Recording artist Cynthia Renee among large population of independent artists bypassing the Big Four

Nov. 17, 2012 - PRLog -- FOLSOM, CA (11-16-12) - If you look back in history, the steps an up and coming artist would take to get themselves published and on broadcast radio was stereotypical of the popular flicks "La Bamba, That Thing You Do and The Buddy Holly Story."  Now, the days of hounding the well known record labels or "The Big Four," as the industry commonly refers to, are becoming less common as independent artists are finding their way to popularity through the world of self promotion and independent record labels. Recording artist Cynthia Renee is one such artist.

For Renee, the idea of hitting the pavement and knocking on the doors of record executives day after day is just not feasible. In fact that concept is nearly impossible living in a world in which we pack ten or more hours of work into an eight hour day and spend countless hours raising children, paying bills and doing everything it takes just to make ends meet.

A career legal professional that is a native of Laguna Beach, California and who now resides in Folsom, California with an impressive education in law behind her, Renee reached a crossroads in her life this past year. At a time she witnessed the once lucrative field of law begin to dwindle in a down turned economy she found herself taking a step back to follow what was always her true passion in life; singing and recording music.

Without the ability to travel across the nation and hound big name record labels to listen to her work, Renee has taken the newest approach to getting her name out there, by developing her very own record label and working with a private producer to record her original songs one step and one dollar at a time. Renee is one of thousands of recording artists following this trend of independent record labels. With hard work, determination and the right people on their team, such artists are finding success in the music business at a time when big businesses are seeing tough times, corporations are closing and even the world famous Twinkie is seeing its last day.

"Of course every artist dreams of being picked up by one of the four big record labels, I won't deny that," said Renee, who recently released her original song "Where Are You Now" that is now being sold on itunes, Amazon and is being played across the nation in various forms of internet radio.  "But being an independent has its benefits  and the concept is growing in popularity these days with technology on our side."

While being an independent artist requires a great deal of homework and funding, it also provides an artist with a flexible schedule to fit their writing and recording needs around other employment, raising children and everyday life. It does, however, require funding which even Renee finds challenging at times as she funds much of the costs herself and is supplemented by that of friends and family and those who donate through her website at www.cynsinger.com.

"I work with a great producer who is talented and reasonable, I was fortunate to connect with him through a series of events and I'm thankful for the partnership," said Renee,, who has been recording with Bill Bentley Studios in Concord, California. "But that doesn't mean it isn't costly, studio time is valuable. Travel to and from the studio is expensive and the costs of getting your name out there do add up."

Getting known on the World Wide Web as an artist isn't as easy as one may think. The process extends far beyond the use of keywords in search engines, building a website or simply putting your product on You Tube.  Internet radio is a great platform for independent artists, especially in the Christian Market, however that does not come without a cost . Many require registration fees and funding for additional playtime.

When one first hears the word  "independent" when it comes to recording artists, often times they view that word in the same context they would as an independent film or a "B" movie. However,  today many artists have found their way to the top on the wings of an independent record label.

Once such artist is Taylor Swift who debuted  "Red" at a rate of 1.21 million. Yes, the ever popular country singer has found her way to success by means of an independent record label, The Big Machine. In this scenario, the artist walked away from a development deal through RCA records to work with an independent for the freedom to be herself in her writings and productions. Obviously, the concept is working well.

Additional independent labels that have had recent success include Jason Aldean who debuted at a rate of 409,000 with "Night Train" under his independent label, Broken Bow according to the American Association of Independent Music. Mumford and Sons are the third contributing artists that put independent artists at the top of the Billboard charts for the last five consecutive weeks with their "Babel" album.

Looking at the success of Taylor Swift alone, Renee is humbled by the simple fact that an artist does not have to have a big label to become successful. Witnessing the success of independent labels provides a great amount of inspiration and hope for Renee as she continues to follow her passion by continuing to write and record to complete her own solo album in the early part of 2013.

"Its hard work and it takes a lot of energy, prayers and hope," said Renee. "I pray everyday for this dream to become successful and that my music will be enjoyed by many. I'm thankful to the many people that are helping me follow my dream. My family, my friends and those who have donated funds, downloaded by song on itunes, it all helps."

Cynthia Renee has been singing since she was a child. Performing in various churches, local venues and singing the National Anthem at various events both regionally and nationally while recording her solo album. She believes in continuing to donate her talents at such venues as he way of giving back to those communities that have shown great support for her music.

"I'm not doing this to make tons of money," said Renee. "I love to perform and I believe it is my true calling. The songs I write are from my heart and inspired by true life experiences and most importantly by my faith. I want to share my music with others as I feel it will inspire them and give them hope."

To learn more about Cynthia Renee and her new original song visit her website. Renee's website has audio samples of her music and a link to download her song from iTunes. You can also find her video on You Tube. She welcomes everyone to become one of her fans on her website to receive updates on her music and more at www.cynsinger.com.

http://youtu.be/9yrgdkHM6kA