Born in Los Angeles, California and now residing in San Diego, Renata Youngblood was originally trained in concert piano. Her first original composition at age seven took first in city and second in state in the Reflections Talent Contest. Youngblood was introduced to the guitar after a brief flirtation with jazz piano and improvisation. She quickly taught herself to play acoustic guitar with her knowledge of musical theory and ear training. During this time she wrote songs to develop a style of playing that is original and rhythmic. The percussive fingerpicking style she has developed directly mirrors her skill of piano playing. Her sound, both in instrument and voice, reflects strength paired with vulnerability. As delicately feminine as she is boyishly tomboy. These intriguing contradictions in combination with her movements on stage and deeply thought-provoking lyrics have given Renata a reputation as a performer with dynamic stage presence and soul. Mike Halloran of San Diego's FM 94.9 radio station has said this of Renata, "She sounds as though she has a soul that is 6,000 years old." David J of Bauhaus and Love and Rockets has produced Renata's debut album, 'The Side Effects of Owning Skin' that is due for release at the end of 2005. In the meantime Renata chose 5 songs from the 20 songs recorded with J and released them as an EP titled 'Weightless' on July 26, 2005. The 5-song release has been greatly acknowledged by industry professionals even prior to its official release. Samples of these recordings are available for play on the music page of www.renatayoungblood.com.