Hi Ren | Reaction and Production Breakdown | Heavy Track Vincent van Gogh Kind of Way
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- Опубликовано: 15 фев 2023
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There's two comments on the OG video that stand out to me.
1. This is no longer music. This is no longer a song. It is a soul exploding into art.
2. You don't need to be the next Jimi Hendrix, You're the first Ren.
i know a few ren so not really
@@eltiopavilla5520 and there's more people called Jimi hendrix, just not THE hendrix.
Point 2!! I teared up at that.
Honestly Ren is better than Jimi hendrix
@@lussacmomin6178 whoa, that's a bold ass statement
But it is subjective, so think what you want
Ren can play guitar very well, any harsh or dissonant notes are intentional. His guitar playing in "Jenny/Screech/Violet's Tale" is even better, all of these songs are performed live. This kid is amazing!!!
There's alot of beauty in the imperfect. When great musicians embrace dissonance it makes for interesting stuff.
@@futuresequence. you are spot on my friend, you just described why I fell in love with a band called Byzantine. I actually got Geebz to react to Byzantine's song "Justinian Code" about 2 weeks ago, I highly recommend checking out Byzantine if you aren't familiar with them.
They utilize a lot of dissonance in their music throughout their discography, I would describe Byzantine as a Progressive Groove Metal band with some Thrash and Metalcore elements in some of their songs. Fantastic band from West Virginia, give their album "The Cicada Tree" a listen if you're interested. Enjoy my friend! 🤘🤘🤙🤙
Absolutely right on that. This is true 'talking with your instrument', rapidly nuanced mind to fingers. As Ren said in another tune, 'I always was an over-thinker it's just the way I'm designed'; that gift or curse translates so well in his guitar playing here.
Nobody seems to pick up on the music hall/ vaudaville aspect of that. Screech's song is vaudeville through and through.
@@marktyler3381 I thought it seemed more cabaret, as vaudeville is essentially a variety show, but then I'm not a student of either cabaret or vaudeville.
Ren was bitten by a tick and contracted Lymes disease they missed it and treated him for mental illness for 7rs! when it was oicked up he had stem cell treatment and got half his health back still getting treatment today. This song Sick Boi and Chalk outlines all relate to his experiences. He grew up busking on the streets of Brighton in England had a label but htey dropped him when he was ill so he does all his own production with friends. I love the Hunger losing it and What you want rapp hip hop and singing with other artist I love his work you should ckeck out some of his stuff. Love your reaction.
“Some people know me as the voice that they here when they loosen the noose on the rope.”
One of the best lines I’ve ever heard in song.
Yes, that one hit me hard.
That line gives me chills, I've had a very hard life and I've been to that point of nearly "deleting" myself a couple times. The main thing that stopped me from doing it is how devastated my family would be, I lost my mom in January of 2018 and that pain never goes away (it's always in your subconscious, but you find a way to move on with your life).
There is so many epic lines just in that last verse. Can't speak enough about how amazing this masterpiece is.
Couldn’t agree more. One of the great lines in music
I feel that this is perhaps the most awesome line in songwriting in at least 30 years of pop/rock/music. And I say that both as a musician songwriter myself, and also as someone with a Master's in English Literature and Composition. This is Nobel Prize level of poetry here, if Bob Dylan is any indication. Ren far surpasses Bob Dylan in both musical ability and lyrical content and writing. Yes, I just said that, and I'll back that up. Also, any Reacter on RUclips (and I think I've seen them all so far) who does not pause or at least make a stink face when they hear this line automatically gets marked down one point in my head (I'm totally kidding but not really, lol!) But to your point: BEST SONG LINE EVER!
This was recorded in one take live, albeit the 4th attempt. Sort of puts into perspective the talent this young man has.
Yes. And I heard he and his friend didn't have permission to be in that basement. The landlord found them and kicked them out, but they talked him into a half hour longer. This 4th and final (successful) take was their last chance before time ran out.
@@sarahirwin8912I love that story. I hope the producer and guy on this channel read these comments and researches and learns about ten
What a trip, he says
That sums it up!!
Great review
I'm a 64 year old female, and i am driving my husband nuts, i have watched Ren at least 25 times for the past 2 days since hearing him for the first time, i'm in awe, this is art, genius! Jenny and the screech is really good too, i hope he gets better soon...
It doesn't go away. I have been on this road for the last couple of months.
Ditto, instantly obsessed! Ha
I'm nearly 60 & been following Ren for 5 or so years, managed to see him live in London March 2020 just days before "pandemic " broke with his band The Big Push. He is so talented, beautiful singer, talented musician, rapper, poet, minstrel, philosopher, suggest you seek out Tale of Jenny & Screech and Violet's Tale (to be watched in that order) "Chalk Outlines" with Chinchilla; Blind-eyed with Sam Tompkins (the live one in the car park is fantastic) ; "Englishman in New York" with The Big Push...welcome to the Ren 🐇 hole!
