You were a model for almost ten years. Did your connection in the fashion world help your music career?
For sure. At first, I was worried that people would not take me seriously because of my job. It’s why my artist name was RENEE, and I only used unrecognizable pictures on my social media. My first press pictures were a bit androgynous. I did not want people to know I was a woman. After a year, I decided to change my name to my real name, but I never mentioned my modeling career. I think it would have been hard for people to understand this was just a job like any other job. It is not who I am as a person. A lot of clients don’t treat you respectfully, and that’s not the way I was raised, so modelling was very tough on me at times.
I think my passion makes me who I am, not my job, which I simply did to pay my bills. So at the beginning, I actually wished I never modeled, because it would have made it all a bit easier. However, I was surrounded by people who had huge passions and made it into their jobs and became one of the best at it. I worked closely with hardworking and passionate people every day. Many of the people I worked with also knew I was doing music, so I did some music for several fashion brands like Armani, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent. I even flew to China once to do music at a fashion event.
At which times and places are you the most creative?
At home! I also started to produce on my laptop, but I’m so easily distracted. It’s hard for me to get any work done because of it. When I’m in my home studio, I know I have to focus, and it’s also when I’m the most creative.
What does true happiness mean to you, professionally and personally speaking?
I see myself as a very happy person. Even though I had a complicated past, I never stopped smiling and made the best out of it. I guess I’m an optimist—it’s partly my personality, but mostly I think it’s a state of mind. I will always find something good in any bad situation. It’s important to focus on ourselves and not on others and try to be the best person you could possibly be.
Also career-wise, with social media we always see what other artists are doing, and it’s hard not to compare ourselves. But what other people are doing should not matter; I am focusing on myself, always trying to improve myself. So I think that true happiness starts with being happy about yourself. Once you accept yourself, love yourself and you're proud of yourself, you can also accept, love and be proud of others.
How would you describe techno music fans?
Passionate! Because it’s not just the music, but a lot of times, it’s a lifestyle. I think many people who listen to techno wake up and go to bed with it. It’s a big part of their lives.
What does the color black mean to your fashion style and music?
Well actually, I don’t feel like I intentionally chose to only wear black… Whenever I get a new shirt, the black one just happens to be the nicest one. It’s just so neutral and easy. I mostly wear t-shirts with skirts or t-shirts with jeans. It’s because I don’t like to spend more than 15 minutes to get ready, so I just take any t-shirt out of my closet, and I’m ready to go. Lastly, when I come back from tour, I can wash it all at once, because I don’t have to separate in colors! Fast and easy. :)
What is the most Belgian thing about you?
I love potatoes! Especially fries with vegan mayonnaise! Basically every typical Belgian dish is with potatoes. Belgians eat potatoes almost every day: mashed potatoes, fries, potato croquettes. The first thing I eat when I’m back in Belgium is fries.