Rene Russell and the Bottom End

Today's Charleston Scene music video premiere comes from a local Americana and rock musician who has been playing guitar and singing for over 30 years in Charleston, Nashville, San Diego, Atlanta, Austin and beyond.

Rene Russell has performed with the Indigo Girls, Tom Chapin, the Jennifer Nettles Band. Now, she's releasing a brand new original song with an accompanying video.

The video, released with Artist Formula and shot by Paul Chelmis, shows off the beautiful Lowcountry with views of James Island. Chris Blackwell is on drums and backing vocals, Pete Clark is on bass and Rene Russell is on 12-string guitar and vocals.

Here's a Q&A with Russell about her transition to original music and upcoming goals. You can watch the video now.
Q: When did you first start playing guitar and who were your early inspirations?

A: I first started at 11 years old. Before that, it was piano. My early music inspirations were Fleetwood Mac, Janis Ian, James Taylor, Nanci Griffith, Eurythmics, Santana, Indigo Girls, Tracy Chapman, Carly Simon, Roger Whitaker, John Denver, Pretenders, The Allman Brothers, Suzanne Vega and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Q: How have you seen the music industry here in Charleston change over time during your 30+ year career?

A: Originally from Columbia, I used to travel to Charleston to play Cafe 99 and other spots back in the '80s when it was just a cool Southern coastal town with lazy beach spots, lots of jazz and art and good food. Back then most of the venues and restaurants with live music were all about cover tunes for the tourists.

A: I first started at 11 years old. Before that, it was piano. My early music inspirations were Fleetwood Mac, Janis Ian, James Taylor, Nanci Griffith, Eurythmics, Santana, Indigo Girls, Tracy Chapman, Carly Simon, Roger Whitaker, John Denver, Pretenders, The Allman Brothers, Suzanne Vega and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Q: How have you seen the music industry here in Charleston change over time during your 30+ year career?

A: Originally from Columbia, I used to travel to Charleston to play Cafe 99 and other spots back in the '80s when it was just a cool Southern coastal town with lazy beach spots, lots of jazz and art and good food. Back then most of the venues and restaurants with live music were all about cover tunes for the tourists.

What I'm seeing here now is a greater demand for original music. Many of the local breweries much prefer to hear great original music rather than the same covers. Charleston is becoming a musical artist's destination, and that is the biggest change I've seen. My producer Chris Blackwell and I would like to see Charleston become a recording destination as well.

Q: So what made you finally jump into original music instead of covers? Had you been writing songs the whole time or just recently?

A: I've always written songs and have mixed them in with the cover songs; they just were not the focus. It is much harder to put yourself out there and play original songs, because those songs are pieces of you that are intimate, personal moments. I've always felt the need to tell a story, my story, but it takes courage to do so.

I decided to focus on my originals because I took a serious look at what I was doing musically and what I expected and honestly, there was no way I was going to get where I wanted to without taking the risk to become an artist instead of a cover musician.

Q: Let's talk 6-string guitar vs. 12-string guitar. Why do you prefer the latter?
A: The 12-string guitar is like a small orchestra. It has such a full, vibrant sound. I played piano when I was 8 years old. Then at 11, my neighbor got a 12-string guitar. Once I heard that sound, I was hooked.

Q: What's the inspiration specifically behind "I Wonder, Do You?"

A: Most of my songs are about my views of the world or circumstances I've witnessed or experiences. With this one I wanted to talk about how often we just "settle" instead of taking the time or effort to try to change things when we see injustice. We just let things go, maybe waiting for someone else to do the hard work, to take a stand for change.

...This song asks us why we just settle, why don't we take a stand and change, why don't we have the courage to live an authentic life and trust our intuition and do the right thing instead of being lulled back to sleep by the status quo.

Q: What are the next steps for you?

A: We are planning to release two more singles over the next few months with support from Artist Formula and tour regionally, both solo and with the trio. - By Kalyn Oyer koyer@postandcourier.com Apr 23, 2018

SCMG – Who are the members of your band?