For this 58 yo vet struggling with PTSD and depression for 25+ years Ren has hit hard. I think I like many others are becoming a Ren reaction addict !
Same here.. driving my GF crazy.. she doesn't really get it.... I can't get enough!
Anyone who can’t handle this song and finds it too intense and switching too much, imagine living in that mind on a daily basis and still creating something beautiful
Ren is a Poet, a Singer, a Rapper, a Musician, a Composer, a Songwriter, an Actor.....an ARTIST. Not only was this taped live (Ren, Sam (the Videographer), his guitar and 3 cameras) but "Dark" Ren and "Light" Ren not only sang differently but had different melodies. "Dark" Ren had a percussive melody and "Light" Ren had a soothing melody. So not only was he changing his voice between the two characters, but also his guitar playing. Ren cut his teeth busking on the streets in Brighton, England. Not only does he have "Solo" videos, he also played with a Band, "The Big Push". Where Ren really shines is his LIVE performances. Keep going down the Rabbit Hole. If you only listen to ONE more Ren Song.....do "the Tale of Jenny and Screech" (FULL). It's a 3-act masterpiece. It will answer the question if Ren can REALLY play guitar.
Ren has been ill for over a decade. He had undiagnosed Lyme disease and the doctors pretty much told him, that his pain and issues were mental health issues. They gave him pills which of course didn't help. A doctor finally figured it out a few years back i think and he has been getting proper treatment ever since
And we got this quite astonishing piece of art as a result. Life is strange.
My wife had this happen to her. For years people keep saying that it's all in her head and she is just faking it. Lyme disease is fucking terrible and wreaks havoc on your body. I didn't know this till you mentioned it so if that is true then damn I can't wait to show this to her.
His ability to play like that while singing so intense but then quickly switching to intense guitar & back to smooth. it's so cool.
This song was my first introduction to Ren. And I jumped into his rabbit hole. The diversity of his music career is amazing.
Same, especially this song even tho i can never relate to his situations in life, when i commit to the song or show it to someone or watch a reacting video, i really have to fight tears even after hearing it 30 times...
As someone who has struggled basically my entire life with depression and ADHD (undiagnosed until I failed out of college), so much of this song rings true. While it's couched in the language of music, there's a universal truth to what he's saying.
Most of us at some point in our life will experience that voice of doubt, self loathing, pessimism, whatever you want to call it. Those of us who struggle with mental health know that voice very well.
Ultimately though his message here is that of recognition, acceptance, and self compassion. We don't need to defeat that voice, banish it never to be heard from again. We don't need to fight a battle we cannot ever truly win. Doing so only makes life harder.
When we instead accept that voice is as much a part of us as the part that wants to banish it, paradoxically, it ceases to have the same kind of influence it once had. We can choose to look past it. Acknowledge it, and move on. And on the days it does get the better of us, we can give in without admitting defeat.
Some days just truly suck, and there's nothing wrong with allowing yourself to fail once in a while. As long as we get back up after and keep trying again, then we've never truly lost.
I'm 48 and wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until last year and it's been an eye opening experience
@@NathanCline12-21 indeed. In my case I happened upon a blog post where someone explained their experience with being male with ADHD-PI and it mirrored my own experience so closely that I felt compelled to find out whether or not I had ADHD.
@Bobbias now that I understand what it is and how it affects me it has been easier to find solutions to things that have hindered me in the past. Although I do still spend more than 40 hours a week watching youtube and Twitter I understand why now.
I've also struggled with both adhd and depression my whole life, 28 and female in the process of getting diagnosed right now and I recognise so much of evil ren in me, it's taken me the better part of a decade also to get a handle on my depression, at its climax I dropped out of college and now have a young son I need to be healthy for. I am so grateful to see all these kindred spirits in the comment sections of all these ren and hi ren reaction videos. Best of luck in the future to everyone, good things are coming from all of this.
The last line says just this - "Ferocious, Persistent, we're a coin with two different sides." The dark side is ferocious, so the light side must be persistent. The shadow side never goes away, and sometimes the day's coin toss lands dark side up. You just have to continue on to get a good toss.
Another fun Ren fact. A lot of his music videos are performed and recorded live and filmed in one single take. The tales of Jenny, Screech and Violet really showcase it well.
Ren is a storyteller. He classifies his music as “Bardcore”. For a storytelling journey, check out his trilogy. They are best played back to back, in correct order. For your convenience, has all 3 in one video called “The Tale of Jenny & Screech (full)”.
