Meet Yana Renea | Singer, Songwriter, Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yana Renea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yana Renea, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose to pursue an artistic career because when I attempted to choose the traditional route, the feeling that I was ignoring a true calling/purpose always hit me. There is a freedom that I feel when singing, and performing. A freedom that I’ve never felt when working for someone else. That is a feeling that keeps me alive and will allow me to push until I reach my artistic/entrepreneur goals.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I decided to become a singer/songwriter/performer in 2016 and spent a lot of time performing at open mics throughout Chicago. My friend/manager Gina Tisdale hosted a music night every month at REFUGE Live, a live music venue Chicago, and that is where I found my voice and built stage presence.

Since then, I’ve been part of dance companies, and danced background for Jennifer Hudson,
As a singer, I’ve performed at the International Festival of Life in Chicago, The Black Women’s Expo, & Nextshowcase Chicago. Post Covid, I’ve performed at TRIBE SUPPER CLUB, a new live music club in the West Loop of Chicago. I’ve, released my official music video for my single “Pull Up” & released my ballad Nobody (Knows) available on all streaming platforms. The goal has been to keep working! lol

Throughout my journey, though I am just getting started, I am most proud of my resilience and the ability to listen and trust God. I’ve been through numerous career paths, experienced many ups and downs, but I never stopped listening to that voice to keep going. If I’m presented with something that scares me, I ALWAYS push myself to do it. Me quitting my job, choosing music and then performing around my city is a result of that. I truly believe because God is behind me, in addition to working on my craft, my gift will for sure make room for me and others if they take that leap.

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My goal is to inspire and reach the audience’s hearts through song and dance. I’ve noticed, throughout all my experiences, we all want to feel heard, and we want to have a good time. It is an amazing feeling to know that when I perform…I can give the audience an opportunity to experience both.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friend had an early flight in we would go to Wishbone for breakfast for American Southern Cuisine or make a reservation to take them to Soulé Chicago, a boutique restaurant with AMAZING FOOD. There is also TRUTH ITALIAN that has amazing cuisine as well. When it comes to a good time for myself, LIVE MUSIC events places are my thing. You can look up SOUL SESSIONS CHICAGO on IG, that has amazing talent performing every quarter on Sundays,

TRIBE SUPPER CLUB on the weekends for live music, good food, and then a club feel late night.
If you want to just dance and be around amazing black people that look goodt…lol hit up PERSONA NIGHT CLUB, CIVILIZEDEMPIRE or hit up Sigmachrisevents on IG for the best Brunches and nightclub experiences.

The options would be endless for my friend or any visitor to coming to Chicago. I didn’t even name all the places to visit and things to do, but hopefully, I got you all started. I don’t get out much due to work but baby I can lead you where to go or at least lead you to the best curators of events on IG! Basically, COME TO CHICAGO! 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family & close friends. I know that is a bit vague but I literally have been pushed and supported by them since I’ve went on this journey. This journey can be a difficult one at times, so the support, in all forms, is something that I’m grateful for.

Website: https://unitedmasters.com/a/yanarenea

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yana_renea/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdRRqslUJwG3juKJ5NkDgtA/featured

Image Credits
MUA & PHOTOGRAPGHY: Sydney Miller (Instagram- @sydsweetbeat)