T.H.E Interview – Jennifer Rene

0

Jennifer Rene was born with music in her heart and soul in her voice. Writing songs and performing at the age of 10, she was destined to become a part of the music world.

After collaborating with some of the biggest artists in the dance music industry like Armin van Buuren and Markus Schulz, Jennifer has stepped it up a notch by launching her very own radio show – Colors. We caught up with her to discuss the show plus various other topics. Read our chat below.


T.H.E – Hi Jennifer, thanks for taking the time out for this interview. How’s it going?

Jennifer Rene – Hello! It’s my pleasure, thanks for the questions! Things are really good. It’s been a very busy year. Lots of exciting things happening!

T.H.E – Congratulations on starting your own radio show. Why did you take this decision and what do you hope to achieve?

Jennifer Rene – Thank you! Having my own radio show is just another goal of mine that I’ve always wanted to achieve. I love music so much and really want to share with the world the music I’m currently listening to and some of my favorite songs. There is so much good music out there that is outside of “what’s hot now” and your typical “top 20.” I hope to introduce listeners to a lot of good songs and artists they might otherwise have never known about. It will also be a great way for me to premier my new songs and mash ups I’ve done and talk a little bit about them.

T.H.E – Did listening to other radio shows play an important role while taking this decision? If yes, which ones?

Jennifer Rene – Although I do listen to other radio shows, I can’t say it played a part in me wanting my own. Wanting my own radio show is something I’ve always wanted, just as much as I always wanted to be a singer and a DJ. I feel that being a DJ means you’re passionate about music and get excited to share new songs and see people’s reactions. One way of doing this is by playing in the clubs and the other way is by having a radio show. Being a DJ and having a radio show goes hand in hand I think.

T.H.E – How did the name “Colours” come about? Is there any meaning behind it?

Jennifer Rene – Absolutely! I listen to so much music and from all different genres. I have always seen “colors” when I hear music. I will think, “this song sounds blue” or “this song sounds red” for example. During my early years of clubbing I always talked about one day owning a club called “Colours” that had different rooms that were illuminated and themed by different colors. Each colored room would have it’s own genre of music that matched with that color. For example, the Blue Room would play chill out music and be only illuminated by blue lights and the Red Room would play trip hop and “sexy” music with dancers and all illuminated by red lighting. This was an idea that has always sat in the back of my mind and while thinking of ideas for my radio show this summer it hit me, why not go with my “Colours” theme that I had for an idea for a club?! This would not only allow me to have a radio show for my favorite dance music but also play songs from other genres that I’m passionate about! This is what I have lined up so far:

COLOURS ROOM: dance music mix (A mix of all genres of dance. This is what would be considered the “main room” of a club.

WHITE ROOM: all trance baby!

BLUE ROOM: chillout, ambient, dubstep

RED ROOM: trip hop, sexy music

GREEN ROOM: trap, dancehall, reggae, electronic

PURPLE ROOM: house, deep house, progressive house

BLACK ROOM: witch house, goth

Right now I plan to start out with releasing one COLOURS ROOM mix a month and then release a different colored room mix randomly throughout.


T.H.E – In today’s scene, how important do you feel having a radio show is to connect with your fans?

Jennifer Rene – I feel it’s important regardless of what year or “scene” dance music is in. For me, having a radio show is really something more personal than it is to gain attention. It allows me to have an outlet to share some of my favorite songs from all different genres. I draw influences for my writing and singing from all different artists across many genres and having a radio show designed like this will help me share that! It also gives me a chance to connect with my listeners and discuss great music.

T.H.E – How has the radio scene changed since the time you started off with your career? And what sort of impact will it continue to create going forward?

Jennifer Rene – Of course the dance music scene has changed a lot since I first started, some in the negative ways but many in the positive. Social media is a great positive change because now when someone has a radio show they can share with their listeners the songs they are playing and communicate via sites like Twitter & Facebook. Connecting with your listeners is so important and something I love to do.

T.H.E – Did you face any challenges to put this radio show together? If yes, how did you overcome them?

Jennifer Rene – I’d say the only real challenge would be finding the time. I’ve got a lot going on with writing and recording right now plus I’m also enrolled full time in college working on my degree. But this is a dream of mine that I’ve always wanted to make happen so I know it won’t feel like work and will be something I’ll look forward to putting together!


T.H.E – Can we see you having celebration events of your radio show the way Armin has it for ‘ASOT’?

Jennifer Rene – That would be a dream sure! ASOT is a huge radio show and has taken many years to get where it’s at. If someday that happened for me then that would be awesome. I’d love that many listeners! But right now I’m just excited to share good music!

T.H.E – Moving away from the topic, tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you.

Jennifer Rene –

1. My major in college is Homeland Security. One day down the road I’d love to work in a United States embassy overseas. I’m very interested in staying knowledgeable and informed on current events regarding terrorism not only here in America but in countries all over the world. Had I not loved music so much, I would have loved to been an intelligence analyst or a journalist/reporter covering stories on such topics. I also love elephants and tried my hand at a biology degree but it took up way too much of my time and left no room for music, so I switched majors.

2. I collect antiques. I got this hobby from my parents who also do the same. I go to garage sales, antique malls, and flea markets and hunt for pieces like vintage jewelry, old picture frames, Victorian vanity items, and creepy old photographs. I’m in the process of finding a new home and can’t wait to start decorating with all the things in my collection! I’ll be sure to post videos 

3. I love horror. All things horror. We’re talking scary movies, scary novels, scary television shows, haunted houses, ghost stories, and of course the best holiday ever: Halloween. I read horror novels before bed and watch scary movies on the weekend. Most girls love long walks on the beach while I love long walks through a dark woods haha. Awesome first date idea? Take me on a ghost hunt!


T.H.E – Your 5 essential tunes of the moment.

Jennifer Rene – In no particular order or genre:

Craig Connelly feat. Jennifer Rene – No One Like You

Paul van Dyk feat. Sue McLaren – Lights

Breakage – To Be Around You

Meg Myers – Monster

Gabrielle Aplin – Panic Cord (Hucci Remix)

T.H.E – Thanks a ton Jennifer. Wish you the very best! 

Jennifer Rene – Same to you guys! Thanks so much for the interview. I love India so much and its one of my favorite places. Interesting fact #4: I’m also a big fan of Bollywood 