On the first Uuh Uuh I could literally see your eyes mirror you searching your brain for how to process or categorize what you just heard 😂 we all did that
Very true.
Another thing that is astounding, is that the performance including audio was recorded live in one take. He mentioned somewhere that this was the fourth take. Super talented!
The audio may have been but the video is definitely not a one-take though many Ren videos are. Samuel Perry-Falvey who filmed it, clarifies that in the comments section of Jonathan Hiller's reaction to Hi Ren.
@@hmo_mackey They filmed as one track live multiple times, picked the best track, and cut the video out of the different versions. I think that happened with Sick Boi as well.
It wasn’t the first take, but was indeed live and in one take with multiple cameras.
@@cas9065 Nope, I don't think so. I can tell. It's live.Maybe bits are from an alternative take, but the bulk is live. Actually, towards the end, I feel that it splits from live occasionally.
Sam has confirmed that the video from the end where Ren stands up was filmed later. Everything else up until that point was the live fourth take.
49yr old male here brother amd yes, this is definitely a song everyone NEEDS to hear. Not my genre but you can't deny talent and this dude oozes it. Great upload and I'm a happy new subscriber. Keep up the great work
So I’ll be 65 in a few months and grew up on rock/metal. I’ve seen in concert virtually all the legendary bands (Zeppelin, Purple, Sabbath, Floyd, the Stones, Queen, The Who, etc etc), so this type of music has never been on my radar. I came across this song about 3weeks ago, and while I was skeptical at first, I became drawn in and found it compelling. Ren brings you right into the room. Since then, I’ve seen about a dozen of Ren’s songs, and while they are very diverse in style and genre, they have all been very good. When he’s not doing his hip hop rap styles, he is typically like a modern day minstrel. He’s a busker out of Brighton. I suggest you check out his song “Chalk Outlines” as well as his trilogy (“Jenny’s Tale”, Screech’s Tale” & “Violet’s Tale”) in that order and one right after the other. But also check out his busking where he and his mate Sam do a fusion of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” and “Paranoid” or James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World”
After watching it and being blown away by it when he released it, I found I couldn’t return to it. It was a lot to process. Watching it again now after some distance, I’m still completely blown away by it. It’s one of the most incredible pieces of art I’ve come across.
Well said. It's incredible on so many levels.
I am with you - I was apprehensive / worried about watching more of his work (art) - because it was so very powerful. I have now watched more of his work - and I am glad I have. This guy is a genius.
From what I understand, around the same time he got signed to a major label, he was diagnosed with Lyme disease... which obviously derailed the music career for quite awhile. So glad you reacted to this amazing song! ❤️
When he was signed to Sony at 19 he went misdiagnosed for yrs and they had dropped him. He didn't find out till a few years ago it was actually lyme disease. And just in the last few month they are learning how extensive the damage it's caused, from going undiagnosed for so long
He's currently in Canada getting treatment.
@@barking_mad6649 yeah his YT short recently showing his daily life and the sheer amount of pills and stuff he has to take is mind boggling.
I'm glad you liked it and followed up on my suggestion to listen to it Geebz.
Ren has been dealt some serious bad cards in his time, but he didn't let it break him, instead he pours it into his art, first time I heard him he grabbed my attention and I took a dive into his channel, there isn't a track of his that didn't touch me in some way. His storytelling is rare in music and reminds me of Arlo Guthrie, his rythm and timing, on hunger, particularly make me think of great drummers, he crosses genres like crossing a road and he always has something worth hearing to say. Even if you never post anything of his again, listen to his catalogue, it's a time investment but it's truly brilliant
The problem unfortunately is Lyme Disease is so common, it's like looking for a piece of hay in a hay stack, and unfortunately there are professionals out there, that find a square piece that fits in the square hole, and then just stop looking. This is why it is always important to seek second and maybe even third opinions from doctors, if you suspect something is wrong that you might need a psychologist for, find a second one to see if they agree with the first without telling them what the first had said, and even after that find a non-psyche doctor to take a look at your symptoms. It is unfortunate that all of these things are so expensive, or take so long to get done. But it is almost needed to go that route when there are things out there that have so many similar symptoms, but different causes. Symptoms are easy to look for, as easy as picking up milk at the store these days, it's finding the cause that's the hard part. Unfortunately it sounds like the first doctor found some symptoms, said "this could be caused by this." and then started treatment, when the doctor should have looked to see if there was something causing something else to cause the symptoms.
