Deja Renee has loved music for as long as she can remember. Since a young age, she was listening to old school R&B and classic oldies with her mom. These styles influenced her greatly. At 8 years old she would watch ‘Hannah Montana’ on Disney Channel singing along to the songs and imagine herself performing on stage.
It was 2009 when Michael Jackson passed away and Deja was only 11 years old. She became obsessed with his music; singing and dancing along, also imagining she was performing his music on stage. By age 12 she desired to go to a performing arts school as she found a passion for music. These series of childhood memories inspired her to dedicate herself to a music career.
Music has been part of her life “for as long as I’ve been alive” she says, and can’t see herself doing anything else. A brilliant artist, she even earned an associates degree in music performance. She’s gone back and forth about “getting a more “practical” degree” as she put it, but nothing compares to a music career.
“There’s literally nothing that brings me as much happiness and satisfaction as performing.”
We had a few more questions for her:
Who in your life and your music has influenced you the most?
Ariana Grande has been a big influence as far as how I like to do my style of pop and adding a bunch of harmonies. Tori Kelly has been a big influenced how I like to write my lead vocal melodies.
My favorite moment honestly has to be very very recently when I met StaJe. I had no idea the direction he would take my career, and I’ve only known him for a few weeks.
What were you doing before music?
I’ve been doing music ever since I joined a band in middle school, so there’s not really much I was doing before haha.
Tell us the name of the project you are currently promoting? What inspired this project?
I just came out with a single called “Jealous”. It was inspired by a coworker telling me about her relationship and the jealousy she felt. It made me reflect on my relationship and the jealousy I felt. But this song really ended up being a mix of both of our situations.
Is there a specific lyric on this track that speaks to you most?
“I’m afraid I can’t make you happy, when you say you’re only happy when you’re with me”. I think a lot of people, no matter how secure their relationship is, feel a little bit of insecurity about not being good enough for their partner.
Is there a hobby or business you do outside of music that you would like to share with us?
Just going to the gym. Health and fitness and working out are a big part of my life. I try to make time to go to the gym at least 3-5 times a week.
What’s next for you?
Just working on some more music, so I can hopefully get noticed on TikTok, which will eventually lead me to getting noticed by a label.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project?
All of my music tells a story about a part of my life. I actually have a difficult time writing anything that’s not true to who I am. So I hope fans can hear my music for not just the dope beats and fun melodies and harmonies, but also for the intent behind the lyrics
FInd her:
Instagram @ItsDejaRenee
Twitter.com/ItsDejaRenee
TikTok.com/@DejaxRenee
https://linktr.ee/ItsDejaRenee