Christine Renner was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Growing up in the live music capital of the world and in a music loving family, she was exposed to the music scene at a very young age. She began playing piano, guitar, singing and songwriting at around 11 years old. When she was only 12 years old she began writing her first studio album called “Something Real” with 8 original songs released in 2014. The soundtrack of Christine’s childhood was Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Pink Floyd, and many more classics. Christine is very influenced by classic rock, but she also has a love for modern pop/rock music such as The 1975, Taylor Swift, and The Paper Kites.

Whenever Christine is not writing or performing music, she is teaching music. Christine has a passion and dream to share her love of music to the world and through performing music and teaching music she is able to fulfill those dreams daily.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Christine Renner about her new single (Tonight), challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m born and raised in Austin, Texas. My songwriting is influenced by so much music, but I’d say my music can be described as sad indie pop/rock. Sad, because I tend to write from my darker deeper emotions. Indie, because I’m an independent artist. Pop/rock, because I want my music played on pop radio, but I wanna break the “rules” of pop music because that’s SO rock and roll. 

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

I knew from age 8 that I wanted to do music for a living. My dad was in a band growing up so he showed me the ropes and helped me kickstart my career. At 12 I recorded an 8 song original album and began performing live. Now I’m 19 and I’d say that the continuous love and support from my family is a huge reason why I keep going. My dream is bigger than my obstacles. 

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

This new EP “Tonight” showcases my musical metamorphosis. My last EP “Explore” displays my folky/dreamy side. As I’ve grown and changed over the past couple of years, I’ve began to find myself in the pop/rock scene in Austin. My new music is ready for bigger stages and radio airplay, but still captures the deep raw emotion that I originally wrote the songs with in my bedroom. 

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

1. Time. 

2. Money. 

Sometimes I feel like there’s just not enough time to get everything done that I should be doing, especially since I am self managed. God, can we have 8 days a week?

I don’t do music because I want to be rich and famous, I do it because I love it. I fund everything myself between recording, merch, gear, graphic design, etc. which can add up overtime, but the investment is worth it if my heart/music is getting heard. 

What was the last song you listened to?

Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin !!! 

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I have a vinyl collection and CDs piled in every corner of my car. I love to listen to albums in full because that’s the way the artist intended for the listener to hear it. I currently have The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd spinning in my car.  

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why? 

I prefer Spotify!! It’s so easy to use and I love that I can listen to any song I want at anytime!  

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

Instagram is my jam. Follow me at @christinerennermusic. And to find my recent releases use Spotify, search “Christine Renner”. Also, YouTube! I post live videos, music videos, and bedroom recorded covers/originals, search “Christine Renner Music”.

Anything else before we sign off?

My new single “Tonight” comes out July 12th!! Find it on all streaming platforms:)