Today we’d like to introduce you to Renuka Jayasinghe.
Hi Renuka, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Renuka Jayasinghe started performing as a freelance saxophonist in Austin in 2020. That’s how she met her bandmates in the local music scene. Combining the drums and guitar of Glass Bandit with the bass and keys of Allisen & the Wy’s Guys, Renuka formed a supergroup that is now called RENU, after the nickname she was given by her family.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Two months after their first show together, Renuka had a major health crisis that took her out of commission for nine months in total. During that time she was unable to perform or do anything physically demanding. The only thing she could do was dream and write down all the ideas and visions she had for the band once she could perform again. And the only thing the band members could do was meet weekly in what they call “Shed Temple” to hone their skills until their fearless leader returned.
In March of 2025, Renuka returned and they did not waste anymore time. By May they had their first show back and then proceeded to play 12 shows in the span of 3 months, record and produce an entire album, have a single release party, and then in November had their first album release at Continental Club with the Capitol on the same bill.
Renuka states, “I really needed a break after all that. It was very emotionally and physically taxing so I’ve taken the past 6 months off from my band, with playing shows here and there. But I’m ready again; my mind is done stewing and I’m ready for the next chapter of RENU.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Renuka has been playing the saxophone since she was 9 years old and has never stopped since. She played in band at school and attended the University of Texas at Austin jazz program for a short time before dropping out to pursue a career in music fully. Now she works for MACSAX Saxophone & Accessories and balances gigs with her band and personal life with her new 6 month old puppy Isabella.
RENU is most known for their latest self-titled album, “RENU”, available on all streaming platforms. The group really put their everything into this work, and you can really hear it. The song “Victor”, also their first single, features Renuka on alto saxophone playing a very vocal melody. Also on the album you can listen to their second single, “Reckless Abandon” that debuts Renuka as a singer and features Josh Hugo on guitar. Derek Thigpen wrote the piece, “GSBD”, which showcases his talents on electric bass and the drummer Donovan Miller. Their keys player soars to heights unknown in their song “Rob Boss”, which was written during the “Shed Temple” era of the band when Renuka was gone.
“RENU” the album is available on all streaming platforms for your listening pleasure.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
RENU has had some undying support form their friends that should not go unrecognized. They would like to thank Zack Kanter & Bryson Klein for being their superfans, Stella Fiori & her friends Mariana & her mom for their help in the outfits for the band, Sofia Villareal for being the first believer and co-writer of RENU, Alexia Benson for her motivation and cheerleading, Liam Lord for being the best at trumpet ever and playing on the album, Mikey Machinist for allowing them to use his wonderful studio and the best vibes, Zach Kursman, Paulo Santos, & Jon Deas for subbing with the group and going above and beyond in their performances, and more. They’d like to thank their supporters and fans for listening and caring about the art they are creating to empower people to follow their dreams.
Pricing:
- RENU Embroidered Satin Lined Beanie $20
- RENU Album Release Poster $25
- RENU Sticker $5
- @renutheband Follow on Instagram Free:)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://renukajayasinghe46.wixsite.com/renu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renutheband
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renutheband/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@renutheband
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/renu-209985117
