How Do You Build on Gigs Until You're Doing Music Full-Time? Advice From Reesa Renee

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Reesa Renee, a D.C.-based soul singer-songwriter, has the same beginning to her story that many burgeoning musicians share: she knew music was her utmost passion, but could she turn it into a career? She knew she was talented, and she had a growing fanbase, but was it enough?

After successfully landing a gig through Sonicbids at Atlanta's renowned music club, the Apache Cafe, she fell in love with Atlanta's music scene, and it was just the career boost she needed to get seriously motivated about her music career. After going on to win the prestigious Amateur Night at the Apollo award, she knew the timing was right to launch her music career into a full-time venture. We caught up with the D.C. singer to get more insight on the key points in her journey.

What's your experience been like booking gigs such as the Apache Cafe through Sonicbids?

Honestly, my history with Sonicbids goes way back to when I first started my career! The platform really helped me get a foot in the door with road life and allowed me to stay consistent with it. It started off a huge piece in getting us on the road in general and in spreading my music, and it has still proven very integral in connecting multiple gigs while I am now more consistently on the road! It's helped open myself and my team up to a huge market of people. We are so grateful for Sonicbids!

In addition to the Apache Cafe, you've also played the Fillmore, the House of Blues, and the Howard Theatre, among many others. How did you manage to get your foot in the door at such popular venues?

Everyone knows your EPK is everything! Traveling and establishing so many fans on the road, of course, adds value to me as an artist. I could rag on and on about how great my show is, how much I love what I do, and how it is undeniably felt through my music, but we all know these venues and promoters want to see a resume. Sonicbids helped open these doors by building my resume, and ultimately helping me look more marketable.... It prevented me from sitting around, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for opportunities. We were literally able to go get it and make them see us!

How would you describe the music scene in Atlanta?

I love Atlanta! The music scene is so seasoned in terms of the studios, artist development, and community, most importantly. The artists there piggyback off one another, and that Southern hospitality is certainly felt! Traveling there certainly opened me up to new challenges in my writing, and it heavily influenced my song "Light Up." Check it out and compare to my previous work – you'll see exactly what I mean in terms of that influence. It's so much easier to explain through my music!

What do you think were the key factors that led up to your big win at Amateur Night at the Apollo?

I was still a newbie in the game at that time – I had barely barely gotten my feet wet. There was no album release yet, and I was still looking for a "sign," if you will, that this was something that was really for me. The whole process of performing at the Apollo Theater confirmed my place and gave me a lot of confidence to do the things that I am doing now.To become the second person in three years to win that night off an original song was absolutely life-changing. That moment gave birth to everything you see and experience presently with my artistry.

What happened after that win? How did it impact you?

Ultimately, it gave me courage and a drive that was fueled by an "I will not lose" attitude, by myself and my team. We hit the ground blazing – coming up with great marketing plans, writing undeniable music, and connecting with a genuine audience that wanted to see me win and believed in me just as much as I did. I will never take those moments for granted – I remember them as if it were yesterday! 

Now that your career is really blossoming, what’s the next big thing you're focusing on trying to achieve?

Right now my focus is on making better music and really honing in on my audience. I plan to have the attendance numbers to be so staggering, it knocks everyone off their feet. I plan to simultaneously grow with my band and a unit of creatives so that once we do we get those undeniable numbers and butts in seats, we blow their minds away with an unforgettable performance – not only musically and vocally, but also theatrically.

Once this is locked in, I plan to expand my live show internationally and continue to connect with other creatives (not just musicians) to build the experience. There are a lot of artists out here – dancers, singers, drummers, painters, etc. – that need an outlet, and I plan to find these people and make the most insane production, over and over. To be able to make a living doing so is the life for me.

If you could give one piece of advice to indie artists looking to get their music recognized, what would it be?

Keep going! Don't stop for anything. I think the biggest misconception is that you get to a point of success and things magically get easier or something. Nah, not how it works. If music is truly for you, it will continue to be there and be created through all walks of your life.