You may remember him from the first season of X-Factor last year, but Chris Rene has just released his debut EP I’m Right Here. The EP features tracks “Young Homie” and “Trouble” which are both great. Featuring personal songs, it gives you an inside look at some of Chris’s troubles and how he has navigated some tough waters. From the time he auditioned, I was a fan of Chris so talking with him was an exciting opportunity. Here is what he had to say about his music and the new EP.
Arin: What initially got you into music?
Chris: It basically just started with my family. Watching my dad and hearing the stories about my grandpa and what he did in the music business. It just made me inspired and I was like, “I could do that.”
A: Who would you say some of your biggest influences are?
C: Some of my influences are definitely Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, Tupac, [and] DMX.
A: The EP came out today, so what is it like having that out and seeing the reaction so far?
C: It’s awesome; it feels crazy. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it and I’m just happy to have my CD out there. I have people that can access it and buy it.
A: Do you have a favorite track?
C: I really like ‘Love Me Like You’ a lot.
A: What do you think is one of the most personal songs?
C: The most personal song that’s actually on it would be ‘Gonna Be OK,’ but there’s another song called ‘Tidal Wave’ which is definitely personal too.
A: Are there any charities or non-profits that you’re involved with or causes that you support?
C: Anything that’s gonna help drive awareness I’m interesting in. I have a connection with Grind Out Hunger, which is a group that gives food to families in need. They’re awesome and anything I can do in this world to help people, I’m gonna do. Grind Out Hunger is awesome because people can donate on their page and get families fed.
A: What was it like being on X-Factor and being more successful with it than some people expected?
C: It’s been a crazy experience. I never knew that it would take me this far. It’s such a blessing for me to be doing what I’m doing. I’m very fortunate to be here.
A: How do you stay in touch with all your fans through social networks?
C: Oh man, I stay in touch with all my Renaliens on twitter. My twitter handle is @mrchrisrene and on facebook. Daily I stay up on it and talk to them and tweet them and follow them. It’s really cool to see all the people out there from different places that are connected with me and the new fans that I see every single day.