*****Note- This Interview was conducted with Chris Rene' in 2009 with my former affiliations with West Coast Magazine when I was a contributing writer and I conveyed his musical journey this is pre X-factor I hope you all will enjoy it. SRL M4M
West Coast Magazine by SONIA RAQUEL LIMAS 2010
Chris Rene also known as C-Monk is definitely a diamond in
the rough representin Love Life Muzik . Chris grew up in Santa Cruz, but also
spent his formative years in L.A . This is evident in the music he has created
with his Debut album SOUL’D OUT 2009. I got a chance to listen and review this
cd and it has to be a top 10 favorite album of mine. While Chris was living in
L.A. Western and 24th block to be exact, that's when he decided to get in to
music. Love Life actually came about through a dream which materialized into
what it has become today. It is evident in the music he has created in his
album SOUL'D OUT IN 2009. Chris currently lives and makes music in Santa Cruz,
CA. He works with a group of producers that go by the name Slapademiks which
include Hakim Keem Beats, JAR, Monik Ape, including Chris Rene. Cmonk started
recording music at the age of 12 with his brother and best friend to form a
Punk band by the name Diversion. Chris’s ties to the music industry go back
farther,His family’s legacy is deeply rooted in Music His Grandfather Leon Rene
wrote and composed Rockin Robin which was a hit single also he pioneered the
R&B music scene here on the West Coast along with his father
Googie Rene who recorded an album Wham Bam and is also a
very talented jazz pianist he welcomed his son Chris Rene into the world in
1982. Chris's family is very musically inclined he has an older sister Gina
Rene who is an accomplished artist in her own right she performs in L.A..
I was intrigued with his introduction to music which has
been a strong influence since he was born. It was his destiny to be involved in
music in all levels as a singer and producer.
Chris wants to reach out to all people of diverse
backgrounds an heal people with his music, since he has gone through the
struggles of addiction it will inspire other’s to love life which is what he
lives by daily . In the future he would like to collaborate with such artists
such as Alicia Keys, SADE, and most importantly his older sister Gina Rene.
Chris has opened for such artist’s as Ice Cube, Andre Nickatina,Bone Thugs N
Harmony and Rappin 4 Tay here in Santa Cruz also in other venues in California.
I would not dare to define or put his music into one single category
It is acoustic soul and r&b and it evolves with his
life experiences he has gone through and continues to on this journey. is next
project is a mixtape which will be featuring artists from the 831. Sould Out
Chris Rene’s debut album can be purchased at www.chrisrene.com, Streetlight
Records, and Tycoon Apparel. For more inquiries about our feature artist Chris
Rene C-Monk you can contact West Coast Magazine or
www.myspace.com/chrisreneyoungmonk
S.R.L. 2010
