Artwork for Dina Renée’s single “Glow Up”
This storyteller loves colors, especially pink, and has her hands in a multitude of creative lanes.
She’s Dina Renée. The Knoxville, Tennessee native will be busy this summer singing about her “Glow Up.” “Glow Up” is a recent single the pop singer and songwriter released earlier this month.
More than a singer, Renée is also an actress who once made appearances in the hit series Criminal Minds. She also has an eye for art, which she expresses as a fashion photographer and production designer. Peep her music video “What I’m Not Gonna Do” to experience her unique eye for art.
I have had the pleasure of interviewing the multi-talented creative Ms. Renée via e-mail. Without further ado, here it goes.
GINO TERRELL: It’s my understanding that you’ve carried a passion for music since you were a toddler. With all you do now, what keeps you coming back to create music?
DINA RENÉE: Since I was three years old, I knew that I wanted to be a pop singer. I would sing into the vacuum cleaner and walk around all day wearing my dad’s Sony headphones singing as loud as I could. Music has always been my escape from a world that felt too loud for me. I think that I keep coming back because I won’t give up on what I’ve always known I’m supposed to do.
GINO: Through your track artwork for “Glow Up” and even in past videos, I noticed vibrant pastel colors are typically a theme. What’s the inspiration behind it? Do you feel the colors are interlocked with your personality?
DINA: I’ve always loved a lot of colors. My art teacher in high school would tell me that she could always tell something was my art, when I didn’t put my name on it, because it was always the most colorful. I made my home a photo shoot space for a while called the Hollywood Pastel Palace. I realized then that I really just love pastel colors and anything pink. I think it represents my personality and how girly I am. I am the girliest girl I’ve ever met – I’ve been this way since I was born.
GINO: “Glow Up” is definitely a catchy song. I read the inspiration for it was you getting dressed up and going out, for the first time in a while following a breakup. And after getting your swagger back, you heard a voice say, “Glow Up.” Can you elaborate on the inspiration and creative process?
DINA: Thank you! I really want it to inspire people that they will be okay and they are way more special without the toxic person in their life. Once I started talking to my co-writer Brooke (Tomlinson) about what had been happening in my life, we worked out that the glow up was actually being happier without this person and getting back to who you were before them, but now you’re smarter and wiser.
GINO: Beyond singing, you seem to be quite the talented pianist, songwriter, and actress. Can you explain your mantra on expanding yourself as an artist in these other avenues? Is it true that you’re also a fashion photographer and costume designer?
DINA: Absolutely! Music has always been my first love. There’s nothing like how a song can shift your mood or tell a story in just a few minutes. But, I’ve always been drawn to more than one creative outlet. Acting lets me step into different lives, and photography and fashion have been with me just as long. At the core of everything that I do is storytelling, whether it’s through a song, a scene, a photo, or a piece of clothing.
I was the first in my friend group to get a digital camera and quickly became the one capturing everyone’s best angles—especially the people who swore they hated being photographed. I realized that I had a gift when people started using my photos as their profile pictures. Friends, acquaintances, even people that I barely knew.
Fashion has been a huge part of my identity for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always dressing my friends in my clothes—and not much has changed. I’ve styled music videos, short films, live performances—you name it. It’s one of my favorite ways to help people express who they are. I don’t believe in choosing one path. All of these creative outlets are connected, and each one fuels the other. They’re just different ways of telling stories, and helping others feel seen in theirs.
GINO: While I was watching your acting reel, I noticed you were once cast in a short film with the legendary (adult) entertainer Jenna Jameson. There was a bit where the two of you were conversing. Are there any memories that you can share with us about working opposite of the legend?
DINA: That was honestly one of the strangest shoots of my life, in the most unexpected way. It was a scripted documentary about Jenna’s sobriety journey, and I was cast as the rehab owner. When I got to the set, the director looked at me and said; “Wait, I thought this role was supposed to be for an older lady. She’s too young and pretty. Make her look ugly.” Next thing I know, the makeup artist is piling on moles, drawing wrinkles, and styling my hair in the craziest way possible. I was just sitting there thinking, How did I go from pop singer to looking like a crackhead on camera? 😂
Jenna, for the record, was incredibly sweet, and probably just as confused as I was about why I suddenly looked like I aged 40 years. It was a wild experience, but definitely one I’ll never forget.
GINO: On July 8th, you are scheduled to have a 30-minute set for Breaking Sound LA’s concert at Madame Siam. What can your fans expect to see when they see you?
DINA: They can expect a full “Glow Up” experience; fun, high energy, a little bit unhinged in the best way. I’ll be performing my original songs. Expect sparkles, storytelling, and probably an emotional speech that I didn’t plan on giving. I want people to leave feeling better than they came in.
GINO: Just curious, are you superstitious, and do you have any pre-show rituals before you perform live on stage?
DINA: Honestly, no, I just make sure that I have my vocal ease spray.
GINO: What do you like most about performing live?
DINA: It’s the one place that I feel the most present and alive. There’s something really special about connecting with people in real time. It’s like we’re all in the same emotional bubble for a few minutes. I love watching someone’s face light up when they relate to a lyric or see themselves in a story that I’m telling.
GINO: “Glow Up” definitely has a summer anthem vibe. While it has a personal connection to you, is there a message you’d like others to take away from it to apply to their own lives as well?
DINA: Yes. “Glow Up” is for anyone who’s ever lost themselves in a relationship or dimmed their light to make someone else feel more comfortable. It’s a reminder that your comeback can be louder than your heartbreak. You don’t have to wait until you’re fully healed to start showing up for yourself. The glow-up is already happening — you just have to own it.
About the author
Gino is a journalist, actor, and filmmaker. This photog's snapshot of Lauren Jauregui, published in Idol Features, placed third for Best Action Photography at the 2020 National Arts & Entertainment Awards (via LA Press Club). Telly 26 is where he directed and executive produced short film "Club City." He also starred in DROELOE's "Only Be Me" music video.
Be the first to comment