R Rene Russell

Rene Russell is a 12-string guitarist and storyteller whose career spans more than forty years of musical exploration. Her sound—rooted in folk, Americana, acoustic rock, and her signature Eco-Folk-Rock sensibility—is defined by a distinctive percussive finger-picking technique that transforms the 12-string guitar into a multi-layered instrument. By blending bass lines, rhythmic patterns and melodic textures simultaneously, Rene creates a rich sonic landscape that fills the room with warmth, depth, and resonance.
Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Rene began playing the 12-string guitar in the early 1970s. She spent decades traveling through the music communities of Nashville, Atlanta, Austin, San Diego, and Charleston—experiences that shaped her eclectic artistry and deepened her commitment to emotional honesty, spiritual searching, and environmental awareness.
Rene’s songwriting reflects a lifelong journey of personal evolution—struggles, triumphs, healing, and continual self-discovery—as well as broader themes of justice, inclusivity, and ecological consciousness. Her songs are celebrated for their lyrical clarity, heartfelt delivery, and an unmistakable sincerity that invites listeners into genuine connection.
Her early self-titled album established her presence as a solo artist while later projects such as Freeverse (2014) and Dream the World Anew (2021) highlight her growth as both songwriter and bandleader. Recent singles like “The Key” and “Stand for the Ocean” reveal her dedication to truth, environmental stewardship, and the courage required to face our shared challenges.
At the foundation of Rene’s artistic life are four guiding principles: Courage, Choice, Change, and Truth. These values shape her writing, her performances, and the conversations she shares with audiences. Her work is rooted in a belief in the transformative power of love, introspection, and conscious action—a belief that resonates through every note she plays.
In 2022, Rene relocated to the mountains of Western North Carolina where she continues to write, record, and perform. She appears in listening rooms, outdoor festivals, house concerts, and community spaces offering performances that are musically captivating, emotionally grounding, and deeply human. Whether performing solo or with her band, Rene strives to create an atmosphere of authenticity, reflection, and connection.
Across her body of work, Rene Russell demonstrates that music is more than entertainment—it is a vessel for connection, healing, and awakening. Through her artistry she inspires listeners to see themselves more clearly, to care more deeply and to dream the world anew.


https://renerussell.com/epk