Today we’d like to introduce you to Reina Williams.
Hi Reina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My first taste of producing music came in High School actually. There was a class called music technology where we used software to create music via MIDI. I was hooked after that. Once I graduated I decided to go to a recording school in Rockville, MD and took their comprehensive program which included audio engineering, live sound, and music business as well a music production. Upon completion, I was invited to intern at a production studio in NYC, followed by an internship at a busy studio in Baltimore. For about two years I spent my days creating tracks and eventually hooked up with a boutique publishing house called SelecTracks and they started me on the road to making music for film and TV placement.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. I am actually emerging from a rough spot right now. Sometimes as an artist we get in our heads about things or things happen that are beyond our control and we are faced with a challenge to reassess what is important. This past summer I lost my voice due to laryngitis and then developed nodules on my vocal cords which drastically changed my signing voice to the point that I was unable to sing for months. I became a bit depressed and didn’t make any music for about 6 months.
It was an opportunity for me to really understand how important it is for me to share my gift with the world because when I was unable to, I was not in a good space. Even today, I am shaking off the anxiety so that I can continue to really get on the path of my other passion which is performing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer, songwriter, producer and performer. MY singing voice has been called “unique” and “crazy” and I am most proud of the fact that even at age 40, I have not given up the pursuit of the “next level” which to me is defined as a performer at festivals, traveling and touring to share my music, and reaching as many people as possible.
When I perform, I combine live looping and live production with acoustic guitar and vocals. I build a song on the spot and then play it. Sort of like being a one-woman band. I am also known for having music in various TV shows and movies thanks to my continued relationship with BMG production music. Working with them has afforded me many opportunities to be an asset when it comes to creating songs for TV shows. Most recently I did four songs for the most recent season of “Queer Eye”.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Integrity. That’s what matters most. Doing the right thing even when no one else is looking. Being true to yourself and what you stand for even if it means walking away from opportunities. In the long run, it’s about the legacy one leaves behind and not the accumulated wealth and accolades. Funny thing is that all the folks I know who move this way are successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://reinawilliams.com
- Instagram: @ReinaWilliamsMusic
Image Credits
Photos by Jolie Blue, Chris Jay, Adrian Buckmaster
