Rena Wren hits LA

Rena Wren, talented pop/folk songstress is in LA this weekend. Her style is pop/contemporary with a tinge of folk. If Sheryl Crow and Jewel had a protege, it would be Rena Wren. Currently playing small venues, catch her before she hits big time...

1. When did you begin your pursuit of music?

I began writing songs at a young age (like 10). I never thought much about it because the songs just came to me and I would write them down. I never really told anyone, though, it was just sort of my own little secret. Throughout my life I sang in church, became very involved in musical theater, acting, singing, directing, choreographing, even played in some cover bands, performed in pretty much every outlet available, and continued to write songs "in the closet." About 5 years ago, after I had sold everything I owned and moved to a Caribbean island for three months and then came home, I had a sort of creative epiphany and decided to start playing my songs out...and here I am!

2. Who are your musical influences and inspirations?

Oh, this list is pretty long and might surprise people, but to name a few: Sting, Robert Plant, Jewel, Dr. Hook, Merle Haggard, Sarah McLachlan, Cyndi Lauper, Ella Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Amy Grant, Jason Mraz, Loretta Lynn. In terms of inspiration to actually do the music, I would have to give that one to Jewel. I had played guitar and piano since I was about 12 years old (mostly in the closet) and during law school (oh yeah, did I mention I am an attorney, too??!!) I became fascinated with Jewel and how she took four chords and made great music and I thought, "I can do this!" So at that point, I became serious about putting my songs to guitar. Jewel really was the catalyst to my deciding to try this. These days I am more into indie music - some of my favorites are Schuyler Fisk, Ryan Adams, A Fine Frenzy, Thea Gilmore, Aimee Bobruk, Anna Nalick, Chris Michaels & the Cranks, and Kevin Kerby.

3. What was the easiest song to write/record on your new CD?

The easiest to write was hands down "The State of Things." I was literally sitting on my bed one day thinking about the way things were, contemplating change, running different scenarios through my head and at last wondering if any of it really mattered -- like if I weren't in a certain place/time, would it really change without me, or would the world spin madly on? Or, if I made subtle changes, or huge strides, would things really change at the end of the day? That song poured out in literally about 20 minutes. Recording that song was more of a challenge, mainly because there were so many directions and ideas to choose from that I really had to chew on different production approaches in order to make a decision. Next would be "Random Matter," which was based on an e-mail I had written to a friend of mine. We were having a discussion about love, life, people who have affairs, laws of attraction, etc., and I started writing (sort of brain-dumping) in terms of a metaphor with geometry principles (I used to do a lot of math and mapping at work). This song is one of the first songs that really got attention in terms of my writing ability and style. So my friend on the other end of the e-mail said, you know, that e-mail could be a great song. I printed it and sat down with my guitar and there it was! I remember playing it outside around a bonfire for a couple of friends who loved it and thinking how cool is this? I write something awfully quirky and they love it?! Bliss.

4. If you could play with any artist, alive or dead, who would it be?

Do I have to pick just one? I would love to duet with either Jason Mraz or Jewel or Dave Matthews. I would love to have Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac) sing with me and play lead for me.

5. What's your fans' favorite song when you play gigs?

From the CD, most likely would be "The State of Things," which my husband/bass player subtitled "The Bouncy Song." He actually came up with the cool bouncing bass line. When we play that song, the audience literally bounces. It just happens! I think people can relate to it and it makes them think about life, but at the same time it keeps them happy because of the style and mood of the song. The juxtaposition makes me happy. Plus, I just love that word. Another favorite is a song called "Summer Solstice" we are about to record for the next cd. It is a swingy sort of modern blues style song. Crowds just sway when we play it!

CAFE MUSE  http://www.cafemusela.com Saturday, July 24th, 10:30 p.m.
THE TALKING STICK  http://www.thetalkingstick.net  Monday, July 26th, 7:00 p.m. with Eddie West
BOO BOO RECORDS in SLO  http://www.booboorecords.com Wednesday, July 28th, 5:30 p.m.
FIN'S at Grover Beach, Wednesday, July 28th, 7:00 p.m.