Lydia René's eclectic influences and free spirited musicianship culminated in her first release My Love IS My Life, recorded live in 2008. As a new artist, it didn't take very long for people to take note of her musical star power. She quickly embarked on a live performance schedule that included venues all around the Philadelphia area and beyond, including headlining gigs that showcased her attention-grabbing live presence, winning raves at every stop. She has also had the opportunity to work with acclaimed producers and musicians like Burn N Bush (Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin), BAM (Lil Mama), Damon “Mr. Dizzy Fingers” Bennett (Jay-Z, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake), and Stan Davis (Kindred The Family Soul, Kelly Rowland, Teena Marie). Not limiting herself to her own project, she's also written songs for projects by multi-platinum artists Toni Braxton and Lil' Mo. Growing up in Mount Holly, NJ, Lydia was a prodigy whose parents exposed her to a myriad of genres including classical, jazz, gospel and rock. Her father, who is a singer, pianist and music teacher, would quiz young Lydia on the music of legends like Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight, and she'd nail it each time. She quickly developed her own musicianship performing in her school's jazz band as a pianist, in the marching band as a bass drummer and xylophone player, and as co-captain of the drumline at the competition level, taking home the “Woody Herman Award for Excellence in Jazz.” Lydia continued her love of music behind the scenes while studying fashion at Philadelphia Univeristy. Taking inspiration from her idol Jill Scott, she embarked on a journey to the stage that has blazed her trail through today. As Lydia René builds upon her ever-growing fan base and prepares for her debut studio album, she continues to touch audiences with the musical dexterity of her live performance.
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