STLCC student Chrissy Renick performs new album at local music club
By: David Kloeckener
Staff Photographer
By: Alex Kendall
Art & Life Editor
As patrons file into the intimate environment of the Duck Room under Blueberry Hill on March 30, STLCC-Meramec student Chrissy Renick took the stage. Renick organized the night in celebration of the release of her newest album, “A Thousand Shades.”
“After the CD came out on iTunes, we wanted to have some type of CD release party so people could hear it live, so we put it together in the past three months,” Renick said.
Renick takes the classic sound of rhythm and blues and mixes it with her own unique vocals to create her new album. Renick said that she finds most of her musical influences in pop, alternative-soul and R&B.
“I would definitely have to say Alicia Keys, Aliyah, Christina Aguilera and Motown when I was younger,” Renick said. “I listen to a lot of pop and R&B.”
The event began with the opening artist, Renick’s supporter and older brother, Mike Renick. Near the end of his set, Mike Renick announced to the crowd of 70 to 90 people that the night was a celebration for his little sister’s CD release. The crowded room erupted with applause as Mike Renick stepped off stage for his little sister to enter the spotlight.
“I had invited a lot of people but this was more than what I expected,” Chrissy Renick said.
With the crowd settled, Chrissy Renick sat down at the keyboard and began to play. As her solo on the piano climaxes, the band joins in with instrumental support and vocal backing. The crowd rises to their feet and cheers as the group joins in a syncopated unison.
“It gave me a lot of energy because I’ve been playing alone for so long. This is the first time I’ve played with my band so it felt so much more real,” Chrissy Renick said. “When you’re alone, it has its own unique element but the energy gets low and you start to feel lonely. I like having the band. It was so energetic with the people there.”
While she may be successful in the local music scene around Saint Louis, Chrissy Renick said that attending Meramec and participating in the music program will help further herself in her career.
“I’m going to school to learn but I really want to keep recording and keep doing this to see where it goes,” Chrissy Renick said.
Chrissy Renick plans to make the best of both worlds, learning and recording.
“I love Meramec,” Chrissy Renick said. “I won’t be there for very long but so far I’ve really enjoyed it. It will help me with my song writing.”
Listen to Rednick’s album here: http://open.spotify.com/artist/1o8SjyJDSy8Bv3VY7Uh2CF
