Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Renee ‘ Aka “blue Eyes”. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alicia Renee ‘, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I am a full time Independent vocalist/bandleader/street musician in the French Quarter, New Orleans. Known to the Press as the ” Gem of the Vieux Carre ‘ ” (Queen of the French Quarter) After living in Switzerland for almost one decade,(originally from Flint, Michigan) I was asked to come to New Orleans to takeover a friends full time gig as a Bandleader on Bourbon Street. In the daytime I began singing outside of Cafe Dumonde, Rouses (Royal street) and other parts of the French Quarter and very quickly learned that I was able to make much more money singing outside (busking) then I was making at ANY of the clubs, “5 star” hotels, etc in New Orleans (See articles in the New York times, Rolling stone, magazine etc about how very little the artists are paid in New Orleans including International legends of New Orleans) and soon began making that my Full time career and singing in the clubs more so to stay social amongst fellow musicians, society , etc. Interestingly enough ,most of the invites to sing at Galas, Weddings, Private events have come from people listening to me singing outside of the streets of New Orleans. Singing outside in the Quarter also lead to me being approached by Executive Directors of a documentary “Dirty Dogs” in which im the host/narrator/ & one of the producers of the film exposing and helping to change a major law here in the Quarter in which since the 1970’s only one food cart vendor was allowed to sell food in the quarter, and now there are a total of 30 different food cart vendor permit allowed as of Nov. 2023. Being an independent artist here in New Orleans is one of the most freeing feelings and independent ways of life , In regards to what I would change to “speed up the process” Nothing… After all the Journey has been truly a gift

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been singing since the age of 2. I had two beautiful parents (Mother an educator and Father who had his own business and worked for General Motors) They are where I get my discipline from. I am a professional vocalist and private vocal instructor who has also worked on movies “Queen of the South’, “Dirty Dogs” the film/documentary. I have albums , merchandise ,etc that I sell. I am a dark complected African American BORN with Natural Blue Eyes and am known for singing classic/traditional Jazz music Louis Armstrong,. Billie Holiday, etc yet at the same time have performed and recorded internationally for artists outside the genre of Jazz such as R & B, Neo Soul, Hip Hop,. Reggae, and more as well as speak 5 different languages (French, spanish, Italian, German, and of course English, such as Dwele, Kool G Rap, The Last Poets, Jessica Care moore,Shaquille O Neal and more. https://aliciareneeakablueeyes.com/

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to show people that you dont have to align your self with corporations, big companies, etc and take a less pay home, but you truly can be an independent artist and support yourself financially

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being independent and not depending on any one or company to make the decisions if people will know about your work, talent, products, especially due to the internet that has an international reach , in which you dont have to go along with the group think just to “make it” in society or as a business

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aliciareneeakablueeyes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluuwise/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090205791262
• Twitter: https://x.com/Bluuwise
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliciareneeakablueeyes1483

Image Credits

Alicia Renee aka Blue Eyes