When you say that he didn't let it break him, that cannot possibly be true. He has probably been broken many times, and will probably be broken many more times. That's the sad reality of it. That's the sad reality of his message of hope, which his own song points out. At best, he can hold on long enough to reach the eye of the storm in order to find moments of peace, but eventually the hardest part of the storm will smash right back into him and he's right back into the chaos. Learn more about mental health and autoimmune disease, and you will learn that someone had to be broken several times in order to produce the type of artwork that Ren has produced.
You just scratched the surface and opened your eyes to the genius Ren. A Brit Busker beyond his time.
5.5Million views in 2 months says a lot. Ren is a brilliant performer and this was one you won't find soon again.
A one man show is actually spot on. Ren is a Busker in Brighton Beach. If you want to see an amazing performance by him check out “The Tale Of Jenny And Screech (full)”. A master class in storytelling.
I had never heard of Ren before. This performance was much more than just music, it was an expression of the human experience. Very interesting, had me hooked right from the beginning, and left me thinking long after it was over. It's rare that a 4 minute performance can make you contemplate life, and change your perspective on it.
And even rarer that a 9 minute performance can suck you in so much that it feels like 4.
Feels like 4 minutes, but it's actually a 9 minute track
Another great reaction and analysis. “Hi Ren" is the song that put Ren on everyone's radar since December; it went viral and has garnered more than 5 million views since its debut, but he has been creating great music for more than ten years. Ren’s music videos are generally recorded live, often in a single take, although not necessarily the first take, and from various camera angles. His release, "Sick Boi," is almost another chapter to "Hi Ren." Many of his songs resonate with people because he addresses struggles that many others face every day.
Ren plays multiple instruments (acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, piano, drums), has impressive vocals, is an excellent storyteller, and is quite the philosopher and poet. He is considered by many a modern bard. His trilogy "The Tale of Jenny/Screech/Violet" is haunting and has an unforeseen conclusion. It needs to be watched in the order given, as this is the flow of the storyline. It is another example of Ren’s genius and a master’s class in storytelling. It has been likened to a Shakespearean tragedy.
Ren’s collaborations with Chinchilla (“Chalk Outlines,” “How to Be Me”) are beautiful and showcase his singing voice while addressing mental health. His live music videos are especially impressive. Ren's personal reflections are threaded through many of his songs; "Insomnia," "Depression," “Diazepam," “Penitence,” “Dear God,” “Heretic,” “Dominos,” his "Freckled Angels" album, just to name a few, all deserve a listen. His song "Money Game" (Part I & II) is another recommendation, although it is less of a personal song than it is an indictment of greed and the resulting injustices in this world.
Ren’s Hip Hop/Rap style songs are all worth checking out if you enjoy this genre; they are pretty amazing. Check out “The Hunger,” “Genesis,” “What You Want,” “Losing it (FISHER rap retake),” “Right here, right now (Fatboy Slim one shot retake),” "Life is Funny," “Love Music (Parts 1, 2, and 3),” “Crucify Your Culture,” “Power,” and his latest release, “Bittersweet symphony (The Verve retake).”
As I recently discovered, Ren also recorded a cover of “Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Cover),” that is simply beautiful. Then there are his performances with Sam Tompkins (“Blind Eyed,” “Earned it /Mans World / Falling,” “Walking on the moon/No Diggity”), Eden Nash (“Humble,” “Ocean”), Bibi (“Crutch,” “Ahiahiaoha”), Molly McKinna (“Penitence”), his former bandmate, Romain Axisa (“French Song”), which are all great.
Ren's performances as a member of the band "The Big Push" (which unfortunately broke up), their busking (street performances), concerts, and their live recordings, are awesome and well worth checking out. Ren's covers of "I Shot the Sheriff," "Wade in the Water," "An Englishman in New York," “War Pigs,” the songs "Oh My Woman," “Swan Song,” “Sweet Little Lady," "It's Alright," "Watch Out," “Dignity,” and so many others are equally impressive.
Ren recently released his single, “Sick Boi.” In anticipation of his stay in Canada for more treatments, Ren prepared some music ahead of time to be released over the next six months that he expects to be gone. As mentioned above, his latest release, “Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve retake),” is another masterful work.
Found you, Jens!
the fact he recorded this in 1 take live, and yes he is a true artist (his skills are incredible if you listen to other songs of his), is insane.
One thing I noticed about the guitar playing was when "good Ren" is playing at the beginning he is looking at the fret board as if unconfident where his fingers will land and when "evil Ren" is playing it's eyes shut and doesn't need to look.
I'm soo happy to see you finally check this masterpiece out, thank you Geebz!! This song has really had an impact on me and it's amazing to see soo many people connecting with it. I really hope you do "Jenny/Screech/Violet's Tale", I heard that song for the first time yesterday and I was even more blown away. This kid is the most creative artist I've ever heard, he needs to be promoted EVERYWHERE!! Great video Geebz, Awwriiight!!!! 🤘🤘🤙🤙
I think people should have the chance to discover his genius for themselves and not been fed him by media...
