Martinez finds a foothold with “Dial Tone”
Like many little girls, 8-year-old Ren Martinez knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up: a singer.
Now a senior majoring in popular music performance at the Thornton School of Music, Martinez, a native of Malibu, is watching her childhood dream become a reality. Her original single “Dial Tone” was featured in this week’s episode of Fox’s New Girl.
Making connections · Ren Martinez had the opportunity to have her song “Dial Tone” featured on an episode of New Girl through a friend. After graduating from USC this spring, she intends to pursue music and acting. – Photo courtesy of Ren Martinez
Though the song is only played briefly in the background of one scene, simply having her music on television was a milestone for Martinez and her budding career.
“[Having my music on the show] is still super exciting and surreal,” Martinez said. “I didn’t believe it was happening until I saw it.”
Martinez said her younger self would be proud of her music’s appearance on a television show, especially a show that draws millions of viewers each week.
“I’ve been singing pretty much since I could talk. I started writing songs, not very good ones, at around 8 years old,” Martinez said.
Coupling her passion with ambition, Martinez realized at a young age that becoming an accomplished musician requires more than just wishful thinking. She devoted seven years of her childhood to singing in a choir and carried that dedication with her into college.
After performing background vocals on several friends’ recordings, Martinez recorded her first two singles in June, utilizing newfound skils from an arranging class she took at Thornton. She considers hearing the final product one of her proudest moments.
“Finally getting to hear the arrangements through speakers the same way I had heard them in my head just made me feel incredibly grateful and definitely proud,” Martinez said.
Martinez’s recordings, including “Dial Tone,” are available through her Soundcloud account, “renmartinezmusic.” Currently, she’s working on a five-song EP, which will be available in the spring.
A self-described “folky girl,” Martinez’s musical inspirations span several decades, from ’60s folk to ’90s pop. Her musical role models range from Jackson Browne and Sky Ferreira to Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys. This variety of influences is reflected by her unique sound, which is best described as a mashup of traditional folk music, with modern indie pop and electronic sounds.
When she’s not writing and recording songs, Martinez promotes her music through live performances, most recently at the Silverlake Lounge on Nov. 15. Other recent shows have included performances at locations including The Talking Stick and the Villain’s Tavern, yet Martinez still considers Tommy’s Place at USC one of her favorite venues to perform at.
“I love performing at Tommy’s Place because it’s really easy for a bunch of people to come out and support,” Martinez said.
Martinez’s second passion after musical performance is theatrical performance. She’s participated in two shows with USC’s student-run Brand New Theatre organization and noted that though both musical and theatrical shows involve performing live in front of an audience, there are significant differences between the two.
“Theater is really different because the words that you’re saying aren’t words that you wrote, but I’ve been really lucky to be a part of some very well-written and well-directed productions,” Martinez said.
Between her songwriting, acting and singing, it’s clear that Martinez’s success stems from her hard work and natural talent. But, she attributes many of her accomplishments to collaborations with others.
“I’ve learned that if you’re willing to open yourself to people, that’s when the best opportunities come your way,” Martinez said. “People can open doors for you, but it’s up to you to walk through them.”
Martinez has experienced this firsthand, from her first recording opportunities singing background vocals for friends, to the New Girl opportunity, which came from a close acquaintance. In addition to her solo work, Martinez provides background vocals for folk pop band Ghost in the Canyon. She met the band’s lead singer, Catherine Rose Smith, through USC’s popular music program, which Smith graduated from last year.
After her own graduation in the spring, Martinez hopes to pursue both music and acting. When asked what advice she’d give to younger aspiring musicians, Martinez offered wisdom that can be applied regardless of their career.
“Everyone is their own worst critic, and that’s I’ve learned to trust myself to work hard and produce good work, instead of getting too wrapped up in not making mistakes,” she said.