Tami René A few words with Tami René; singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist (and currently learning bass and mandolin!). Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself. Tami: I am a female vocalist who discovered at an early age that altos could be the lead singer as well, so long as the song is in the correct key.  I love to perform, and with the production of my first album, have fallen in love with the recording process as well. LB: How did you start out making music? Tami: I've written poetry all of my life, beginning from early childhood.  My many books of lyrics took on a life of their own and practically begged to become something more than my personal diaries.  I've also sung and performed since early on, but found myself frequently having to transpose the work of others in order to fit my voice.   A few years ago, I decided it was high time that I wrote my own material, suited to my unique musical tastes and abilities.  This is when I purchased my first guitar and began the incredible process of creating music. LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now? Tami: I listened to my parents' vinyl records of The Beatles, Neil Diamond, Buddy Holly and so many other interesting artists.  When I discovered the radio, my list of favorites became too long to enumerate and spanned a wide range of styles.  A handful that come to mind at the moment include: Bread, Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac on to The Scorpions, Genesis, Aerosmith, Electric Light Orchestra, and then came country.  I fell in love with the music of Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Patty Loveless and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  Who don't I love is the question?!   I find that I tend to be influenced most by folk style music that can be performed very simply with just the vocalist and her guitar.   LB: Tell us about your latest release. Tami: "Ghost Town" is my first album and it is very newly released, as of October 2009.  It is a jazz-rock roots romantic-leaning collection that includes a couple of rock anthems and even a blues-country track.   This album has begun the process of musical self-discovery that isn't about to stop anytime soon.  I've just had a small taste of what it is to take my thoughts of the world, combined with my musical ideas, and present them to anyone who may find themselves vibrating on the same frequency. Exciting!   Also, it is not an unplugged acoustic album as it would have been with only my musical talents.  I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Randy Thorderson (link below), who is possessed of immense musical talent. He took my original songs and put them to outstanding arrangements that I would not have produced on my own.   The song, "Ghost Town", is the story of a soul who has found his or herself somehow left in an abandoned place for a time of introspection.  The chords are quirky and fun, and it quickly became one of my favorites after Randy did up his rendition, while still retaining the original chord progressions and "feel". The song and the album are dedicated to my mother whom I lost when she was at the young age of 45... just wondering what her soul is up to these days I suppose. "What If?" is a rock-protest song that just asks, "What would happen?”, or "What would have happened?", if we could have forgiven and moved on instead of exacting preemptive defense.  It is ultra-idealistic... or is it?? But whatever you do, don't miss "Paint Me"! LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows? Tami: Yes! I love to perform live, though this year I have been focusing mainly on production of this debut album.  I am excited to now begin actively booking engagements to promote "Ghost Town". At my shows, the audience can kick back, relax, and share in my stories as they think on memories of their own loves and life experiences.  And when performing with the band, the pace really picks up and plenty of toes are tapping! LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy? Tami: I still most enjoy sitting down with my songbook and a pen and processing my world through poetry and prose.  Following at a close second is lovin' on the guitar and discovering new-to-me chord progressions. Truly though, there is no other feeling in the world, as a songwriter, than performing your song with a live band to a fantastic crowd! LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music? Tami: CDBaby rocks! And I will love you like my child if you will take a listen to my songs and post a positive review regarding anything you enjoy about "Ghost Town". CDBaby has made it possible for indie artists to gain exposure and representation in the market. "Ghost Town" will also soon be found on iTunes, Amazon, and other retailers. Also, check out Jango.com… international airplay as an indie?!  Who would have thought. Take the tracks for a full spin, become a fan and vote for the songs you like best.   Thank you!  Music definitely brings the world together. Peace, ~Tami René Links: www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TamiRene www.jango.com/music/Tami+Rene www.myspace.com/tamirenemusic www.randythorderson.com Tami René – New Moon Night (with Fan Made video)