This time, we get to know Renato Genestra, a Brazilian blues rock artist based in São Paulo.
Nominated as a finalist at the 7th Brazilian Music Professionals Award in the Blues category, Renato Genestra is a talented international Blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his technical skill and passion for music.
The track "You Have No Hold Over Me" is featured in the New Artist Spotlight Family of Playlists.
Link To New Artist Spotlight Playlists:
1. Tell us a little about where you are from and what you are currently doing.
I'm originally from the countryside of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I grew up surrounded by beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Music has always been a part of my life, and I started playing the guitar and writing songs when I was a teenager. After a few years of performing locally and getting some recognition, I decided to move to São Paulo to pursue my music career more seriously.
Nowadays, I'm fully dedicated to promoting my debut album "The King is Gone", which I released this year. It's a collection of songs that reflect my personal experiences, inspirations, and musical influences, and I'm really proud of how it turned out. I've been working hard to get it heard by as many people as possible, using social media, live performances, and collaborations with other artists and media outlets.
Besides that, I'm also focused on planning and organizing a tour to support the album, both in Brazil and abroad. I believe that performing live is one of the most rewarding experiences for an artist, and I can't wait to share my music with new audiences and connect with my fans in person. In addition, I'm always looking for new opportunities to create and share music, such as recording special versions of my songs and collaborating with other artists and producers. I think that's what keeps me motivated and inspired to keep going on this journey.
2. What inspired you to start playing and making music?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up listening to a wide variety of music genres, from classic rock to samba, and I remember being mesmerized by the way it made me feel. When I was a teenager, I started playing guitar and writing my own songs as a way to express myself and share my emotions with others.
My biggest inspiration came from the music of legendary artists such as Joe Bonamassa, Eric Clapton, and Bon Jovi, among others. I was fascinated by the way they were able to create such powerful and timeless pieces of music that continue to inspire generations.
As I continued to develop my skills as a musician and songwriter, I found inspiration in different genres and artists, such as B.B. King, Albert King, SRV, and Jimi Hendrix, to name a few. Their storytelling and unique approaches to music-making have had a profound impact on my own creative process.
Overall, the passion and love I have for music have been the main driving forces behind my decision to pursue a career in the industry and share my own art with the world.
𝟯. Who are your biggest influences?
I have a wide range of musical influences, from Classic Blues, Passing from Blues Rock to classic rock. Some of my biggest influences include Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Pink Floyd, and Eric Clapton. I also draw inspiration from atemporal artists such as B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Joe Bonamassa. I try to incorporate elements from all of these artists into my own music, while also striving to create something unique and original. Overall, I believe that my varied musical tastes and influences help me to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh at the same time.
4. What are your goals in the music industry?
As an independent artist, my main goal is to continue creating and releasing music that resonates with listeners and builds a loyal fanbase. I want to tour and perform as much as possible, not only in Brazil but also internationally, to reach a wider audience. Another goal is to collaborate with other artists and producers to expand my sound and reach new listeners.
In addition to creating music, I also want to use my platform to advocate for important causes and make a positive impact in the world. I believe music has the power to bring people together and inspire change, and I want to be a part of that movement. Ultimately, my goal is to build a sustainable career in the music industry and continue making music for many years to come.
5. Tell us about your creative process when you make new music.
My creative process when making new music usually starts with a spark of inspiration. It could be a melody that comes to my mind, a phrase that I hear, or even a feeling that I want to express through music. From there, I usually grab my guitar and start playing around with chords and melodies until I find something that I like.
Once I have the basic structure of the song, I start writing lyrics. I usually draw from my own experiences, histories that a create (like Roses) or observations, or sometimes I just let my imagination run wild and come up with something completely new.
After I have the lyrics and melody, I start working on the arrangement and production. I like to experiment with different sounds and textures (Like drum materials or bass models) until I find something that complements the song and brings out the emotions that I want to convey.
Overall, my creative process is a mixture of inspiration, experimentation, and hard work. It's a constantly evolving process, and I'm always looking for new ways to push myself and my music to the next level.
6. What is your all-time favorite song?
Tears for Tears - Woman In Chains - Absolutely Perfect Song. This song sends me to my inner child
7. What is the best advice you have either given or received in terms of music?
I Received:
"Never depend 100% on others to keep walking in your career" means that an artist should not rely entirely on other professionals or companies to advance in their music career. It's important for the artist to develop their business and marketing skills, and learn to be self-sufficient in various areas such as production, recording, marketing, and career management. This way, the artist can reinvent themselves and remain relevant in an ever-evolving market. Additionally, by being able to manage most of the tasks related to their career, the artist can better control their image, sound, and brand, and achieve their goals more effectively.
8. Proudest accomplishment?
I take pride in my entire music career and all the hard work that went into it, but if I had to choose one accomplishment, I would say that releasing my album 'The King is Gone' and reaching over 55,000 streams on Spotify through an editorial playlist is a huge highlight. It's gratifying to see my music being appreciated and enjoyed by listeners around the world, and it motivates me to continue creating and sharing my art
9. Just for fun! What's been your most embarrassing moment so far?
Speaking of a music-related moment, once I was performing at a venue called "Greens Bar" in Rio de Janeiro, and I had too many warm beers that didn't sit well with me! I had a terrible stomachache and had to abandon the stage and cancel the show halfway through! It was very embarrassing, but now I find it funny.
𝟭0. Tell us about your lowest and highest points in music so far.
My lowest point would have to be not having the opportunity to invest in more releases, concerts, and tours to focus solely on music. It can be challenging to balance the business side of the industry with the creative side, but I'm determined to keep pushing forward and achieving my goals.
My highest point in music so far has been reaching over 2,000 listeners in 150 countries. It's incredible to see the impact my music has had on people from all around the world. It's a fulfilling feeling to know that my music is being enjoyed by so many people.
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Renato Genestra I can reminisce to the low times, being an independent artist isnt an easy task. It comes with alot of responsibility but thank God for Nas! alot to pick here.
It was great to learn about Renato Genestra, his background and musical goals. Since he's from Brazil, I was wondering if he was influenced by so much of the cool Bossa Nova music that's such a big part of Brazil. I was delighted to learn about his love for Blues and Rock and was influenced by a lot of the same artists myself. Looking forward to much more of his music 😎