Entertainment

Interview: Renee Geyer

Renee Geyer is a pioneer in the Australian music industry, especially in the genres of soul, R&B and jazz

With a career that has so far spanned over four decades and with twenty five albums under her belt, Renee Geyer is a pioneer in the Australian music industry, especially in the genres of soul, R&B and jazz.

Her soulful, husky voice has left its mark on the music industry and she has been inducted into numerous music halls of fame. This week, Renee Geyer will be flying back to South Australia, thanks to local promoter Markus Hamence, for two very special nights of music.

Before her performances in Adelaide, I was fortunate to catch up with Renee to unpack her sensational career, her two very special performances here in Adelaide, and where her love of music came from.

“I would often sing around the house with my brothers. I had a very musical family. I somehow branched into doing this for a living – I don’t really know how it happened, but it did. All my family were musical, so it was no surprise to anyone that I was able to sing; the surprise for everyone was that I was able to make a career out of it.”

Renee has paved the way for so many R&B, Soul and Jazz artists throughout her career. She has also been inducted into the halls of fame for the ARIA’s (2005), Music Victoria Awards (2013) and Australian Women in Music Awards (2018).  I was curious to know if Renee ever thought her career in the industry would be an inspiration to so many and to have achieved all the accolades she has received.

“I try not to think about myself or my career in that way. It is very humbling to have been inducted into so many halls of fame, and it is very thrilling to know this, but I try not to ponder on it too much. I am so thankful that I am earning a living with something that I have so much fun with. I know I am blessed to have a job that is so much fun. It doesn’t feel like work half the time.”

With a career that’s spanned several decades, are there any achievements or concerts that stand out more than others, or are they all special in their own ways for Renee?

“I enjoy all of it. There are so many different types of venues that I’ve performed it, and it makes it all different and enjoyable. Performing in a theatre is a very different experience from performing in a little club. When I’m in Adelaide this week, I’m performing at the Pepper Tree Cafe one night and then the Regal theatre the next. Two very different venues, but both will be very rewarding.”

This week, Renee will be in Adelaide for two very special performances. Friday July 22, 8.30pm an intimate dinner performance at Pepper Tree Cafe in Aldinga and Saturday July 23, 8pm at the Regal Theatre.

“I’m really looking forward to being back in Adelaide. I’ll be performing all the songs that I’m known for and throw in a few pieces that are speaking to me at the moment – I’ll give audiences my interpretation of them. My band will be with me and I love performing with them. We just enjoy playing music together. I cannot wait to be back. It has been so long since I’ve been in South Australia and it’s about time I came back to perform there.”

Tickets for both of Renee’s performances can be purchased through https://markushamence.com/shows-and-events/

Interview by Ben Stefanoff

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