Renée Elise Goldsberry to Release Debut Solo Album, Drops New Version of 'Hamilton' Hit 'Satisfied'
Tony and Grammy-winning Renée Elise Goldsberry is ready to reintroduce herself to the public - with an upcoming record called Who I Really Am.
The project will be Goldsberry's debut studio album, and is set for release on June 6. People exclusively broke the news back in April, while Billboard recently sat down with the artist to chat about the reimagining of her Hamilton hit, "Satisfied." She just dropped the new version of the beloved Broadway track today (May 23).
Check out our selection of free stations streaming Renée Elise Goldsberry music at Live365.com.
Goldsberry released the LP's first single, "Staring," on April 25, which gave listeners a taste of the genre-crossing project that will blend soul, funk, blues, pop, and Renée's own gospel roots. Further inspiration comes from acts such as Sarah Vaughan, Roberta Flack, Tina Turner and late '90s festival Lilith Fair. The album will also include a track from Goldberry's Girls5Eva costar Sara Bareilles, called "Don't Want to Love You," as well as the aforementioned solo version of "Satisfied."
Besides those two Girls5Eva and Hamilton tracks, Who I Really Am will include all new material created by Goldsberry herself. People noted that before being a Broadway sensation, she was an independent singer/songwriter, so the studio recording process was nothing new for her. Additionally, the Emmy-nominated artist was inspired to construct the album after hearing someone read aloud her own bio.
“I didn’t know who they were talking about,” she told People, “because it didn’t contain any challenge I faced: only the good stuff. But the trials and errors play just as big a role in who I am, and the lessons learned inspire me to pick up the pen. My joy is in this body of work… and pain, shame, lessons learned. Passion for my husband, encouragement for my children, tricks for my friends…"
"It’s the soundtrack of my life," she stated. "My prayers are answered when people take from it whatever feels right to narrate theirs."
But of course, in addition to making a bold step forward with original material, Renée knew she needed to connect with loyal Hamilton fans as well.
"This new arrangement of 'Satisfied' was created so I could perform the song as a solo artist in concert," she told People. "I decided to record it and put it on the album because I love it too!"
She also confirmed Hamilton playwright-composer Lin-Manuel Miranda loved her rendition, noting that when he gave his stamp of approval, she "literally started dancing!"
"We decided to feature it in a surprise performance for fans to launch a series of events celebrating Hamilton’s 10th Anniversary. It went viral," she said. "Having immeasurable support is one of the ways Hamilton has changed my life. As a member of this family, I have the honor of being an ambassador of Lin’s masterpiece, and the inspiration to create my own!"
Billboard asked the artist if she ever needs a break from performing the iconic Angelica Schuyler ballad for fans.
"In the very beginning, I said: 'If for the rest of my life when I walk out, somebody plays this song, I’ll be thrilled,'" she explained. "It’s funny that it’s only been ten years - but I’m already full circle grateful. I don’t feel like it’s in any way diminishing, like, 'This is your one thing.' It’s such a gift, and also there’s so much challenge in it, so much to discover, it will never feel too small for me."
Additionally, fans can catch Renée perform live this year. She has a show scheduled this weekend in Maryland, as well as concerts happening in Portland and Los Angeles. You can find tickets on her official website.
Listen to "Staring" and the solo version of "Satisfied" below.
Check out our selection of free stations streaming Renée Elise Goldsberry music at Live365.com.
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Article Image: Close-up of Renée Elise Goldsberry at an FYC Event for "Girls5eva." (Image Press Agency via Depositphotos)