What is the best thing that I love about my work?

The best thing I love about my work is the amazing opportunity I get to express and share my feelings and thoughts with other individuals. I appreciate the fact that whether I am singing, writing or acting, there are others who may take the time to hear and/or see what I have finished and, hopefully, connect with me on an artistic level. My hope is that my expressions about love, faith, world issues and personal tribulations will encourage or touch someone else in a way that other artists have touched and encouraged me. I also enjoy the gift of being able to spend time with fellow artists to create art visually and audibly.

What is my idea of happiness? 

My idea of happiness is always having the opportunity to create, grow and be of service to others. I believe that we all have the ability to create in one form or another and that it is important to find outlets to express ourselves. Art is a tremendous gift given to the human race, to not only entertain, but also as a way to explore our passions. Just think of where we would be without music, literature, poetry, music, paintings, sculpture and on and on. In any way that we can make the life of another person better, by giving our time and efforts, is indeed fulfilling. 

Photo credits: Karine Simon

What is my greatest fear?

My greatest fear is to not have put forth all efforts to make sure that those I love, feel that I have loved them with all of my heart. I also fear that there are so many questions about our world and what’s out there in the “great unknown”, beyond our solar system, that may go unanswered. I fear that my daughter, her peers and the generations after may inhabit a planet on which it may be difficult to live.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

That’s tough to think about, let alone answer. I deplore the fact that I feel the need to examine my work so meticulously. I constantly check in and want to ensure that everything and everyone is okay. When it comes to recording my music, I will probably “sing a word” many different ways before I feel that I have exhausted all efforts to the best of my ability. 

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? 

The living person that I most admire in my profession is Viola Davis. To me Viola Davis is the epitome of the “American Dream”. She is living proof that hard work, dedication, passion and love for one’s art, can take one to places, of which one couldn’t dream. She is an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner, who started in humble beginnings, but diligently worked to achieve her dream and share her many gifts with others. Even after all of her fame and accolades, she remains grounded and humble.

What is my greatest extravagance? 

I believe my greatest extravagance is love. I enjoy showering those I care for with all my love and attention. Also, time is an extravagance, because of how much I spend on producing my music. Lastly, I have an indulgence for French macarons (I try to only indulge on special occasions)!

On what occasion would I lie? 

To me lying is not a good decision to make at all, unless one’s life is in danger or if one’s loved one’s life is in danger. If lying is necessary to save a life, I believe that would be the only time lying should take place. WIthholding the truth is such a harrowing concept, in that it cheats others from the fairness of knowledge, perhaps the business of making sound decisions and the complete awareness of one’s own reality.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? 

My own work in music can be a little eclectic. I know that I want to be more precise in a linear tone, for future projects and productions. Creating art is of itself a process of one’s own assessment of what one has seen, heard, felt and been. So, when we create we are telling our stories, thus, opening ourselves to be vulnerable. This process can be disconcerting. One has to be ready to take criticism and understand that, while one hopes that others want to see, hear and feel what one is expressing, there is no certainty that others will do so. When creating art, artists, in all genres, take the chance of being rejected. *Also, I wish there was more work, for all artists, in all genres of art.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? 

I find happiness in my work in any place, at any time. As long as I have the opportunity to create, I am happy.

If I could, what would I change about myself? 

We have to find contentment in who we are. We have to come to terms with managing ourselves, even those qualities that we may not admire in ourselves. If I had the opportunity to change anything about myself, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every day I am attempting to be the best individual that I can. I have to be responsible for who I am. I am who I am…and she’s pretty cool.

What is my greatest achievement in work? 

As far as I know, my greatest achievement in my work has yet to be created. How does one know when one has created one’s greatest achievement? For me, this is a kind of conundrum. As an artist, we all want to continue to create more and want to, constantly, establish newer and more relevant concepts.

Where would I most like to live? 

This sound may seem “cliché”, especially for an artist, however, I have always wanted to live in Europe. I, particularly, would like to live in France and Italy. There is just so much history and culture to absorb and enjoy, and of course, art by which one can be inspired.

What is my most treasured possession? 

My most treasured possessions are my family and my voice. Both of these are precious to me because they are gifts that have no value. Materially, I treasure my great grandmother’s emerald brooch and earring set. It is lovely, old costume jewelry that was passed down through three generations. Heirlooms to pass on to one’s posterity, is a treasure in itself. To me, this is a way to keep one’s cherished relatives “close”. One day, I will pass it on to my daughter.