Rene: Currently I am performing solo. I’m in the process of putting together a “Power Trio,” which would include Chris Blackwell on Drums. We’re looking for a 5 String Bass player right now.

SCMG – What genre do you consider yourself?

Rene: Americana/Rock/Singer-Songwriter

SCMG – What was your biggest accomplishment in 2017?

Rene: I was chosen out several hundred applicants to perform at the Tedxcharleston.org show at the Charleston Music Hall on 10/18/17- here’s the link to that performance- https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=nNnX48i_0E8
SCMG – What are your plans for 2018?

Rene: Releasing a new Single, “I Wonder, Do You?” on 4/23/18 and will start shooting the video for it in early Feb. We are working with Artist Formula & Symphonic Distribution to market the single and the video. This Single was Mixed & Mastered by Chris Blackwell. He also played drums, bass, and sang backing vocals.

Chris and I will be working on 2 more singles to release over the next few months, and our first show as a “Trio” is scheduled for April 26th at Morgan Creek Grill. We’ll be showcasing my originals. This year we will be working to secure slots in key venues & festivals/fairs locally and regionally both as a solo and as a three piece band.

SCMG – Where and when can we find you?

Rene: Go to my Website: www.renerussell.com, for all the links to my social networks. You can also sign up to track me on songkick.com & bandsintown.com from my website.

SCMG – Who would you consider your biggest local influence?
Rene; Tim Styles, an awesome singer-songwriter and musician.

SCMG – What would they say about you?

Rene: Every time he sees me play, he says he forgets about how unique my right hand playing style is.

SCMG – What are your favorite albums of all time from any musician?

Rene: Fleetwood Mac- Rumours, Janis Ian- Between the Lines, all of James Taylor, Nanci Griffith- One Fair Summer Evening, Eurythmics-Touch, Santana-Abraxas, Indigo Girls-self titled-1989 & 1200 curfews, Tracy Chapman.

SCMG – If you could meet any of your favorite musicians, who would you choose and why?

Rene; Stevie Nicks, she is my biggest inspiration after James Taylor. Her songwriting style and subject matter resonate with me. - S.C. Music Guide by Stephanie Smith

