We recently connected with Renee Benot and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Renee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
No, I believe I am right on time. The music business is a very fickle business because it shifts with fads or what is trending, so you must keep up. It is not for the faint of heart. While you’re learning and nurturing your music goals, you must have a way to financially support yourself with some type of employment. You must count the cost and be prepared for the climb, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. A book that helped me is “Emotional Intelligence” -a practical guide by Dr. David Walton. This helped me to take an in-depth look at myself. self-knowledge, Managing your emotions and being able to provide some insight on how to build your network by understanding others. You can start where you are and remember that this business is cyclical. The traditional and classic jazz in addition to R&B sounds will never die.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
There are two different Renee’s; however, they have learned to work together while occupying the same body and brain. Renee, the artistic, is a creative, energetic being, is curious, always learning, and interested in other creative avenues; then there is the analytical businesswoman with a different energy. I was born into an entrepreneurial family, so business comes to me as second nature. “There is transparency in everything I do. Depending on whether I’m giving a business presentation, social event, or LIVE performance, you have a clear idea of what to expect, nothing but true excellence.” As a contemporary jazz/R&B/pop powerhouse entertainer, I am known as a high-energy, success-driven leader in most aspects of my personal and professional life as CEO of Jonei Productions. In addition to my expansive musical expertise, I’m equipped with a broad tool kit of business development skills, including product positioning, consulting, and marketing skills that focus on management logistics. My business interests include strategic corporate collaborations and endorsements. The main takeaway is that I have finally and proudly learned how to make a living in the industry I love the most without compromising my values and goodwill. My attention to people and details sets me apart from others while delivering the sounds of yesterday packaged for today’s listening audience.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
The love of music is a natural fit for me. In my heart of hearts, I believe music is the message to the world. I would like non-creatives to know that it is important to keep music and all the arts in schools. This will ultimately soothe the aggressive behaviors students display today. The struggle is real in acquiring any talent. It takes education, similar to going to school for a teacher or engineer. Understanding the music business is very different in that you must understand the business of music. There are so many dynamics that have shifted today due to technology and AI. The traditional way to get into the music business was to sign with a record company, however, that no longer exists. The time for the independent artist is now. So if you want to learn the business this is a good time to learn for anyone just starting. There are so many books and internet information. When I began in the business I read the revised, updated and expanded edition book by Donald S. Passman,
“All you need to know about the music business.” This book was known as the Bible of the music business. Due to the large presence of technology and Artificial Intelligence we are challenged to continue to learn quickly.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is my ability to be both an artist and business owner. Presently, l have designed my professional life with the focus on ownership. This enables me to have more latitude in order to control my image and Intellectual Property. As previously mentioned, this is an important component for all upcoming creatives in all disciplines, in particular the musicians who historically been victimized by so many others in the industry. Today it’s important for me to be an industry leader of work and life balance, especially for women, in aspects of their personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reneebenot.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneebenotmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReneeBenotMusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebenot/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeBenot
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/reneebenot
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/renee-benot-music-new-york
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/Renee-Benot
- Other: https://www.joneiproductions.comhttps://www.reverbnation.com/reneebenot
Image Credits
Image Credits: Scott Camaran, Creative Director Jonei Productions, Executive Producer, Woflat Music Publishing Company dba Woflat Publishing Company, and Renee Benot Music
Donald S. Passman, “All you need to know about the music business.”
Emotional Intelligence” -a practical guide by Dr. David Walton