Renee' Mixon: Press

“Dance with me” by Renee’ Mixon is an enjoyable folk-pop CD. Front and center for this CD is Renee's meaningful and relevant songwriting. The CD is well produced, providing a crystal clear recording of Renee's enjoyable, and articulate vocals. Every selection is equally well done. The musicians are accomplished and very professional. There is a good mix of up-beat and mellow tracks both in tempo and passion. “It’s My Life” is a declaration of independence and celebration of the freedom of choice of the young and striving. "Love Me for Me" is filled with beautiful lyrics and harmonies. The selection “I Hope It Was Worth It” brings a flavor of country in the sentiment of lost love. This CD is a good addition to any listener that enjoys female singer-songwriters.
-Lea and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

This writer always loves to see Renee Mixon, from Rome, Georgia. Renee is a teacher with a fresh, clean, look and attitude. Her songs of love and loss are timeless, have rhythm, and are always interesting.

On paper, Renee' Mixon is a novice - another fledgling musician with a catalog just two albums deep, spanning a career that began only eight years ago. But a deeper look reveals an old soul; a shy little girl whose love for music was borne before a small Methodist congregation.... The same young woman who, now a self assuredd and self-actualized artist of 35, has found a way to channel life's episodes of powerlessness into the most powerful of mediums: Music that touches the soul.

Rome musician Renee Mixon’s first CD is ‘If I Could Live in a Picture’ 06/15/
By Kristin Smith Rome News-Tribune Staff Writer KSmith@RN-T.com / 290-5252 Six years ago, local musician Renee Mixon learned her first three guitar chords from a friend and she’s never looked back. “When I found music it became my passion,” Mixon said. “I always wanted to learn to play and when I do something, I put my whole self into it.” Performing live for three years now, Mixon has become a familiar face in Rome since starting out at Broad Street venues such as Ana’s By the River and The Levee. Mixon calls her opening for Michele Malone at The Rivers Edge in 1999 her first “big gig.” “That was very scary because I knew she was amazing. I was so intimidated,” Mixon said. “But the more you perform, the better. I’m still learning a lot.” Today Mixon can be found playing her original acoustic harmonies at Schroeder’s New Deli, Harvest Moon Cafe and Eddie’s Attic open mic nights in Atlanta. Mixon also has taken her music to Tennessee audiences in Chattanooga and Nashville. “I’m working toward doing this for a living,” she said. “I have goals set, but I’m not locking myself into them. I’m enjoying the ride.” Mixon began writing songs soon after she became comfortable with her guitar. “When you’re a songwriter, the music comes from your heart,” she said. “My songs tend to be very personal.” Mixon is a self-professed “people-watcher” and she includes many people who have crossed her path in her songs. She has penned countless songs, and has about 50 she performs for the public. Fifteen of those songs are included on Mixon’s first CD, “If I Could Live in a Picture,” released in May of last year. Mixon describes the experience of recording “Picture” “incredible.” “Just to know I would be able to share my songs with the world is so powerful,” she said. The CD’s songs are a collection of her life’s experiences with insights into relationships and “life in general.” Mixon’s most personal piece of work is the third song and the CD’s title track, “If I Could Live in a Picture,” written for her father who died six years ago. “When my dad was still alive, I didn’t play music,” she said. “When he died I tried really hard to write him a song. And when I finally did, it was the song that came out.” Songwriting for Mixon has been a source of constant learning. “Songwriting is a building process, just like playing,” Mixon said. “Once I began to perform my songs, I could see the crowd response.” And crowd response has been great. At her June 6 First Friday Concert perfomance at the Forum, the audience was a lively one, obviously engaged in Mixon’s singing. Loud cheers came from Mixon’s friends and co-workers who were dotted around the room. “My friends come out to all of my shows,” she said. “They are all very supportive.” It’s not hard to find her mother and sister at her performances either. “I can’t thank them enough for all they do for my music,” she said. Mixon said she hopes to find a booking agent in the near future. “Playing as often as possible is key to getting a booking agent to recognize you,” she said. “I’m working on it.” Mixon is hoping a booking agent will assist her in her hopes to play at conferences and festivals. “I’m not looking to be famous, I’m not looking for millions, just to make a living,” she said. Mixon hopes to tap into more unused markets such as teacher conferences. Mixon has called Rome her hometown her entire life. She graduated from Model High School in 1989 and continued to Berry College where she played basketball. “Basketball was my life back then and after that I was saying, ‘what now?’” she said. “That’s when I put everything into music.” Mixon received her bachelor’s degree in middle grades education and her master’s in education from Berry. After a teaching stint at Calhoun Middle School, Mixon began working for Regional Educational Services Agency in 1999, where she is employed today. She says being a musician in a small town has its advantages and its drawbacks. “It’s hard in a way because you don’t have the same draw of people that you would have in a big city, but you don’t have the competition,” Mixon said. “I just have to be creative.” As a child living in Rome, Mixon remembers her fondness of singing. “My sister and I always loved to sing,” she said. “We loved to put on performances for everyone.” Other than these childhood memories, music is a relatively new influence in Mixon’s life. “Music wasn’t a huge part of my life,” she said. But life has changed for Mixon and music is now a part of her identity. “If I Could Live in a Picture” can be purchased online at www.cdbaby.com. Mixon’s next performance is Saturday at Schroeder’s New Deli at 8 p.m. with Nikki Sutherland.