Songwriting is a tricky business- and nobody knows it better than Rene Russell. After performing in the Low-country for more than two decades, Russell released her third album, Freeverse on Jan. 1. The work marks a critical turning point in Russell’s career and it’s worth giving a listen to.
Like so many songwriters, Rene’s career started out with the simple dream of playing music. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Rene realized she wanted to perform during her time at Columbia College. To make that dream a reality, she found herself living in Nashville for a summer after school.
“My roommate and I went to live with a friend. “We crashed at his place” Rene said. “Song- writing was his job, and he went to meetings everyday to try and make it work”.
That type of exposure led the singer to pursue her passion, and after a brief stint in Austin, Texas, Russell had recorded a 10-track album in San Marcos. It was 1995.
And for twenty years, Russell did what she loved. She played all over Georgia and the Low- country, as well as North Carolina hotspots like Asheville.
As any artist knows, great work often comes at great cost. For Rene, that cost was the indulgence of a musical lifestyle.
“Everything I did revolved around a bar,” the singer said. “It was hard to actually move forward musically because I was stuck in the bar scene, drinking and just playing clubs to make ends meet”. !
Two years ago, Rene quit drinking and returned to the creative process- a process that led her to her latest (and perhaps most honest) release.
The tone of the album is reminiscent of the soft-spoken (but intricate) guitar playing of James Taylor and Rene’s unique vocal character conjures images of Stevie Nicks.
“Stevie is one of my biggest influences” Rene admits, and many of the songs on “Freeverse" move with the same careful intensity as songs like Nicks’ beloved “Rhiannon”.
The album opens with “Who We Really Are”- a driving, introspective song that establishes the narrative of the 13-song record. With lines like “Sometimes its hard to see who we really are inside when our hearts can go so cold, we hold our breath in the wake of our emptiness”, Russell poetically tackles questions that are central to the human experience.
The title track, “Freeverse”, opens with a beautiful, almost haunting succession of notes from Rene’s acoustic guitar, accompanied with low strings and driving percussion. Here Russell’s writing ability really shines; she carries her narrative to a climax, opening the number with “I write my life in freeverse form, each line a choice, each page a storm”. The namesake of the album is a sweeping, melodic folk/rock tune sure to please.
“I Know You Better, Still” features layered vocal harmony from Tim Styles (Styles sings/plays on several of the album’s thirteen tracks), adding a sincere, compassionate element to the lamenting ballad. !
Perhaps most notably, “Love is the Power” conveys Russell’s newfound message of hope with wise sincerity.
“I had this song in my back pocket for years,” the singer said. “It’s a synopsis of the message of this album. It boils down to us having the power to do anything we can imagine. With love we can do anything.”
Ultimately, each track on “Freeverse" paints an honest, melodic picture, rich in sound lyrical quality. For fans of folk/rock music, Rene Russell is a hidden gem. To be clear, her writing makes you stop and think- and some would argue that only the most powerful music has that capability.
The record was co-produced by Styles, a rising player in the songwriting community. His new release, “Thistles and Thorns”, can be found at www.reverbnation.com/stylestim.
“ Freeverse" is available through iTunes and Spotify. It can also be streamed at www.renerussell.com and downloaded for the price of $15. The singer-songwriter is no stranger to technology, and understands the importance of streaming music in today’s market. Consumers are using streaming services such as Spotify more so than ever before. According to Pew Research center, there were over 24 million Spotify users in 2013- a trend that shows no signs of slowing.
Still Russell admits, “I miss vinyl records. It was great to have a collection; it was like reading a book”.
In truth, the idea of concept albums has gone by the wayside, given over to a new market driven by short singles. In some ways, it’s a throw back to the musical trends of 1960’s pop music, where the average hit lasted a mere two minutes and 30 seconds. Regardless of the ever-changing pop music trends, “Freeverse" is a genuine piece of music reflecting elements of soul-searching, humanity, hardship and love.
Rene Russell plans to tour in support of “Freeverse" through the coming year. She even hopes to leave the comfort of the southeast and play northern areas around New York City.
Rene Russell will be performing Feb. 14, at Irvin House Vineyards/Firefly Distillery at 1:00 pm. She will also be singing on Feb. 18 and 25 at Bushido Asian, on Isle of Palms.! Additional performance dates, as well as merchandise and music can be found at
www.renerussell.com - MOULTRIE NEWS, MOUNT PLEASANT, SC - 2/11/15 By Jim Dyer

Rene Russell Offers Folk Rock With A Percussive Groove On Her Latest Album “Freeverse”


Having traveled the United States and being part of numerous city music scenes, Rene Russell’s music has elements of American roots genres spliced with a unique modern sound. During her travels, Russell built a wide resume that includes sharing the stage with legendary folk performers Indigo Girls, Michelle Malone, Tom Chapin, and Danielle Howle. Released on New Year’s Day 2015, her latest album “Freeverse” is clearly designed with the express purpose of reaching music lovers of all genres on an emotional level.

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, April 20, 2015 - Rene Russell began playing music on guitar as a pre-teen. Her instrument of choice quickly became the 12-string guitar. Predominantly a solo performer, Russell later quit college after two years to begin playing music in South Carolina near Columbia, her hometown. She recorded her first album “Last Night I Rode A Nightmare” in 1987 before moving between the East and West coast of the United States over the next several years. Throughout the 90’s Russell started to build her musical resume and shared the stage with numerous musical acts of various genres and released her second self-titled album.

In 2004, Russell moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where she played her older material, but became burnt out on writing new music. It wasn’t until 2013 after quitting drinking in 2012 that she regained her creative spark and started her own company Change Your Brain Music LLC. With the new company came her mission statement that includes connecting with all listeners and uplifting their spirits. Russell’s music examines her life experiences and those around her and encourages people to examine how they impact the world around them.

