Dancer turned singer-songwriter Claire Reneé unveils her latest single “Sadder Days,” a seamless blend of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop, signalling her upcoming debut EP.
Some musicians, like Claire Reneé, have emerged as pioneers in the ever-evolving world of music by deliberately pushing traditional rules and expanding the boundaries of creative expression.
Drawing on her significant expertise in classical music, Claire Reneé can skillfully integrate a variety of musical styles, including R&B, soul, jazz, and pop music. The result of this amalgamation is a one-of-a-kind and engaging musical experience.
One of the things that set Claire Reneé apart is her innate ability to synthesise a variety of different sources into a coherent whole. The artist’s musical style has a particular characteristic that is distinguished by a harsh yet polished vocal timbre, and it is supplemented by engaging melodic combinations.
This quality was influenced by the genre of hip-hop. The finished product is a piece of musical composition that, when played for an audience, elicits a powerful emotional reaction from those in attendance while simultaneously captivating them with its various layers and unique sonic worlds.
The story of how Claire Reneé became one of the most prominent figures in the world of music is a tale that is just as compelling as the beautiful compositions that she has created. The individual’s introduction to dance occurred at an impressionable age, which paved the way for them to pursue training at illustrious institutions such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin Ailey.
However, she did not give up on her artistic ambitions then. She began her educational journey at prestigious institutions such as Berklee and The New School, where she diligently refined her musical abilities and developed a distinctive vocal style that is characterised by its versatility and captivating allure. This innate aptitude for music and artistic expression served as the driving force behind her decision to pursue an education.
In her piece named “Sadder Days,” Claire Reneé exhibits a break from the jazz-oriented repertoire that she often performs, so providing a much-appreciated variation in the musical approach.
Claire Reneé’s talent as a songwriter and emotional awareness are showcased in the song’s artful fusion of contemporary R&B and pop genres. The lyrics explore complex emotions surrounding relationships, making them both relatable and easy to understand. This is a testament to the song’s excellence.
The film “Sadder Days” centres around Claire Reneé’s introspective journey as she reflects on a time when she gave too much of herself to others. Through her music, the artist offers a relatable window for audiences to reflect on their own experiences and growth.
The song “Sadder Days” by Claire Reneé is a gripping glimpse of the creative world that she is painstakingly constructing, and it serves as a precursor to her upcoming extended play (EP).
Her ability to fill each melodic utterance with deep emotion is a testament to her extraordinary creative talent, as is the artist’s unique synthesis of musical genres, which serves as another testament to her artistic brilliance. “Sadder Days” firmly confirms Claire Reneé as an emerging artist who is positioned to make a lasting mark on the music world.
Could you tell us about the creative process behind “Sadder Days”?
Jaye Locke and I were in his studio and playing around with some sounds. He came across something he had been working on with his friend Silas Wong, and I started writing about it.
The first verse poured out. I then went back into my notebook and remembered I had written this hook as an idea, which is the hook you hear! Going into my writing archives is always a fun part of my process. I wrote and recorded most of the song on the spot and took some time on the second verse in my home studio.
What inspired you to create “Sadder Days”?
At the moment, these were just words that came to me. I had no specific aim at that moment. Sometimes I have to create and get things out to start making sense of it. I remembered when someone gave up on the relationship and how weird, frustrating, and confusing it felt.
The hook is not my exact experience, but it gives the urgency a song needs to get my point across about how heartbreaking it feels for someone to leave out of nowhere in such a cold manner.
You’ve undoubtedly developed a unique sound and style to fit into your musical journey, how does it showcase your growth and artistic evolution?
This shows off my ability to play and be versatile. This song and the others I’ll be releasing fit more into the current sounds of R&B in 2023. I usually lean way more toward jazz and hip-hop soul. It’s what most know my sound to be. I think my lower register has grown a bit, and I’m playing with that on this EP, especially in the lower sultry notes on “Sadder Days.”
Can you share the underlying message or theme that you wanted to convey through “Sadder Days”?
The underlying message is you don’t always need closure from a situation. Actions are sometimes more than enough. Unfortunately, we encounter people who teach us a lesson, and the key is learning and moving on.
Many adults out here make decisions to say and do things to others and don’t even know why. Some can’t even show up for themselves, let alone another person. You have the right to be hurt and to work through your emotions, but please know what someone else chooses to do does not dictate your worth and shouldn’t change your capacity to love.
Technology has transformed music consumption and sharing. How do you adapt and use digital channels to reach global audiences?
I use social media in a way that’s not too overwhelming for me and still feels authentic to reach fans and new listeners. I’ve been on Soundcloud for quite some time, and the huge Soundcloud era taught me how many people are looking for music like yours.
I ensure my music is distributed on as many platforms as possible so that people all around the world can find my music. It’s not always easy to cut through, but your people do find you! Shoutout to listeners and fans in Japan, UK, and South Africa who support my music heavily.
Can you give us a glimpse into what the future holds for your music?
I hope to get out and perform more since life has been so wild in the past 2-3 years. I would love to get a chance to perform on some bigger stages and festivals and even perform with or open for an act like Lianne La Havas or Corinne Bailey Rae!
I also plan to write more and see how I get inspired to continue playing with my sound, storytelling, movement, and visual concepts. I want to continue to grow and elevate as an artist
Do you have any advice for aspiring songwriters?
Keep writing. Stay consistent with your writing, whether it’s your tunes or tunes you want to write for others. Even if I’m not writing a song, I’m writing down how I feel, thoughts, ideas, poems, and anything else. If you get stuck, that’s okay. It’s usually a sign you need to go live or get inspired. Take a break and allow yourself to get inspired.
