Imagine the musical diversity of Quincy Jones, the prolific lyricism of Babyface and the uncanny ability to take the unorthodox and make it sound smooth like André 3000. Now, picture that person as a woman. The person you're imagining is LaToya René.
LaToya René plays a number of instruments including the guitar, bass, drums and piano. Like LaToya's curvy 6'2" stature, her voice can leave an impression while soothing the soul. though LaToya René is a multi-instrumentalist she is most noted for her songwriting and composing. Her first crack at songwriting was in Fall 2003 where a mere activity to pass time became a highly sought auditory commodity. Since 2003, LaToya René was state finalist and national semifinalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship Competition, has released 3 independent albums, host a radio show in Fayetteville NC, shared the stage with Steve Harvey, Lil Mo, Carlo Thomas, Jre Riley of Diddy's Making the Band, Montel Jordan, Jagged Edge, written lyrics for Nas, Jasmine Sullivan, performed with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Fayetteville Symphonic Band and has toured along the east coast.
In 2009 LaToya René graduated with a degree in Music. After graduating she focused on refining her talents. Since then, she has attracted the attention of Interscope, Island Def Jam, Epic and Diddy.
I began producing music for a group in late 2003. It was then that I realized my God given talent; making music.
Yes I do play live. I often perform for for shows around the US and select international markets. I have one special moment that I recall was in 2006, I was about to perform for a pageant and the MC was informed that a tie breaker was needed before I could perform. When the crowd heard that I could sing then and there, there was an uproar. There was almost a riot. The crowd didn't calm down until I was playing my keyboard and words were coming out of my mouth.
Some of my main influences are 1950's Doo Wop, earlier rock and roll, R&B and Go Go music. Some of the artists that I enjoy listening to are Prince, Andre 3000, Sam Cooke, Lustra,Babyface, The Fall Out Boys, and Frankie Lymon.
Whatever is in front of me.
I love ice creme and baked goodies so that is a common motif in my songs :))