Now, Russell is a music veteran of 35 years and is known for her energetic solo performances during which she uses a drum machine (and has since they came out) as well as percussive slaps to provide the beat for her unique finger picking and pulling techniques on her 12-string guitar. Although she has used bass and viola players in her live performances, in Russell’s 35 years of experience, she has never played in a band or owned a 6-string guitar. Her DIY approach to music has resulted in a style that is incredibly clean sounding, while retaining an edgy, and dynamic live sound.

Recorded at the ARP Studio in Charleston with studio bass player and owner Bruce Roberts, the album “Freeverse” features the drums and string arrangements of Fred Hudson and the talents of singer/multi-instrumentalist Tim Styles, who is also the co-producer. The album incorporates Dale Baker on electric and slide guitar as well as Richard DesJardines on cello. All of the musicians featured on “Freeverse” are local to Charleston. After the album was released, Russell began a campaign to expose “Freeverse” to as many listening rooms in Charleston, Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, and every major city in between. In the immediate future. she hopes to become part of the festival scenes throughout the United States and receive more radio airplay. Her music can often be heard on the various Woman of Substance (WOS) podcasts, which are available on iTunes.

Her songs “Politely Tell a Lie”, “Canvas of Your Life”, and “What If” were recently added to the Woman of Substance radio station on August 6th, 2015. In addition, her song “Politely Tell a Lie” appeared on the new “What’s On My iPod” music show, which aired on April 6-10, 2015, and her songs were chosen to be featured on the #1 New and Noteworthy Women of Substance Music Podcast between April 20-24, 2015. “Freeverse” is currently available on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, Soundcloud, Spotify, and other online music outlets as well as her official website http://www.renerussell.com, where listeners can also keep up with the latest Rene Russell news and tour dates. - 3000 Records

"Rene Russell can handle almost any musical request. The singer/guitarist has nearly two decades worth of live performances under her belt, from Nashville, to Texas to Charleston. In recent years, she's won the adoration of local audiences with her technical proficiency on the 12-string, her versatility, and her warm singing style. She can make the transition from a U2 pop hit to an Eagles twanger to a Melissa Etheridge anthem with ease. "

Ballard Lesseman, Charleston City Paper - Charleston City Paper

AUSTIN CHRONICLE MAY 1996 RENE RUSSELL (VERGE RECORDS)

This native South Carolinian has opened for such luminaries as Hootie & The Blowfish, Indigo Girls and Ellen James Society, making her no stranger to the limelight. With pipes like Melissa Etheridge, a production style a la Sam Phillips/T.Bone Burnett, wistful, often ethereal songs, she deserves to be there. This CD is strong and memorable the billing order will be reversed. -- Joe Mitchell, Austin Chronicle - AUSTIN CHRONICLE

ON STAGE
By Denise LaRae


The Cowgirl’s Oasis has begun to host female performers on the weekend nights. I was privileged to attend the first of these hostings. Very privileged. Rene Russell was the first guest performer, and if any of you read my article about the Lone Star Women’s Festival, you may remember that I raved about Rene’s performance there.

Rene Russell’s performance was even better than I remembered. I was worried that she might not be as good as I remembered, perhaps it was just the glamour of the festival and sleep deprivation that was coloring my memory. Wrong!

The one word that I would use to describe Rene Russell is powerful. She has a powerful voice. Whether it is throbbing with emotion, growling, or seductively mesmerizing, it reaches out and grabs something--both vital and visceral. She has a wide repertoire, but her best songs are those she herself has written, although when she performed Bobby McGee I heard the comment that she could be Janis reborn. Her performance is intensely personal and intimate.

Her personality too, is powerful. It comes across both on stage and off, and has a tremendous impact on her music. She performed solo with some technical support consisting of an electronic equivalent of the theatre’s “deus ex machina”. Anybody know Latin for “band in a box”?