@@maddo7192 CNN is doing a bang up job of that! lol
@@dirtwednesday 😅 you're right about that
Yesss. Please do The Tale of Jenny & Screech (full).. you won’t regret it. I promise.
Yes please the guitar work is amazing it is dark but fantastic story's
It is theater. He has several one take performances like this.
You need to check out more of his stuff. He is truly an awesome talent and worth diving into. He is a very diverse songwriter who writes, produces his own music and videos. Peace.
I can't sleep either! 🤦♀️ Ren is an AMAZING artist! You should REALLY fall DEEP in this hole! BEST storyteller I've heard in YEARS! Sick Boi follows this and THEN you can see what everyone else thinks! 🤷♀️😏 His WHOLE CATALOG is RIDICULOUS (in a good way!) 😁✌️❤️🔥🎶 LOVE THE SHIRT by tha way!🙃😉
"One man theater." I think that's it right there.
Been refreshing your page all week waiting for this. Can't wait to see what you think!
Same here, ever since Geebz mentioned this song in one of his videos, I've been on the edge of my seat waiting for this video to drop!!
He was misdiagnosed for close to 10 years. He has Lyme disease and is currently in treatment in Canada. He's been through so much at such a young age. His tale of Jenny and Screech (The full trilogy) is some great story telling.
Dang that's some heavy beat poetry talent right there. At first I was getting Eminem 'stan' vibes tbh, then it somehow went darker / more profound. You nailed it though, this is a theatrical performance 100%
this song is metal AF. regardless of its genre
He has a lot of great songs, some of which have amassed millions of views on youtube. Yet this song in particular has blown up faster than any other.
What is especially astounding, is that just as this one blew up, he had to put his musical career on a hold, as he has taken an offer to move to Canada to get extensive medical treatment for his Lyme disease. The doctors tell him it will take at least 6 months, where he has to go to the hospital for IV 5 days a week, in addition to a strict diet and a copious amount of pills.
If you want to react to another song of his, I would highly suggest Money Game Part 2, as it has a very spine chilling message about the state of the world. It's from that song this song's reference "She sells seashells on the sea shore" comes from.
This is a really fun an honest song. He let himself go with this one and produced a moving piece.
Also check out his other newer song "Sick Boi" no guitar in that one a crazy video of how his mind is/was, there are others mostly rap with foul language. There are a couple more up beat songs, covers he does that he shines, for me he does. Englishman in New York and Bongo Bong are a fun listen. It is when he was with his band mates The Big Push. He is a fantastic musician. He is in Canada now getting treatment for illness. He had lymes disease and wasn't diagnosed properly. You need to find out more about him. I can relate to his music as I suffer with chronic illness also.
Wow! You were the first reactor I started to follow years ago! I requested a muse song and you gracefully responded and did the reaction. I really enjoyed being a part of your tool journey as well. Musically we have been taken down different paths so as I started diving into rap, the less I saw your videos. It is such a delight to witness how music intertwines and brings people together. Happy you did this, and to see you're doing so well. Thank you!
The guitar style he played is definitely for theatric purposes. He's a classicly trained guitarist.
I don’t think that’s correct. He’s not “classically trained.” Dude is a busker who grew up on the streets.
@NoCanDu sure,he busks but he's been trained classicly. He plays bass amd piano very well also. He's for sure had training
@@NoCanDu he worked on the streets. I haven't heard or read anything from him suggesting he didn't grow up in his parents, and then his mothers, home. He attended school and made it to university before getting ill. he speaks of returning to just hanging out in his room with his guitar and fiddling around with production equipment as he had done as a teenager. That doesn't sound like he grew up 'on the streets' , it sounds pretty stable if not at least slightly privileged, instruments and a computer if nothing else are not cheap.
@K I've seen his dad comment on some videos and he's said he is a folk musician and ren grew up getting brought all around to different festivals and gatherings.
@@pup11074 ive seen a guy claiming to be his dad but wondered if he was for real or actually a troll!
Yay I was hoping you'd fall into the Ren rabbit hole! I'm sure someone will jump into the comments with Ren's back story but there are so many gems to check out next. I only discovered Ren a few weeks ago through this song and I'm obsessed. He's got amazing range, rap, ballards, storytelling.. amazing multi genre talent. Short story is he was misdiagnosed but is currently being treated in Canada for Lyme disease. I hope you see what else he's done... sick boi, chalk outlines (live), the tale of Jenny and screech (full, watched in order), and genesis or the hunger to check out his crazy rap skills.
Don't forget "Losing It".