What is my most marked characteristic? 

I believe my most marked characteristic is my willingness to be open and vulnerable. This can be a little daunting. However, it is who I am, and who I have to be to create what I will.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? 

For me the most inspirational location in my city is the park. Just think about all the different people and animals we see when sitting at a park or just walking through a park. There are so many stories just waiting to unfold and be told. 

What is my favorite place to eat and drink in my city? 

I’m originally from North Carolina. In the south, barbecue is considered a “delicacy”. So, one of my favorite places to eat in my city is Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que. It reminds me of home!

What books influenced my life and how? 

When I read “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, I was heartbroken by the story, but touched by the tragic beauty of the writing. That book shook me to my core. I realized how such tragic themes could be written so poetically, that it makes one want to delve deeper and understand and know more about what may be uncomfortable. This knowledge gave me permission to create my music around themes that speak to tragedy. Secondly, “Great Expectations” was required reading in high school, but I was struck by the pain, humor, humanity and fear that abound in the human psyche and in society. I still think about that book today. It reminds me that to explain the human condition, no matter what one creates, one must wander into all aspects of what make us human, to tell any real story.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day?

In life and in death, at the beginning and at the end, love and peace sustain us, love and peace motivate us, love and peace are our safe places. So, on my last day, but I would try my best to listen to at least five songs. These five songs are… “Clair de Lune” by Debussy, “Sailing” by Christopher Cross, “Time After Time” by Cindy Lauper, “Yesterday” by Paul McCartney (Boys II Men Rendition) and “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s…in that order.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? 

To choose one hero or heroine in fiction is difficult for me. I enjoy fictional heroes and heroines of all ages, backgrounds and variations. I suppose if I had to pick one it would be ‘Jane Eyre’ from “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë. ‘Jane Eyre’ is diligent, determined and has an unrelenting spirit that transcends all the cruelty and pain she had to endure, throughout the beginning of her life.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? 

My heroines in real life are my maternal grandmother, maternal great aunts, mother and my daughter. I am blessed to come from a line of such resilient, beautifully open hearted and talented women. I am blessed to have such a resilient, beautifully open hearted and talented daughter.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? 

One movie that I recommend to anyone to see once in a lifetime is “Singin’ In the Rain”. There’s romance, intrigue, heartbreak, lessons learned, dancing, behind the scenes of “show business” and of course singing. The actors, writers and producers really put in the work with this movie. It is a “movie, within a movie, within a movie”.  It is clever, entertaining and amazingly timeless.

What role play stories in my life and work?

In my life and work, stories are the essence of all that I do. Stories are every I look in my life. When I am on stage, in a studio or in front of a camera, all I have are stories to share. Whether those stories are my own or I make them my own, they are all I have to give, in whatever way I may express them.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ tell me?

Those words tell me that I must speak my own truth and find my own way. No one can tell my story as I can, in the depth and candidness that I may.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? 

My Mother has always been my greatest fan, sponsor and partner in crime. She is the one person on this earth on whom I know I can depend. I have never seen the likeness of her strength, stoic nature, gentle care, optimism and quiet talent. My Mother has been a seamstress, opera singer, cook and just an amazingly kind human being. She has been there for me like no other.

Which people or companies would I like to work with ?

Working with other artists is always a pleasure. As an actor, singer-songwriter and producer, there are so many artists with whom I would love to work. These industries are so extensive. I would be happy to work with any other artists who feel that we may work well together on any of the genres I mentioned above. 

What project am I looking forward to working on? 

I am looking forward to working on my next album.

Where can you see me or my work? 

YouTube Channel: https://www.tinyurl.com/yy3zsqky

Instagram: @regennarouse and @houseofrouseproductions

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regennarouse

LA Casting: 

https://app.castingnetworks.com/talent/public-profile/da40972c-c357-11eb-9cfb-4b421199b00f

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? 

The words “Passion Never Retires” mean that no matter how challenging my life and/or career become, or what stage I am in, in life, I still have the desire and persistence to continue to create.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?

Please invite my amazingly gifted and generous photographer, Karine Simon, Photographer at 

 www.karinesimonphotography.com(310) 691-3191 ksimonphoto@gmail.com

How can you contact me? 

You can contact me at msrgennar@gmail.com.