Since the early age of 2, San Jose native Reena Lynn knew her passion for singing was something she would carry throughout life. Admiring the likes of Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill, Reena Lynn wanted to follow in their footsteps and so she pursued a musical career. In 2000, Lynn joined the studio of Sergie Aragones (aka DJ Gameboy), where the inspiring young artist cultivated her love of music and her desire to one day release an album. As Reena Lynn immersed herself in music full time, word began to spread locally about her talent. She’s performed with the artist Passion and has been featured in Nump Trump’s debut solo album “The Numpyard”, as well as, his music video “Be Like Mike.” Reena Lynn also had a short run as lead singer of a band called “Treble Clef”. Her first project entitled “Lady’s First” just released as a free download worldwide, with two notable singles “Slow Grindin” and “Mr. Right Now.”
Catch her on the Guest List show on Tuesday, May 29 at 8pm PST.
PCLP: Who are your greatest influences both in life and music?
Reena: My family inspires me to reach above my potential, whether it is in life or music. When I was young, I looked up to my late grandfather who had a voice of an angel. He was my first musical influence. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be living my dream. Everyday people and everyday things influence me every day. Life and music are never at a standstill for me.
PCLP: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
Reena: It’s so hard to choose just one artist because I’m such a fan of all types of music and there are so many talented artists out there. If I had to choose my favorites it would be Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill. These women represent power in my eyes – my idols. They are everything I want to be musically. Not only are they both very talented, but their music captivates you in way where it never gets old in your ears. I want to be that person in someone else’s eyes.
PCLP: Describe the feelings and emotions you have when you play music.
Reena: I usually write music based on the feelings and emotions going on at that moment. I’m a very emotional person to begin with, so I’m always pouring out my heart and putting all my soul into each song I write. I don’t ever hide my feelings. I’m the type of person to let you know exactly how I’m feeling. When I feel gloomy or angry, the songs I write are obvious. When I write, I want people to feel me and relate to it. Most of the time, I’m very happy-go-lucky, and that allows me to write songs that make you feel good or are very inspirational. I love being an inspiration to people and I’ve always believed that my words expressed though my voice can make a difference in someone’s life, maybe even the world.
PCLP: What is your creative process?
Reena: I like to clear my mind of all reality and put it in a place where I’m only focused on me, my music, and my listeners. Based on how I’m feeling or what I’m inspired by is how I create. I take into consideration that I’m telling my story to my listeners, therefore, I tell it how it is; Being as real as it gets and showing my vulnerability. Showing that side of you is what attracts the attention of your listeners. They want to get a sense of who you are through your music, and I always strive to give them that.
PCLP: Is there a particular song that takes you back to a memorable moment and what is it?
Reena: “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles. This was my jam at 5-years old. Listening to this song always brings me back to my childhood days of always singing out loud. I used to get in trouble for singing at the dinner table because my parents thought I should be doing more eating and less singing when it came to dinner time. This was one of the many songs that stuck to me as a little kid.
PCLP: What was your most memorable performance and why?
Reena: 2011 Culture Fest in Las Vegas, NV. It was the first time I’d ever performed out of state. The story behind that goes like this. Before I signed with Da Fam Records, Cel One and I recorded “Brand New” and I was introduced to the CEO, Jun Hofilena. A couple weeks went by and Jun contacted me. He made a proposal to me and said that he could make me a star. Now mind you, I had been told this before by many other people and nobody really fell through. Jun assured me that he was going to get me to perform in Vegas. Four months after being signed to Da Fam Records, I was on stage at the Fremont Street Experience rocking a show in Vegas. And that’s when I knew, sh*t just got real.
PCLP: Do you have any upcoming projects that you are working on or any events we should look out for?
Reena: I just completed my first EP “First Verse” with my producer, Statik D. I’ll tell you, this is the best piece of work I’ve ever done so far, and I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished. I don’t have an official release date yet, but I am definitely planning to release it before this summer ends, so please be on the lookout for that. It will be available on iTunes. Da Fam Records will be shooting a music video for Cel One’s track “Brand New” sometime in June. That was the very first song I ever did with Cel One so I’m very excited to shoot a music video with him. As for events, Da Fam Records is bringing back the semi-annual urban wear fashion show, Couture Cartel, at the end of summer. The team and I are in the process of planning it right now, and we hope that our hard work brings success.
PCLP: What would be your advice to those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Reena: I know I might sound cliché for saying this but don’t ever give up. This is so true because there have been so many times where I felt like the easiest thing to do was to give up. Why? Because at the time, I felt like I didn’t have the support I needed to succeed. I did everything on a solo tip. But because music is my passion, giving up was not an option. I had to do everything in my power to keep working at it to get to where I want to be. Sure enough, when you believe in yourself as much as others believe in you and you have the drive and passion to do what you love to do, there’s no way you can fail. I will leave you with this. Always dream big and aim high no matter what you do in life. Believe in yourself and don’t ever give up. Hard work always, and I mean always pays off.
PCLP: Thank you so much for taking the time out to speak with us. Where can your fans find you?
Reena: Twitter - I love interacting with my Twitter folks so don’t be afraid to talk to me, I do talk back. I have a Reena Lynn Facebook fan page you can check out here. Also, do not forget to visit Da Fam Records for more info, pictures, music, and updates on all the artists.
- Abbie Isidro
Abbie Isidro lives in the Bay Area. She aspires to one day be a mafia princess,but, if that doesn’t work out, then she hopes to put her MBA in Hospitality Management to great use! (Yes that’s a plug right there!) She is obsessed with Hello Kitty! Anything Hello Kitty she has to have. It is a personal goal to one day be on Masterchef since Kitchen Nightmares may not work out to meet Chef Ramsey. She makes damn good cupcakes that are moist and fluffy. She’s not scared of the camera since she was on Pacific Rim Video. Don’t mess with the dance crew she represents called AOV! If you wanna be her first stalker then follower her on Twitter @abbieisidro.
