WCPO Lounge Acts features CCM Dance alumna Bla'szé

Although Renea studied ballet at UC's College-Conservatory of Music, an injury led her to pivot to a mostly musical career as a singer-songwriter. Needless to say, it’s been a very successful pivot; last year, Renea opened for Lizzo at U.S. Bank Arena (now the Heritage Bank Center), and she was also nominated for a CityBeat Cincinnati Entertainment Award for Best R&B/Funk/Soul Artist.

Despite the pandemic, Renea is having a professionally successful year. Earlier in 2020, she released her debut album, Energy, which uses her signature blend of a variety of musical styles: a little bit rhythm and blues, a little bit pop, a little bit rap. In her live WCPO Lounge Acts performance, her only accompaniment was a jazz-influenced electric guitar, which was an intriguing contrast to her vocal style.

“Most often [in these pandemic-era performances], the ‘audience’ consists of the team bringing the show together, so while performing you don't really get the applause, oohs, and ahhs that really build confidence during a live show,” Renea says.

“However, I have learned to appreciate it and use it almost as a live rehearsal. This mindset allows me to truly tap into the performance and entertain whoever is at home watching instead of who's right in front of me.”

Digital performances like this are both a reminder of today’s socially-distanced experiences and the cliché but very real drive of many artists: the show must go on.

“Since everything is being done on social media, I have really had to figure out what I can present to my audience that is still me yet fresh enough to keep my supporters coming back," Renea says. "It’s been tough. It’s been hard to stay in shape at home. But I am so grateful for this time I've had to be more creative and to think outside of the box."

If you’re looking for more Bla’szé content, visit YouTube to see her newly-released music video for “Love Me Tonight” from Energy.