1. Where are you from and how did you first get introduced to EDM?
Renee – I am originally from Lafayette, Louisiana [2 hours west of NOLA] – originally got introduced to EDM in high school [Skrillex, Hucci, he who must not be named, Flux Pavilion, Zeds Dead] back in 2010. I’ve always been one to discover music early and something about it just got me hooked.
My ears have never been tickled in a way that bass music has done for me and it’s something that will never go away for me. First show – I was 19 [my sophmore year of college] & I saw Steve Aoki & Datsik in 2011 at the Sugar Mill in New Orleans.
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2. What were the pivotal moments in your life where you decided to join the music workforce?
Renee – Music has always been a part of my life, just wasn’t sure how to exactly get involved. My dad has been a DJ for 30+ years, so growing up I would dabble with DJing school dances, learned how to mix/master [has since forgot], and played saxophone. I was working at City Bar Baton Rouge whenever my boss came to me with the proposition of being their new talent buyer, as they wanted someone fresh/who knows the scene.
I was a Behavioral Therapist at the time working with children on the spectrum, but once I got the opportunity to be in the industry – I knew I had to run with it. Learned from mentors + taught myself everything I needed to know. Dabbled with artist management with an ex of mine but took it more seriously once naada. asked me to help him, which caused me to make Ragency a real company, not just one I created for tax purposes.
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3. Your company’s brand showcases a beautiful like lotus flower as the logo. Could you elaborate more on your company, Ragency, branding and mission focus?
Renee – Ragency is an entertainment company specializing in artist management + industry consulting, talent buying, and hospitality services. We aim to alleviate stress for our artists by tackling the many complexities of the music industry, allowing them to focus on being their most creative, authentic selves.
We intend to only uplift and complement our community with genuine, refreshing interactions + experiences filled with integrity. We acknowledge the dualities of this world and strive to bring balance + peace amidst the chaos. The lotus I feel represents me, or us, well because as peaceful as I am, I like the fire. Our artists are chill, but they got that gas. We’re the fuel to the fire you didn’t know you needed.
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4. What are your future goals and aspirations for Ragency?
Renee – Ideally would love for Ragency to be self-sustaining one day to where I could survive from only that, where my artists are playing shows every weekend, touring, on the charts, etc. But honestly, my goals are to help all of my friends/artist that I represent and make sure they’re not taken advantage of & always have their best interests in mind. It’s hard to come by good, genuine people that will allow an artist to be who they want to be, and that’s what matters most. Never fuck with the art.
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5. What advice would you give to independent artists who are in the building process of their careers?
Renee – Keep at it. Do what you need to do even when you don’t feel like it. Stay true to yourself and keep a good core group of people around you. A fire support system is crucial. Ask for help but don’t let people take advantage of you. Don’t compare yourselves or your art to anyone. You’ll get to where you want to be if you manifest and envision your future. It’ll come to you if you keep putting positve energy into it.
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6. Anything else you would like to add? A shoutout? Promo?
Renee – I’d like to thank anyone who has supported me, Ragency, my artists, and Republic/ARORA. It means everything and I couldn’t do what I do if I didn’t have people on my side. I never take this life for granted and am thankful I get to do something that I love every day, and hope everyone takes the steps to do the same in their lives.
