La Toya Rene Back To The Basics

Interview By: Lyriks Holloway

Recently I read an interview that you had with J’Adore and you spoke briefly about your home life and how it impacted you, have you had a chance to tell your story through song and if so which tracks would you recommend to others who may be going through similar issues?

I have not told my story through song. I’m not sure that I’m at point where I can put that to music just yet. So I don’t have a track that specifically pertains to that particular part of my life.

Understandable, many artist began to become interested in music after being inspired by other artist during rough times, what artists or songs did you listen to that got you through the tough times and how much of an impact do you feel the artists or songs made on your decision to become an artist yourself?

Prince, Michael Jackson, Elvis, gospel and really whatever was being played at the house or car I was in during those challenging times. I listened to the sound track of life. Typically during tough times, I didn’t realize I was in a tough time until someone else would ask me how on earth I made it through. Michael Jackson and Elvis are the reasons I started. I saw a special on both of them in the same hour and I turned to my mother and said “I want a candy apple red guitar trimmed in black.” She heard me loud and clear. the rest is history

So you took interest in the guitar early, do you play the guitar or any other instruments?

Yes. I play the guitar, bass guitar, drums and keys. There are a few others but I only like to brag on the basketball court after I bl

ock a shot or three

Sounds like you are a jack of all trades, not only are you an artist, but you play basketball as well. Do you find time to still play since you are very much so involved in music?

Yes I try to find time to play. I think it’s important to be involved in more than one area.

I also read that you coach a basketball team, how important is it to you to give back to the community and to be an example for the youth?

I coach an intramural team and help out with a middle school team from time to time. I think it’s extremely important to give back to the community. In many ways it helps you so as a responsible adult, you must give back. As for being an example for the youth, it’s just as important. You never know who is watching you or listening to you. So it behooves you to stand with respect and dignity. Make sure that you treat EVERYONE with the utmost respect and dignity. Youth don’t hear your words they “hear” your actions.

Now to talk a little about your album “Back To Jupiter”, how did you come up with the title and what are your favorite tracks from the album?

I came up with the title while joking with a friend. I would say “let’s take this Back To Jupiter!” meaning lets take this back to the basics or make it plain. After saying it so many time we got on the discussion of music and how they need to take it Back To Jupiter (basics). My favorite tracks are “Midnight Session”,  “Repeat”, “Pursuit” and “Maroon Five.”

Did you produce any tracks from your album and are there any producers you wish to work with on future projects?

I produced all of the tracks except for “Selfish Love.” My friend William Kid Azul Blue produced that track. In the future I would like to work with Blue again and Lee Blake. Once I hit big time I want to work with Missy Elliott, Andre 3000, Cee Lo, and Brian Michael Cox.

How do you manage to keep your business organized and what steps do you take to ensure that you can focus on your craft?

I try to keep things as simple as possible. I plan out my days after asking myself what is the big picture supposed to look like. I’m not perfect and forget sometimes so I also utilize the help of my music manager.

To ensure that I focus on my craft I schedule time for it. I treat it like a class. For a class you have to study the subject, practice the subject, and apply what you’ve learned through a display of some sort. I also schedule time away from my craft. Like a boyfriend, I may love him to death but I don’t want to see him every moment. I try (key word “try”) to let Ernesto handle a lot of the business. Any artist can tell you it’s tough to have a creative moment when you have to handle a mundane situation in order to be creative.

You also have a studio of your own, I’m sure you record yourself but are you interested in opening up your studio to record others and if so how can they reach you?

Yes. I offer recording time. Right now I am renovating the studio so I can fit a full band in here. The best way to reach me is via facebook or email at www.facebook.com/officiallatoyarene or latoya@latoyarene.com.

Check out La Toya Rene on Facebook www.facebook.com/officiallatoyarene

And Be Sure To Click Here To Purchase Her Album on Itunes!!!