We’re excited to share that we’ve teamed up with the Minden City Herald to swap stories every now and again. We’re big fans of Nathan and Amber Mark’s weekly paper, which has been shining a light on the lower Thumb region since 1889. We’re especially delighted to spread their reach by sharing some of their content with you. Today, we’re retelling their story about René Kladzyk, a Thumb native who’s making waves in the music world.
Forestville’s very own Ziemba has released a new album! It’s no secret that Michigan’s Thumb region has a knack for producing talented musicians, and Ziemba is no exception. This Forestville native is adding to the area’s rich musical legacy with her latest release.
René Kladzyk, better known as Ziemba, spent her formative years in Forestville, living in a house on Cedar Avenue. Even though the house now stands empty, it was here that she filmed the music video for her song “With the Fire” in 2016. With the remnants of her childhood still scattered around, the video was shot both at her former home and the park across the street. It’s since racked up thousands of views.
Growing up in Forestville left a lasting imprint on Kladzyk, influencing her both as a person and an artist. She says, “Forestville is a place I dream about all the time. It was magical and has become a symbol of a past life for me. It’s almost mythical now.”
René fondly recalls a large willow tree in her backyard, a magical place that fuelled her childhood imagination. Even though a storm has since stripped the tree of its grandeur, René’s child-like wonder remains intact, deeply rooted in Forestville, and she believes that this is reflected in her music.
René’s love for music was sparked at a young age, but it wasn’t until 2013 that she began performing publicly. Her father, a local musician, performed all around the Thumb and toured the state in the 1970s and 80s. René’s musical influences range from her father’s folk and country music to the rock N Roll he recorded in Nashville.
After leaving Forestville at age 8, René moved to El Paso with her father, before eventually settling down in New York City. Despite the stark contrast between her childhood home and the Big Apple, René found her footing, saying, “The energy of New York City gave me the courage to start sharing my music. I came out of my shell creatively there and now I can’t imagine my life without playing music.”
René’s latest album, “True Romantic”, is a heartfelt tribute to her musical journey, displaying a vulnerability that she has never shown before. She says, “Some songs are literally diary entries. It can be terrifying being so vulnerable, but I wanted to confront embarrassing feelings and hard moments. I hope this record will be comforting for someone experiencing heartbreak or unrequited love.”
René Kladzyk, or Ziemba as she’s known in the music scene, is a testament to the rich musical legacy of Michigan’s Thumb region. From her formative years in Forestville to her current life in New York City, her journey is a fascinating blend of music, nostalgia, and self-discovery. Her latest album, “True Romantic”, is a heartfelt and vulnerable showcase of her talent, rooted deeply in her past and shaped by her experiences. It’s the story of a small-town girl with big dreams, who’s not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve.
#Ziemba #TrueRomantic
For more on Ziemba’s journey, check out [Michigan Thumb Native René Kladzyk Is A True Romantic](https://thumbwind.com/2021/03/26/rene-kladzyk/?fsp_sid=1525).
