Before shifting to radio-friendly, grit-filled pop anthems, Renee Rapp was taking Broadway by storm at the impressive age of nineteen. She found her first fanbase in theater kids, after her triumphant 2018 Jimmy Awards win - thanks to her moving cover of "All Falls Down" from Chaplin - and her show-stopping portrayal of Regina George in the musical adaptation of Mean Girls. Both of these experiences not only showcased her unmatched vocal control and range, particularly in her belt, but also her ability to tell stories through song.
Photo credit: Universal Music Group, graphic created by Karly Ramnani
While she originally sought out to pursue the R&B singer-songwriter route, several opportunities in acting found their way to her. Renee's next major acting gig as Leighton in The Sex Lives As College Girls fit into the same typecast as Regina George. However, at the same time, she was honing an entirely different side of herself as she worked on her debut EP, Everything To Everyone. Songs like "Don't Tell My Mom" and "In The Kitchen" allowed her to embrace her vulnerability, as she channeled her feelings in a far less glamorous environment. Original songs still convey stories, but this time, it wasn't of a character; it was autobiographical.
That said, the dynamic nature of musical theater has boosted her world-building and scene-setting techniques, laying a strong foundation for unique style she is developing. "I am a theater kid, and I think that amazing theater and amazing storytelling, whether it be on stage or screen, is incredible writing. That services everything. I obviously came from a background of not only listening to incredible lyricists, in the pop world and the R&B space and hip-hop, but Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Those are very specific, story-driven, beautifully crafted things. I think that musical theater, especially right now, has such a huge influence on pop music, which is super fun," Renee told Playlists & Polaroids in a recent press conference. "It’s had such an impact on my writing and career, and I hope it continues too. I hope that one day I can die happy - in general, but specifically in that."
Her first few solo releases mostly comprised of acoustic-leaning ballads that featured her signature belt. Renee expertly captures several internal battles with love, friendships, mental health, and understanding herself as a whole. More recently, including in her debut album Snow Angel, she's communicated the same heavy emotions in a greater variety of ways. With clever wordplay and a direct, tongue-in-cheek approach, the TikTok-viral "Poison Poison" bluntly condemns a backstabbing ex best friend. The forthcoming opener, "Talk Too Much," comes with an intentionally chaotic structure and delivery, rendering it an anthem for chronic oversharers everywhere. She taps back into the intimate and conversational techniques for "Gemini Moon" and "23," two of the most powerful on the album, and puts a new spin on that style of songwriting for the soothing "Willow."
Just as many members of the theater cult predicted in the pre-pandemic days, Renee Rapp is now taking the world by storm. Perhaps their failure to gatekeep her harder was for the better, as this star's refreshing and bold artistry is just what the music industry needs right now. Through her openness and versatility, she attracts audiences who gravitate towards both contemporary R&B and Broadway soundtracks. Wherever on that spectrum you fall, if you wish to dive deeper into her discography, we've curated the perfect playlist for you.
YOU'LL LOVE RENEE RAPP IF YOU LISTEN TO: Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, Lizzy McAlpine, Maisie Peters, Sabrina Carpenter, Lorde, Taylor Swift, and of course showtunes!
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