Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: My name is Renee Ruffinengo and I am a singer-songwriter, pianist and producer from Argentina. I studied singing and classical piano, giving several piano recitals between my childhood and adolescence; then played in pop/rock, blues and jazz bands. My childhood went hand in hand with the study of Bach, Mozart, Chopin and other geniuses, and I believe that, although I write pop songs, this learning has given me enriching resources to compose, besides learning the piano method. Beyond sheet music, as a child I was always a sensitive and spontaneous girl, and those qualities remain in the spirit of my songs.
I started as a singer-songwriter in 2009 when I recorded my first full length independent album, which was released in 2010. I like to name my musical style as pop fusion: harmonic richness and sticky melodies with delicate lyrics, mostly written in Spanish language.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Renee”?
A: For anyone who is about to discover Renee, first of all: thank you, thanks for your curiosity and your time. The message I have is that the logic behind the music I make is that of my feelings and not that of marketing and social networks. It makes me a bit naive and makes it more difficult for my songs in order to reach larger audiences. So not the best planner here! But I rely on my values: quality, integrity and authenticity.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I find inspiration in the simple things in life, I value indeed the possibility I have to make music and I try to find beauty and meaning in what happens, even if it is not always possible. For instance, I come from a country with great economic difficulties and that complicates even simple things, so achieving something artistic requires more commitment and to keep the flame of passion burning intensely.
In terms of inspiration, I couldn’t name just one artist since, honestly, I admire so many. Lately, I’ve been enchanted by the depth of Corinne Bailey Rae and by eternal and prolific Joni Mitchell.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the album, “Infusión.”?
A: The message behind this new album has to do with learning to respect the tempo of personal processes, without avoiding to feel what we feel in the meantime. If we allow that personal metamorphosis, it will always take us to a better place, but it requires patience and persistence to polish our “crazy diamond” so as to make it shine.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Honest.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Infusión”?
A: Many, of all kinds, internal and external challenges. As a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy, my Infusion took a long time to be ready. Fortunately, it is now served and can be tasted via Full Video Album format on Youtube. It is also available on other platforms.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: The message of the music I make is generally intimate and introspective, as if looking for a deeper look at things, while still being hopeful and joyful at times. My goals as an artist are to continue writing and recording, but above all, to be able to reach souls that resonate with what I sing.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Many! Rita Lee, Karen Carpenter, Chopin, Debussy, Alejandro Sanz, Charly García, etc.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: My advice is to give yourself time to find your own voice. Always try to be true to yourself. The most important thing about music is to be able to write it, to play it, and especially to enjoy it.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Something I keep telling myself nowadays: keep your innocence, don’t despair. Music is not a place to get to, music is a place inside you.