.....and hunger
Shout out for all the Aries out there
It was recorded live in one take using the acoustics of the room. He removes the mic at the end. Pure Genius
This was definitely his breakthrough moment. His career skyrocketed from here. He released an album in October that hit #1 in the UK. He is an all around amazing artist, like no one else.
I've been on a three day binge of this song and reaction videos to it, and from the first watch I tried to explain it to others as a Van Gogh painting in music form, and happy to see you explain it in a similar way in your video title. Ren calls his style "Bardcore" which I think is brilliant and fitting. This amazing piece of art from Ren has fundamentally changed me and how Im dealing with my own darkness. Loved your review and reaction to it. Subbed!
Ren is best known as a busker in Brighton, who has had some small success as an independent musician. This is definitely his breakout piece. 4 million views in a month.
There's so much that most of us, especially creatives, can relate to with that inner voice talking back to us.
To see something more in the storytelling vein: Jenny and Screech's Tale (and Violet's Tale).
For something that shows his singing voice a bit more: Chalk Outlines
For something that shows his guitar and vocal skills: Ren & Sam Tompkins - Earned it /Mans World / Falling
As to his illness: He has Lyme disease, which was misdiagnosed for years, so progressed to severe damage including chronic pain and psychosis.
Raw pain. Raw vulnerability. Raw honesty. Raw courage. Yes, THIS is what living with Psychosis is like on the inside. It's also an incredible work of art and, yes, theatre. The erratic, discordant and aggressive 'attack' on the guitar, as well as dramatic shifts vocally, are highly intentional. As is the whole production, from lighting to camera work.
Aside from his undoubted and multiple talents, I think Ren has achieved, with one song, what 50+ years of 'community education to destigmatize mental health issues' has utterly failed to do. We're engaged, identify, empathise and CARE. This deserves MULTIPLE Awards.
Hello from New England.. With did I just listen to..?..Ok I've been seeing this song all over YT but I've been sleeping on it bc I'm more into metal but this is smoking.. This is very human and everyone can relate to it on some level...This guy has some serious talent and he's going on my Spotify..Thx Geebz for turning me on to this...🤘✌️
I love this reaction. The use of the word EXORCISE is so profound and I have watched 100’s of reactions to this art piece. Keep watching. His catalog is deep!!
This dude saved both my life and my creativity with this song. I was all but spent til I heard this song, now I'm ready for war
What a lot of Renniac don't know, Ren is also Singer and Guitar player of the band The Big Push. They are definitely worth checking out as well. Kind of a bit in between Reagge, Rock and Rap in their cover style. Their vocal harmonies are amazing.
Sorry to say but The Big Push called it a day very recently. They said they might return one day but for now they've stopped.
You're spot on it's theater. Everything from the performance to the set to the shots to the music and the performance. I haven't been up on rap for a long time. Metals my jam but I've been really digging going through Ren's catalog of work. He's really all over the map with his music. Many influences that he's taken from and amalgamated into his own.
This song relates. And the ending speech sums it all up. We struggle, some people coast through life with a minimum amount of that struggle and some people get lost in that struggle, but we all struggle because life is hard. It was hard before we reached our "civilized" lifestyles and it's hard now reconciling our biological rate of evolution with our hyper societal evolution.
Thx for giving it a listen. Sleep well my dude.
Everything he does is intentional. Every note, every pause, every chord, every word, and every performace choice is 100% creative decision. How dare you call his genius into question. 😉
I'm in the same place you are Geebz but I still love this kid! It's what makes him great; so many can either relate to him or feel empathy to him and people like him. He's not playlist for me but he's still a creative genius.😊
"whimsical chaos" sound like an 8th lvl evocation spell
Thank you for reacting to this! Please take some time to visit Rens profile and read through his community tab to get a good view of Rens story and the troubles he's had to face and overcome to get to this point in his life.
It's awesome how one can see you being entranced by his monolouge at the end, being a little shaken when he stops and you immediatly start showing kindness by having concerns about his health.
He was signed to Sony at 151/2 when he became ill with Lyme. He wasn’t fired but they let his contract expire. He can sing all genres. He’s very personable and genuine in his interviews.
He can play classical guitar, blues, rhythm, bass, piano, and who knows what else. The guy is something special
You are correct on some points, but not all. The only place you are mistaken, is your underestimatiion of Ren. As you explore his other songs, you will discover, even the notes that sound slightly unpleasant are intentional to create an uncomfortable feeling. Notice he ends up playing it later identically. And as many will point out in the comments, his other tracks, demonstrate multiple other feelings, styles, and experiences.
You will go back and re-evaluate your comments later, even by the end of the song. Or, for some, a deep dive into the ren rabbit hole.
