Ramsey Renée is only 17-year-old but her talent has already landed her huge recognition. In Spring 2023, the R&B singer-songwriter from D.C. became a Wammie Award-winning artist, winning for Best Youth Artist. She entered the year promoting her latest 11-track EP ‘Phases,” which reached 45,000+ Spotify streams just days after its release. We interviewed Rasmey to talk about becoming a Wammie-winner, the message behind her recent music, and gaining traction in D.C

Congratulations on winning the Wammie for Best Youth Artist! How does this recognition impact your journey as an up-and-coming artist, and what does it mean to you personally and professionally

I feel like winning this award really puts me a step further in the music industry. Puts me at a whole different mindset and level and I have to move differently, work harder. Personally, this was such an “I did it” moment. Me and my childhood self were screaming and super proud.

At what point did you recognize that pursuing a career in singing was the right path for you

What’s weird is I don’t think there was truly that moment for me that was like “Yeah, let’s do this professionally.” I genuinely just went with the flow, followed how I felt and God and the Universe always brought me back to music even if I had moments when doubted it.

Being a 17-year-old black girl in the music industry can present both challenges and opportunities. How do you navigate these dynamics, and what advice would you give to other aspiring artists facing similar circumstances?

It’s definitely been hard. I constantly feel like I have so much to prove especially as a young female black artist. And I feel I’ll overthink everything from what I wear to how I speak and even how my hair looks. My advice is when you walk in the room full of people, represent. Come as you are, be that black girl or black boy who proves everyone wrong. Know that you are talented, smart, beautiful, and worthy. You deserve to succeed.

Your music often touches on themes of vulnerability and love. Can you share some insights into the inspirations behind your lyrics and the messages you aim to convey to your audience, especially to peers who may resonate with your experiences?

With all of my music, there is room for one’s own personal interpretation. My dad always told me being vulnerable represents strength. I want people to know it’s okay to feel hurt. I also want people to know that it doesn’t matter how grown or young you are, your PAIN is valid. I’ve dealt with so many different feelings of heartbreak and that wasn’t just romantically. I’ve seen and felt serious pain that nobody would expect at my age. Which is why it’s so nice to surprise people with the depths and emotions in my music. Everyone is suffering from something we don’t know about. But there is beauty that comes out of pain–we just don’t see it in the moment. I want people to know you’re not alone. I want to make more happy love songs though [laugh] because I don’t want everyone to think I think love is just terrible. I promise I’m a happy person I just feel deep and intense emotions.

D.C. has a rich cultural history and a vibrant music scene. How has growing up in this environment influenced your support and style?

It’s influenced me to be open to all genres, to explore and experiment to go outside my comfort zone. And the artistic community in the DMV is so supportive, diverse, and welcoming. The energy is amazing, it’s so creative in the DMV!

Winning for Best Youth Artist at the 35th Annual Wammie Awards undoubtedly signifies a level of achievement in your career while also showing there are major institutions dedicated to the artistic vitality and viability of D.C. Do you see D.C.’s potential as an entertainment & arts destination and do you plan to remain based in D.C.

I 100% see DC as the perfect place for entertainment and arts. I have experienced so many beautiful people, shows, and events being out here. I do want to expand my artistry outside of the DMV so I do think traveling out of state and possibly out of the country will be in the future.

So, what's up next for you?

What’s next is an album!!! OMG, an album, collaborations, and a new music video for sure on the way! :)