Interview With J, Renée
What’s the story behind your artist name — and does it reflect who you are today?
J. Renee comes from my real name — the 'J' stands for Jenelle, and Renée is my middle name. I originally wanted to use my full first name, but I felt it was a little too close to Janelle Monáe, and I didn’t want to cause confusion or feel like I was in anyone’s shadow. J. Renée felt like the perfect balance — it still honors my identity, has a nice ring to it, and allows me to stand in my own light. The name Jenelle means 'God is gracious,' and that deeply resonates with me, especially in terms of my faith and the grace I’ve experienced throughout my journey. So yes, it absolutely reflects who I am today — grounded in purpose, identity, and intention.
Which song of yours means the most to you, and what inspired it?
Right now, the song that means the most to me is Emotional Baggage — not just because it’s my debut single, but because it came straight from the heart. I wrote it while I was in the middle of my healing journey after a few difficult heartbreaks. I wanted to move on, but I had to confront the fact that I wasn’t quite ready. In trying to put those feelings into words, I realized I was carrying a lot of emotional weight — hurt, betrayal, unresolved pain — and that’s where the concept of 'emotional baggage' came from. It was my way of being honest with myself and others, and that vulnerability made the song incredibly personal and powerful for me.
How would you describe your sound in three words — and why those?
If I had to describe my sound in three words, I’d say it’s soulful, honest, and magnetic. Soulful, because my music is rooted in deep emotion and vocal expression. Honest, because I write from a place of real-life experiences and vulnerability. And magnetic, because I aim to create melodies and messages that truly draw people in and stay with them long after the song ends.
What was the moment you truly felt like an artist — not just someone making music? The moment I truly felt like an artist — not just someone making music — was when I made the decision to create on my own terms. I started writing songs that came straight from my heart, without trying to fit into anyone else’s expectations or trends. That shift gave me a sense of freedom and purpose. It wasn’t about chasing perfection or approval anymore — it was about being real, being vulnerable, and telling my story authentically. That’s when it all clicked for me.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how do they show up in your work?
My biggest musical influences are Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Christina Aguilera. Mariah’s influence shows up in so many areas of my work — from my lyrical style and vocal arrangements to my vocal range, and overall performance approach. Her ability to blend emotional vulnerability with technical precision really shaped how I express myself as an artist. Whitney and Christina also inspired me with their vocal power and range — the way they pour emotion into every note pushed me to do the same and always bring my full self to every performance.
What’s your creative process like — from a blank page to a finished track?
My creative process usually starts with a running list of song titles and ideas I keep on my phone. When I hear a track, I try to feel out the vibe — sometimes something from that list fits perfectly, and other times I just start vibing and let melodies guide the lyrics. It’s a very organic flow. I’ve been blessed to collaborate with my niece, Kiyarah Janae, who’s an incredibly talented songwriter — she actually wrote the hook for Emotional Baggage and has contributed to several other songs in my catalog. My producer, J. Stylz, is also an amazing singer, songwriter, and vocal arranger. We have a great creative chemistry, and together we’re able to bring my ideas to life in a way that feels authentic and powerful.
If someone’s hearing you for the first time, which track should they start with — and why?
If someone’s hearing me for the first time, I’d recommend starting with Emotional Baggage. It’s a strong introduction to my vocal style, and the message is something I think a lot of people can relate to. We all carry emotional baggage in some form, but this song tells that story from a more introspective and layered perspective. It’s honest, vulnerable, and a great reflection of the kind of artist I am.
What’s been your most unforgettable moment on your music journey so far?
The most unforgettable moment on my music journey so far has been releasing my debut single, Emotional Baggage, independently. That day felt like the culmination of everything I’d worked toward — every step, every struggle, every moment of self-doubt led to that release. When the song finally dropped and I started receiving such genuine, positive feedback, I was completely overwhelmed — in the best way. It was surreal. I felt seen, validated, and more inspired than ever to keep going.
What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?
When people hear my music, I want them to feel a deep connection — like someone out there truly understands what they’re going through. I want it to feel like healing, whether that means releasing something heavy, finding comfort in the lyrics, or just feeling seen. My songs are rooted in real life — the emotions, the highs, the heartbreaks — and I hope that honesty resonates. At the end of the day, if my music can help someone feel a little less alone or a little more whole, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
What’s next for you — and what should fans be excited about?
What’s next for me is really exciting — I’m currently finishing up my debut EP, Love’s Evolution, which is set to release in late summer or early fall 2025. This project is deeply personal and follows the emotional journey of love, growth, and everything in between. I’m also preparing for live shows to bring the music to life on stage, and there’s even the possibility of a tour on the horizon. I want fans to not only hear the music, but to feel it — live, up close, and in real time.