You will also learn more by simply playing it for a friend. Then watch thier expressions as they go through the journey. That too, is another part of this experience. ❤
I'm honestly soo glad to see this on here. Ren is a gift. His music falls into soo many different categories. He can rap, he sings, he plays fantastic guitar, his acting in these videos is top notch also. He calls what he creates Bardcore, and it's 100% an accurate representation. His trilogy Jenny/Screech/Violet's tale is an absolutely wild, dark, but genius story. His videos are one take generally too, done live, adding another entire level of mastery of his craft.
So glad you finally reacted to this. Now please check out chalk outlines with Chinchilla. Another masterpiece!
I am SO glad you acted on my recommendation for Hi Ren by Ren! I knew you would find this track fascinating. Love the channel and thanks for making this video!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
My favorite line in this song is, "I stood in the flames that cremated my brains and I didn't once flinch or shake, so cower at the man I've become...". Such a strong and powerful way to relate strength. I also feel the most overlooked part of this is, "there are no real winners or losers in psychological warfare, but there are victims and there are students". Namely the students part. One can be a victim and let it control them or one can be a student and study it, learn from it, and control it. This and O Virgin Pure by Nektarios of Aegina are the 2 most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
Every since April I search RUclips daily for reactions to it . Your reaction to it is one of the best I've seen. You show genuine interest and respect for Ren's creation. I turned 60 this year and this video is one of the most profound things I've ever seen. Thanks for reaction it enriched my day ✌💞
I understand you would have to be dealing with health and mental issues to really appreciate this.
Being diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS at 61, I can relate to this in a much deeper way.
The pendulum for me swings hour to hour with my physical limitations.
I'm sure he goes through the same thing with Lyme.
Both diseases also lead to mental issues dealing with these limitations
I cant imagine having to suffer with Lyme disease at such a young age. Autoimmune problems rob you of so much of your life and with invisible illnesses such as Lyme and MS you can look normal so its hard for to people understand the struggle. He is a huge inspiration.
I have taught myself guitar to help deal with the my physical struggles and I really enjoy it.
Creativity is a great way to deal with these issues and highly recommend it.
Also being a Industrial designer have a been working on products to assist handicap people with their mobility issues which brings a new positive relevance to my life.
Everything happens for a reason and Ren has proven that to us with this beautiful artistic piece.
"Is he really ill?" Check out his short called "This is what a day looks like for me"
Geebz, you gotta go down the Ren rabbit hole. hear his story. This guy is the definition of an artist. I highly recommend everyone check out Jenny's Tale/Screeches Tale/Violets Tale (in that order). Trigger warning for domestic violence, Violet's Tale is a pretty visceral song. He shines a light on senseless societal and domestic violence as well as trauma and violence being generational, I think this trilogy is his opus. All 3 songs performed live, the camera work adds so much weight to certain moments of each song. The way Ren can weave genres is truly genius, he is a master of tension and escalation. I've never had an artist move me in the way Ren has.
This was a great reaction, thank you! I'd love to hear you react to more of Ren's work. He's an exceptional artist, musician and storyteller who pours his soul into his music. And yes, he's gone through a lot in life, and he's collected a lot of wisdom on the way.
Ren is a genius. Even though he may not play the genre you usually critique, he has taken the reactors by storm. He is very diverse in his music/art form. The fist time I found Ren - Hi Ren I felt as though I had discovered gold and this is coming from a 69 year old grandma head banger who's favorite band is Disturbed. Ren is, in my opinion, someone who breaks genre walls. And yes he has had horrible health issues but shines through on a connective level. His vocals are amazing and I fell in love with his voice in his song 'Money Game' part one. I love the way you break down music and I love the content you do and a huge thanks for doing this song because it's truly art.
I’ve heard this 10 times today, two reactions including this and it still brings a tear to my eye because I’ve had this conflicts in my mind during my career, and as you get older if you get through the twenties, it does get easier, you do find a way to relax but then the creativity can suffer and creates a new anxiety, but there’s always a way to anyone reading this ❤
Beautiful song and reaction, once you get past the weirdness of the song, the honest and naïve genius reveals itself
The beauty of a man trying not to cry!
I enjoyed your reaction very much; first time seeing you. I discovered Ren a couple of weeks ago, and have been binging everything he's done and all the reaction videos to to him. As a musician myself, like you said, a lot of this really touches you as you battle the voice inside you that says your music isn't good enough. You might want to check out the trilogy of Jenny and Screech (and Violet) Full version for some true Shakespearean tragedy and what Ren describes as "bardcore." You will be equally, if not more, blown away. Good job!
the guitar would sound sharp and angular when left Ren was talking... and more soft and clean when right Ren speaks
I'm disappointed that in four months you haven't reacted to any more Ren --- and surprised! Most of us can't help checking out more after hearing this. He's well worth it.
