The early days of fun laundry room songwriting led to a current life of ministry through music for Natalie Renee. Rooted in faith and music, Renee’s journey is one of great surrender and passion.
“I grew up in a very musical, Christian home,” said Renee, a 2023 graduate of Casey County High School and current Campbellsville University student. “My great-grandfather was a composer and choir director — he even wrote the [fight song] for Campbellsville University, his alma mater. Both of my grandfathers were pastors for over 50 years, so there’s definitely a legacy of faith and music there.”
At the age of six, Renee had a life-changing encounter with Christ.
“I remember feeling this crushing weight of guilt,” she recalled. “I realized that was my sin, and I needed Jesus. I gave my life to Him that night. My love for Jesus and my love for music grew together from there.”
The foundation for her creativity comes from her love of Christ.
“So much of my inspiration comes from Him,” she explained. “I can’t imagine not using my music to express my faith!”
Renee’s songwriting began very early in her life when she was four.
“I was helping my mom put away the laundry and decided that it was the perfect time to write a silly song about going crazy!”
But this path hasn’t always been easy. Renee has faced challenges along the way.
“The biggest thing has been battling my own self-doubts, especially in high school, about whether my dreams were even possible,” she said. “Once I gathered the courage to step out in faith and really do this thing, that challenge became finding the right people to help make it happen.”
Key figures in Renee’s life have played important roles in her journey. She points to three “big ones,” in particular: her mom, Sharon, who is her “biggest cheerleader;” her dad, Shannon, who she said pushes her to be her best; and her former guitar teacher, Larry Beasley, who “literally taught me everything I know about guitar and so much about what it means to make music your living.”
Renee recently released her first single, “Better Than Mine,” which touches on surrender and trust. One of the lyrics, “You said now lay it down,” holds a special meaning.
“Many moments of surrender came together to form that line,” Renee said, adding that choosing the right college was her biggest moment. “There was so much prayer and pivoting that went into where I’m currently a student.”
“Youth events are some of my favorites! I can definitely tell that the Lord is moving among this generation and it’s incredible to be on the front line watching that happen.” Renee said. “He gave me every talent I have and the work ethic to do something with them, so I have to give it all back to Him.”
Looking to her future, Renee has a clear and humble vision.
“I pray that five years from now will look similar to today: worship leading multiple times a week, working on new music, sharing the song of my heart. I will be very happy, however, to have graduated from college by then!”
Renee believes music holds a powerful role in worship.
“The entire book of Psalms is dedicated to that. Music helps our hearts speak to the Lord and unifies us with other believers. I’m so thankful God invented it.”
Prayer is also essential in her songwriting.
“I try to keep my prayer life as if I were constantly on the phone with God. I never “hang up” so to speak.” she explained. “I just keep the line open with the Lord and enter into the songwriting like a conversation with Him.”
To young artists out there looking to share their faith through music, Renee says, “If you love Jesus and love music, there is absolutely a
place for you to use your gifts to glorify Him.”
What’s next for Renee?
“Let’s just say more music is coming your way very soon, and if you liked “Better Than Mine” you’re going to love what’s coming next,” she said. “I haven’t officially announced anything yet, though, so I can’t say much more than that. But you can connect with me on social media at @nataliereneeofficial and my website nataliereneeofficial.com, where you can join my newsletter!”
With Renee’s growing faith, talent, and humility, it is clear that she is just getting started.
You can find her new single”Better than Mine” on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube , and among others.