Anyway, it was pretty impressive. Gadgetry aside, the performance was outstanding. She had some of her newly released disks for sale, and for those who missed the performance, I believe Caroline purchased some extra disks. I’m already looking forward to her next one. - ALLIANCE NEWS FT. WORTH, TX

S.C. STATE PAPER February 10, 1996

COLUMBIA NATIVE’S TOUR HITS HOME
By Michael Miller
Staff Writer


It’s been two years since singer/songwriter Rene Russell played in her hometown, so she’s looking forward to sharing some new songs with old friends when she arrives in Columbia next week.

Russell now lives in the music friendly city of Austin, Texas, where she recently recorded a self-titled compact disc that features her working with a full band.
“We did it all live in the studio, with no overdubbing.” She said during a phone call earlier this week. “We were all in there playing at the same time, so it feels more like a live album.”

A fine writer and accomplished 12-string acoustic guitarist, Russell said she has more success when she plays and sings at the same time in the studio.

“I don’t sing the same when I’m not playing the guitar,” she said. “So if I have to stand and just sing to a microphone, I don’t get as much emotion and feel and stuff. It doesn’t come off anywhere close to what I normally do.”

Russell’s new album contains 10 original songs, three from previous recordings. It was recorded in four days with Billy Stull producing.

Russell said competition is fierce among musicians in Austin, but she’s landed gigs at places like Maggie Mae’s, Cafezino, the Filling Station and Fat Tuesdays. Her visit to Columbia is part of a three-week tour that will take her from Texas to New Orleans and Virginia and back to the Lone Star State. - S.C. STATE PAPER February 10, 1996

LIVING AND BREATHING
By Kevin Oliver


If someone tells you about the latest “overnight” sensation on the music-scene, don’t believe a word of it. Most musicians who are serious about their vocation work long and hard just to get to the point where they can support themselves solely with their music. Those who don’t put in the hours before attaining mass recognition are likely to fade out of sight as fast as they appeared.
For further proof of this musical truism, ask former Columbia native Rene Russell, who was getting noticed here five years ago for her winning combination of heat-felt, impassioned vocals and proficient 12-string acoustic guitar technique.
Since leaving Columbia, Rene has spent time in Atlanta, Georgia, and her current home base, Austin, Texas, playing every bar and restaurant she could find that would let her.
“I was working a lot, but wasn’t very organized about it,” explains Rene. “Now, I feel like I’m starting over again, with the new CD, and more focus on my own songs.” The new album, a self-titled one on Texas based Verge Records, is indeed a major step forward for Rene. Her songwriting never a weak point in her performances, has been honed to a sharp edge by her years of playing solo shows, and the full band arrangements on the disc make the most of the quality material.
“Most of the songs on the album are taken directly from my own life,: she says. “they are definitely more mature songs.” One in particular, “We Live & Breathe,” is, as Rene claims,“ the story of my life, of being gay, and all of the difficulty that adds to the already tough task of growing up.” Her position of hope and tolerance for all is espoused beautifully and succinctly in the song’s chorus, “We live and breathe, we die, we fall in love. There is no difference when you’re looking through the eyes of love.” Like Melissa Etheridge, another openly gay woman rocker, Russell’s lyrical references can be taken however the listener chooses.
“Most songs, there’s maybe one line that might mean something to someone who was gay,” Rene says. “If you weren’t looking for it, you probably wouldn’t even notice. It doesn’t have to be a gay thing.” Indeed, Russell’s songs are best enjoyed as purely musical things.
With Sheryl Crow, the aforementioned Melissa Etheridge, and others in an ever increasing field of women performers out there already, one wonders if it’s too much of a good thing.
“Too many female artists shouldn’t hurt my chances,” Rene says hopefully. The current crop of female performers are both inspiration and challenged to Russell.
“It’s nice to have more women performers out there,” she admits. “Joan Osborne is the one I’m really into right now - her whole album is great.”
Somewhere, someday soon, another musician will undoubtedly be saying something similar about Rene Russell. - Free Times February 10, 1996