Enough, already! This kid is the shiznit. He's a Broadway artiste. There's no denial of the talent possible..
ren describes this as "Bardcore".
The tale of Jenny and screech is next level. It will blow your mind.
Geebz, it was once again a distinct pleasure to watch your honest reaction to Ren. Thank you for allowing us to experience your take on music, even genre crossing and as Ren has so eloquently shown here, "Art in another form that is still recognizable as ascendant". Have a great day! 🌻
Yes, he is actually really ill. He's better, but had 8-9 years of undiagnosed Lyme disease (that caused a recording contract with Sony to fall through) and all the pain living with an autoimmune disease can bring. He's actually been in intensive treatments for the last month while his music has finally been blowing up.
Nice reaction video!
This young man's background involves a lot of busking, by himself, with collaborators, and with his band, The Big Push. He's had Lyme disease, which was misdiagnosed for many years so he's had symptoms and long term effects, and he addresses it in the statement he's put in the comments on the video - but this video is a like a door opening!
He's a very accomplished player. The dissonance in the guitar is definitely intentional - he plays masterfully, and you really see and hear it in other videos.
I heard him for the first time yesterday - a friend shared this track with me. I've since been listening to a lot of his work. This is a young man with a lot of talent, the drive to pursue it, and enough experience grounding his compositions to give them a solid lyrical depth that most writers never achieve. That he has an an impossibly potent imagination as well is icing on the cake. He's had a remarkable career already - but this song, and its predecessor, Sick Boi, are bold steps in a completely new direction. I can't wait to see where he goes next!
Its hilarious that he thought he was being rick rolled. Anyone familiar enough with ren will understand why.
Ren is pure genius, however when you said you thought you " being rick rolled" in the beginning cracked me the fuck up! I went from almost crying from his genius to laughing my ass off. Great reaction.
1st there was Dimash and now Ren - both only once-in-a-lifetime!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes!!!!!! This is phenomenal! Love Ren! Very talented to say the least.
Loved seeing your reaction! It's interesting seeing someone who doesn't know anything about his mental and physical issues react. I had never thought about his musical break thru and finding his own sound being apart of this! Great insights and much love from TX!
I remember the first time I heard this song too...I listened on a whim, not my usual thing for sure but it definitely draws you in. You never realize that the song is 9 minutes + long.... welcome to the Ren rabbit hole. "Chalk Outlines" is also great if you want to hear him sing more.
Great reaction btw. One of the best I've seen so far.
I "made" my wife listen to this last night when she was getting ready for bed. She's not really into hip hop/rap type stuff and I told her she's just got to give it a chance. Then she saw how long it was and was reluctant to watch but again, I insisted. She was hooked and blown away and will be listening to more of his stuff especially the Jenny/Screech/Violet performance.
He has lymes disease. I have 6 autoimmune diseases and faught two primary cancers one terminal. Went into remission and now it's back almost two years later. I totally related to this song the first time I heard it. Ever since I've been playing it non stop at my immunotherapy.
This guy doesn't play in traditional venues. This guy is a street performer. He produces all of his own music and is massively flexible musically.
Ren has had medical issues for a really long time and was misdiagnosed for years. It was finally discovered that he has lymes disease, which was slowly eating his body, including his brain. He is at this moment undergoing a 6 month treatment in Canada.
Have a look at the band he was in, The Big Push 👍
His style of guitar playing is absolutely intentional, albeit unconventional, but it's undeniably powerful and emotive, which IMO is one of the elements of his performances, that make his storytelling so incredibly profound and i think unmatched. He doesn't fit in any traditional box, and the originality and his fearless live performances, create masterpieces like hi Ren and Jenny and screech.
You made plenty of sense your reaction was genuine... I believe that's what most listeners want ❤️
I appreciate that
Ren is a divine gift to this world & worthy of a new sub for key of geebz ❤️
Ren was bitten by a tick and got Lyme disease. The Dr's misdiagnosed the disease and told him it was all in his mind. He's currently in Canada getting treatment for the affects of Lyme disease. Ren is a modern day Bard and is able to tell a story so well. He is a composer, rapper, singer, story teller and just amazing artist all around. If like to suggest a couple more videos by Ren;
Chalk Outlines (feat Chinchilla)
How to be me (feat Chinchilla)
The Tale of Jenny and Screech (full) it's a three part video that should be done in one sitting.
Thank you for the consideration.
Woohoo!! Here we go!! Check out Change, Digital bath, RX queen, Feiticeira, Be quite and drive, You’ve seen the butcher, Diamond eyes, Minerva and Radiant city to start LOL!!