MILLBURN — New Jersey high school junior Renee Levine wants to be a songwriter. But the musician has a message you’re not likely to hear in a Top 40 hit – stay substance free.
Renee Levine won second place in the national Grammy competition for teens. (Courtesy Millburn High School)
The Short Hills teenager is the daughter of a doctor and a social worker who she says both work with victims of substance abuse everyday.
“They taught me from a very young age to take care of my body,” Levine said in a phone interview this week.
“It’s what I’m passionate about – embracing life as it is, rather than under the influence.” That’s the message of her songs, which she writes, plays on piano or guitar, and sings.
When the Millburn High School student heard about seventh annual Teens Make Music Contest, run by the Grammy Foundation and MusiCares, it seemed like a perfect fit. The contest asks teens to submit songs and music videos that promote substance-free lifestyles, or bring attention to drug abuse.
Levine’s submission, “Paralyzed,” describes a girl struggling with substance abuse, and expresses Levine’s wish to help her see another way.
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The message got the judges’ attention. She won second place in the contest, one of only three entries from across the country to receive prizes.
“The Teens Make Music Contest is an engaging and effective mechanism that encourages young people to consider and give voice to the issues around substance abuse,” Neil Portnow, President and CEO of The Recording Academy, the Grammy Foundation, and MusiCares, said in a release about the contest.
“The submissions are very compelling across the board, and they bring the challenges of addiction and the paths to recovery into focus.”
As the second place finisher, Levine received $250, tickets to the 59th Annual Grammy Awards backstage rehearsals, tickets to the Grammy Museum, two tickets to any Warped Tour show, gift bags, and the promotion of her song on the organizations’ websites.
For Levine, one of the best parts of the contest is the chance to get exposure for her music.
“This is just such a good opportunity for me to be heard and get a positive message out there,” she said.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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