Emilie Renteria
Emilie Renteria
Freelance Musician / Fashion Writer
Phoenix, AZ
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a music and fashion journalist and writer. ”
I specialize in POC musicians and bands as well as vintage and modern fashion trends. I have worked with various publications, such as NBGA, SuperDeluxe, 10Mag and more. I started writing about music online at the age if 12, for a now-defunct website about pop-punk bands.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I have been publishing my writing online for over 10 years now. I am always on the lookout for writing opportunities!
How do you stand out in your field?
I stand out because I know a lot of up-and-coming musicians and designers so I have a passion for writing about these people.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am working on finding a publication to accept an article I have with the Mexican-American singer / songwriter CUCO, who seemingly disappeared at the apex of his fame suddenly last year. It’s super interesting to fans of his and really sheds a light on how mentally taxing fame is.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I think this article represents my style the best. I like to write about the depth of records without giving my own opinion, as music is highly subjective!
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I am experienced in freelance creative writing as well as technical copywriting but I am hoping to focus on creative writing at the moment. Besides my writing ventures, I am experienced in songwriting and producing as well as designer consignment! (I mostly just like to buy vintage designer items, then sell them because I realized I need the money instead!).
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Right now, I am finding it difficult to stay positive in freelancing, which is a common theme amongst freelancers. Its hard to not want to rage-quit every article after receiving multitudes of rejections!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would have them run to the post office for me because I make a lot of sales throughout the week and I don't want to keep going back and forth.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I would have told myself to make as many connections with local writers as possible.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would ask them about their writing process, as cliche as it might sound. I think I work the best in a loud, crowded place, like a busy Starbucks, which really makes no sense at all.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking for any type of freelance writing opportunities.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client or job would be for a publication that writes about currently trending or about to trend topics. I love writing about trends right before they hit the masses and trend forecasting is something that I pride myself in!
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
One creative that helped me elevate my work is Harling Ross! She started a Slack group for freelancers and it has helped me find so many opportunities! The community is really great and I love being a part of it! Also, the writing staff at Hypebae is, in general, great and it is without a doubt my favorite website to peruse!
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
My preferred form of communication is email, as I promptly respond. I would love for them to include their budget, the general direction of the content they are seeking, as well as any other information they might want to provide.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I journal daily! As boring as my journal entries are, they keep me sane! Also, I write essays for a made up essay book I have. I really like a lot of them, so maybe it won't just be made up someday!
This member profile was originally published in August 2021.