Renee Rapp thought a miserable relationship was required to create a good album
Songstress Renee Rapp recently opened up about the inspiration behind her latest album. The 25-year-old singer and songwriter confided that she used to believe she needed to be in a miserable relationship to create good music. However, her perspective shifted while working on her newest record, “Bite Me,” alongside her partner, musician Towa Bird.
Surprisingly, Towa has declined all invitations from Renee to collaborate on their music projects. Despite this, Renee expressed contentment in her current relationship, noting that she was mistaken in her previous beliefs about needing distress for musical success. She emphasized the positive impact of her fulfilling connection with Towa on her creative process, remarking, “I’ve been in a really miserable relationship and made an okay album, and now I’m in an amazing relationship, and I believe that I made something that I think is great.”
While crafting her album, Renee drew on experiences from the past six years, delving into themes revolving around her former relationships. Her music reflects her viewpoint that everything she creates inherently embodies lesbianism and queerness. Even the songs inspired by her past relationships with men remain indicative of her queer identity. She elaborated on this by stating that conforming to heteronormative standards during past relationships did not change her fundamental identity as a lesbian artist.
The artistic landscape of Brooklyn has also significantly influenced Renee’s work. Embedded within the vibrant gay scene, Renee’s friends and their diverse relationships have left an indelible mark on her songwriting process. In particular, the track “Why Is She Still Here?” explores the emotional aftermath of non-monogamous relationships. Renee shared her observations about her community, highlighting the prevalence of open queer and lesbian relationships in Brooklyn. Many of her friends have ventured into open or polyamorous relationships only to realize that such arrangements do not align with their emotional needs.
Through her music, Renee Rapp showcases the nuances of queer identity and relationships. Her willingness to delve into personal experiences and observations from her community reinforces the emotional depth and authenticity of her work. By challenging traditional narratives and norms, Renee’s music resonates with audiences seeking genuine representation and relatable storytelling within the realm of LGBTQ+ artistry.