This week, we're in Brooklyn with one of our favorite musicians - the fierce & fiery Renee (aka Ren with the Mane). Here's a glimpse inside her eclectic NYC apartment, filled with personal touches and cozy vibes!
Tell us about you! How did you get into music?
It all started lawnnng ago....
Hi, my name's Renee Orshan. I coined the pseudonym Ren with the Mane due to my big hair (thanks to Mom & surprisingly Dad, who had a very respectable jew-fro back in the day).
When they were in middle school, my sister Eden was Dorothy and my brother Reuben was the Tin Man in an epic production of "The Wiz". They were so musical & captivating on that stage, and I was so proud to be related to them! I'm the youngest of the 3, so (like many youngest siblings) I copycat-ed and developed an itch to perform. We continued the rest of our lives jamming on the living room couch. My brother always had a guitar in his hand, and anytime he would play the piano, he would get out of whatever responsibility because my parents liked it. The 3 of us always sang harmonies.
I obviously force them now to be in my band :)
Tell us about your creative process. Where do you find inspiration?
I write a lot of my songs in the car, en route from my apartment in Brooklyn to our family home in Glen Cove. In the solitude of my car, I sing miscellaneous ideas and voice memo them during the journey. 90% sounds bizarre, but there's a 10% chance of a song seed.
I definitely get inspired from going out and seeing my peers play shows! There is so much talent out here.
What's one piece of advice you always go back to when it comes to your career?
Try to say yes to most opportunities. Take more chances. Whenever something scared me, I'd usually reap the biggest reward from it in the end.
What makes a space feel like a home?
Art, plants, candles, wood, a comfy couch, good roommates, and several Clr Shop blankets :)
I'd rather live in a warm, whimsical & charming small space, than live in a mansion.
As a creative, what's your best tip for achieving a sense of balance in your home?
I used to be a messy person, but ever since moving to Brooklyn I've been very organized. My brain feels much clearer and I'm able to accomplish more because of it.
My best tip (I think it's Marie Kondo's) - Everything has a home.
What are some of your home essentials?
Good lighting! When people have office lighting in their homes I usually do an unsolicited rant about warming up their bulbs.
Plants. Boys, if the one plant in your apartment is dead, so is this date.
Snacks!
What are you looking forward to in 2023?
My motto last year was All new 22. I went to all new places (restaurants, bars, shows, trips, etc), I met so many people and it constantly felt like I was on vacation - HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I want to carry this tradition into 2023, but I'm still working on a fresh catch phrase... send recs?
Musically speaking, I'm trying to find creative approaches to songs. I'm always searching for that unique sound or clever hook. Incorporating my music with other realms of art for an immersive artistic experience is definitely on my list!
More collaborations, too - perhaps with artists like Rodes Rollins!
More of Renee: