http://www.rockstardreams.com/blog/spotlight-of-the-week-post/ Rockstar Dreams Interview

The Spotlight

Songwriter Tiffany Reneigh

Five years after heading west to the city of angels to pursue her dream of becoming a professional song writer, 29-year old Tiffany Reneigh sat down with me to share her aspirations over a cup of joe outside of a Starbucks in downtown Los Angeles.  The streets are buzzing with suits, hipsters and thousands of people who are working their day jobs to pursue a career in acting or the music industry. There is a unique blend of passion, ideas and ambition that seems to resonate from the Hollywood hills to cast a positive shadow over the city skyline and the very spot we are sitting.  Tiffany takes a sip of her coffee with quiet optimism and a smile on her face. 

RSD: When did you know you wanted to become a professional songwriter?

TR:  I knew from a young age that I always had a passion for music.  I remember in kindergarten for graduation my parents gave me a Debbie Gibson cassette tape, love the 80’s and ever since then I grew up singing and writing. I started writing poetry and then in high school I began writing songs and studying composition. I was in choir for several years then after I graduated college I made the decision to follow my dream and invest everything I have to become a writer professionally.

RSD: So Debbie Gibson was the spark, huh?

TR:  Debbie Gibson yeah that was my one (she says with a laugh). I have no shame, I actually love the 80’s it was a great time for music. Debbie is an influence for me and Mariah Carey is a great influence for my writing as well.  I continue to find writers every day that I am inspired by.

RSD:  You told me earlier that you are a registered with ASCAP now (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers).    

TR:  I am yes, I registered with ASCAP which is for my performance royalties. It’s important to be registered if you really want to take your craft seriously. It’s great for networking and very helpful and has a lot of resources.  It ensures you get paid for your songs, I recommend getting registered with one of the performing rights organizations, either SESAC, BMI or ASCAP.

RSD: Did you go to the ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo back in April?

TR;  I didn’t go to the conference that was 6 months ago but I did go the year before and that actually led to me collaborating with several people that I met at that conference. I highly recommend going if you’re serious about what you’re doing, it’s a great opportunity.

RSD: Who are you collaborating with currently? 

TR:  Right now, I work with a producer named Sheven Morris who is an up and coming R&B producer. We’ve done a lot of my demo work together.  Paris Montgomery who is an R&B pop singer, I do a lot of my work with him too. I’ve been doing a lot of my studio time with them.  They are great and very inspirational. I’ve also been working with another songwriter and his name is Jeordi La forge and he is very talented.  We write together as well which is nice when you can co-write and vibe together.  I’ve been blessed to have good people around me.

*Check out the Rock Star Dreams Song of the Week: “Caught Up In The Middle”

Written by Tiffany Reneigh / Vocals by Paris Montgomery / Produced by Sheven Morris

RSD: That’s exciting, what advice would you give to other aspiring songwriters or anyone in general who is trying to achieve their “rock star dream?”

TR:  I would advise people to never give up on your dream and your dream will never give up on you. What you are passionate about will always be a part of you and just be true to that. Don’t let others doubt or other insecurities get in the way of what you know you are supposed to be doing. Networking is crucial. It’s so important to continually make connections and share your music and believe in what you’re doing.  Constantly work on your craft, listen to all genres of music, study lyrics, study composition; it will only better your writing. Commit to what you’re doing and have patience with what you’re doing.  Sometimes a dream will take a long time but it’s the process, it’s the journey that is important not just the success of the dream.

You can listen to Tiffany’s music at http://www.indabamusic.com/people/463631946 or connect with her on Twitter @TiffanyReneigh