, well-balanced, young sophisticated female. She is of course, the Corporate Account Manager for a popular telecoms company in Jamaica, with a background in dance, including ballet, modern contemporary, African, dancehall and pop. Renee is a principal dancer for Dance Theatre Xaymaca (DTX).
According to RR, her style of music and flare is all driven by experiences she has encountered throughout her lifetime, or from those very close to her.
Indeed, the crazy habits of our hearts tend to bring us a combined notion of both exhilaration and heartache. But for this newly engaged songstress in her late 20’s, it’d be crazy of her not to tap into the tumultuous pulsation of her heart’s desires and experiences…the home of creative expression.