GO NYC Magazine, August 2004

12 Out Artists On The Rise (excerpt)

by Kelsy Chauvin, Suzanne Mahadeo, & Kat Long

Running the gamut of musical genres, these 12 versatile artists give equal voice to elation and protest. From spoken-word rants to brooding blues to sexy harmonies, keep an ear on them, because they're moving on up-and are too good to miss.

Photo by Debby Weatherby

Robin Renée

Robin Renée practices mantra pop: a singular blend of edgy rock with spiritual chanting. She jokes that she's been playing music since leaving her mother's womb, having formed her first band when she was only 10 years old.

In addition to standard guitar/bass/drums lineup, Robin adds violin, an impressive vocal range and a set of unusual influences. She counts David Bowie as inspiring, both for his multifaceted musicianship and for having flaunted bisexuality at one point in his career. Mystic-minded George Harrison inspired Robin to add Indian chanting to her songs. The unlikely strains of punk forefathers Dead Kennedys and The Sex Pistols bring a harder edge to her guitar-playing and songwriting.

With her music, Robin strives for inner peace and the power to be true to herself, and will tour more this year than she has in the past. "It's a little frustrating sometimes that some people might think I'm 'too out.' I can't hide who I am or where I've been," she says. "It's a blessing to write a song called 'My Bride' where I can talk about marrying a man or a woman, or a man in a dress." (SM)

Also featured: L. P., Alix Olson, Melineh Kurdian, Sarah Greenwood, Nedra Johnson, Paradigm, Girlyman, Jen Urban and The Box, Nicola, Sister Funk, and Emily Zuzik.