"Renee Mixon is a self taught guitarist and gifted songwriter, who has taken the giant step from bedroom performance to recording this debut album and playing clubs in and around her home town Rome, Georgia and as far afield as Nashville and Birmingham, Alabama. The female singer songwriter field has become over crowded in recent years, with home produced recordings abounding. This particular release is a cut above the average due to her wonderful, clear, emotional voice and her deep felt lyrics that will touch the most obtuse listener. She intimates her loves and fantasies in a southern Georgia accent as sweet as peaches and as hurried as a Sunday spent in the shade.

In the deeply affecting title tune, she addresses the pain of loss, then with, where I stand, there is the promise of love, while, who I am, is a light hearted look at an indifferent lover. Her bell-like, slightly tremulous voice is the perfect vehicle for her introspective largely subdued original tunes. The clarity and warmth in her voice make for an especially inviting instrument, transforming, the stage, an endearing questioning of relationship issues into a wonderful poignant song. Sensitive musical accompaniment of acoustic guitars, mandolin, harmonica and keyboards are just about right for this beautiful voice and captivating lyrics.�

Belinda wrapped her arms around me at the fourth of July party, delivered her usual bear hug laced with a contagious smile and said, "I'd like you to meet my friend Renee! The GIRL can sing!! She can REALLY sing!!!!"

What an introduction...so when anyone is that enthusiastic about another person's music, I take notice. Renee Mixon's CD "If I Could Live in a Picture" took me to another time and place...it's that place where all your fondest memories reside. Oh yea--she can sing--and she
can write....more on that in a bit:

Renee's smile, like Belinda's, is winning and as sweet as a soft Georgia peach....but if you just met her at a party you'd never guess that she had this "Judy Collins" type of voice: pure and clean--with perfect command of her range. Flawless and effortless transition from lower register to head voice and back again....she did her own harmonies on all 15 tracks. They are creative and executed in such a way that they can make an addict of you--much like very early Indigo Girls or Commonbond's vocal blends.

My favorite song is "Perfect Shell." The chorus hooked me on my first pass: "The sand beneath my feet is soft and warm / The clothes I chose to wear are ragged and torn / I searched the whole day for that perfect shell / But in the moonlight it's hard to tell which one God made for me..."

There are songs with catchy grooves...lyrics about the things we have all felt and experienced as we loved and eventually grew up....songs about "Reality" and "Starting Over." "Scars that don't Show," track number ten, made me want to go out and buy a mandolin, yet the production isn't overdone--you can still hear the ring of her twelve string in the air when she takes a breath.

Renee is currently working on CD number two, and I can't wait to hear her perform live. You can buy "If I Could Live in a Picture" at Cd Baby or from her website, www.reneemixon.com.

Renee sings: "I dont want to be your second choice / I want it all / I want you to hear my voice / When will it be my turn?"

I think it already is Renee's turn--check out her CD--I think you'll like it!

You have a way with words, but more than that, you have the gift to put those words to the music that gives the song “life.”

Renee Mixon is southern and there is a lot of note made on her website regarding her roots, but I don't hear this as "southern music". I don't know, maybe it's just me, but southern music, to me, is classic redneck rock (maybe that's just because I live in the Midwest). This is not that. At all.

The voice is light and clear, folky and sweet. The songs are nicely constructed and catchy without being too hooky.

If you like girl & guitar folk music you will like this CD. And at 15 songs it's jam packed with music!

Stand out songs: "Good Day", "The Stage" has some great harmonies. "A Decade to Soon" has an almost haunting sound. I think this is my favorite.

Posted on October 8, 2004

I have enjoyed listening to Renee for 3 or 4 years. Her growth and development as a singer/song writer has been truly amazing. Her songs come straight from the heart.
John Schroeder - New Schroeder�s Deli


Indigo Girls, move over!
Reviewer: Julie Humphress
Catchy tunes, yet from the heart. Songs like Good Day you just can't get out of your head. I also like the way she writes about some heavy issues in such a positive way. Great first CD!


great listening powerful lyrics when's the next one
Reviewer: S. Tibbetts
If I Could Live in a Picture is classic folk. The lyrics are relevant and moving. Renee's style "easy listening". When will there be another one??


Easy listening music to relax to after a long day
Reviewer: S. Slade
I love music that helps you relax, but also makes you think. Renee's music definitely makes me do both. Definitely music everyone can relate to.


Absolutely awesome
Reviewer: C. Johnston
very soothing--easy listening---my husband loved it and he's hard core country-----can't wait til the next one


Relaxing music from the heart. Great young artist! Loved the CD!
Reviewer: Mary Czentnar
When you sang If I could live in a picture, memories of my own dad came back so vividly. The lyrics of your songs touch the hearts of all who listen. Thank you for sharing your heart through your music.

Great CD! Very talented singer and songwriter.
Reviewer: B. Stewart
Music is spiritual and uplifting. Love the beat and the lyrics are inspiring. Highly recommend the purchase of this CD to EVERYONE. You are missing out if you let this one slip by.


Love it!!!!!!
Reviewer: KMartin
This music talks to my soul!! I bought the cd and can't wait for the next one!!!


Great, talented new artist. Songs are from the heart.
Reviewer: Angela Hewitt
Renee' is awesome. I love her music and songs. They truly hit home and we all can relate to them. Can't wait to here her next CD. She will GO places.


Wonderful new talent! Look forward to hearing more from her!
Reviewer: P Taylor
You can tell each song is truly heart felt! I have listened to this cd for hours and love it! Can't wait for the next one to be released!! Keep it up Renee!


great lyrics that stay in your head all day
Reviewer: C. Moore
Great lyrics that anyone can relate with. Easy to listen to and the songs will stay in your head long after you are through listening.