Behind the Song - 'Suic*de' with Ren

Content warning: this video discusses suicide and contains explicit language.
@RenMakesMusic sits down with us to to talk about his thoughts and feelings behind the words in his song 'Suic*de'.
This is the first of our Behind the Song series. In which we chat with artists who've spoken about mental health in their songs.
Ren talks to us in this interview about the impact of losing his friend Joe to suicide and how music was a way for him to process his grief. We discuss the impact of mental health problems and how music can be a powerful tool to connect with these emotions.
If you're struggling with your mental health or know someone that is, please reach out. There’s always someone ready to listen and help.
For mental health information and signposting call us on 0300 123 3393 weekdays 9am - 6pm
For someone to talk to about how you’re feeling:
Call Samaritans on 116 123 anytime
Call Calm 0800 58 58 58 5pm to midnight
For tips on coping with suicidal feelings: www.mind.org.uk/information-s...
For advice on getting urgent mental health support: www.mind.org.uk/information-s...
For support on grief: www.mind.org.uk/information-s...

[@Broken_-_Beatz04]

Ren - the artist of 2023. No one else comes close

[@jasonstewart3996]

100% honestly for the past 10 years but we just didn't know about him lol

[@LeeannG]

Facts

[@afterlifeguitars]

The artist of the last two decades that should read. This man is awesome and it's so heartwarming to see mind and Ren doing this. I'm an amateur luthier who's got skeletons but I'll face them publicly because of Rens music. I've tried it and I've been in a headspace where I'll say I'll watch one more Olympics or world cup then I'd be happy to end it. I'm in a far better place now emotionally and the trauma I've gone through has made me stronger. I love Rens message and I believe I hold similar beliefs and values. And it's again.... heartwarming to know there are a million plus people and counting, who think the same. Sorry for making this about me I'm just sharing my genuine thoughts and I do want to get noticed on KZbin. However I'm outcome independent. Doing this for the love of it and mentoring others to make their lives better. I'll be on this channel one day. Once my business takes off. I'm genuinely putting the money into community building projects and I mean that. I wanna open schools the lot. So watch out world for Ren an amazing talent and for afterlife guitars coming to a streaming service near you 😅

[@chris6770]

Absolutely. I hope interviews like this and the upcoming album release will bring him to an even wider audience.

[@christophCymru]

Ye id say if the past 10/20 years and nobody comes close

[@DiscoDocNaughtyTherapistReacts]

The whole community of Ren fans say that they are very grateful for the safe space and fertile void that is being created here. Thank you Mind for expanding this platform.

[@Shiroar]

Like fertile soil for potatoes 🥔 ❤

[@jamesh2401]

Ayyyy Disco Doc!

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

🙏💯

[@sarahcp6117]

Thank you, Ren. Our emotional response is absolutely a part of your legacy, but not your responsibility.

[@Silkytoaster]

That is one of the most profound and spot one comments I have heard about Ren and the impact he has made - I wish he got a chance to read it but perhaps even more importantly - the people who listen to his music hopefully realize this also . Just saw this interview and my god - he is so authentic and exudes a calmness and sense of self knowledge and acceptance. ❤ from Canada

[@libby215]

That's a lovely way of putting it ☮

[@Snarky_Tart]

💯 🫂

[@nicbobags8241]

Well said 😊

[@christineraffa-diggon]

Well said. ❤️

[@calvinstreeting1173]

dear cnn ... this is how you do it :) well done mind and ren

[@craigevans8912]

Well said.

[@MakeAsylumsGre4tAgain]

You assume cnn wants to help people… they are malicious. They want to harm.

[@RenMakesMusic]

❤

[@spiritforever1]

Ren is living proof of what talent is made of: sincerity, modesty, open-mindedness. The man is a legend. Lucky us !

[@edgelaad1992]

This man deserves all the publicity and love in the world. Making a difference to so many people. He's on a one 1 way ticket to the moon.

[@christendomdefenderbeready3251]

Awakening >>>

[@QueenBabylonnia]

Interviewing Ren was such a right thing to do. His music is exceptional, very thought provoking and in many cases so relatable.

[@rudyb.]

I am a 64 year old man. I was a teenager in the 70’s & listened to some the greatest musical talents around. As the decades went by I kinda lost interest in music, sure I liked a rock group or a musician here & there. In December 2022 I came across Ren Gill…his musical talent lured me in! I have listened to his music catalogue and read his story about his struggles. This young man is World Treasure!! We need him! RENegade!

[@TofferJ-UK]

Agree, I’m a 62 year old Brit bloke, I’ve not experienced these feeling of excitement and awe about an artist for decades. I encountered Ren in January this year before ‘Hi Ren’ exploded. I’m waiting for the rest of the World to catch up 👍🇬🇧

[@dawnaulisio8103]

I totally relate to your comment. I'm a 63 year old woman, and I stopped listening to new music altogether. Then I happened upon Ren. No other artist induces cleansing tears like Ren. He definitely is a treasure

[@carlijazminecooper1697]

I’m 40 & totally agree with you fellow Renegade 👏🏼💯👏🏼💯👏🏼❤️‍🩹🫶🏼🎶✨

[@laurabuxton7041]

Ren is more than the Artist of a Generation; he is the most beautiful soul walking amongst us and we need to cherish him. I’m a 53-year-old grandmother and I used to deliver babies as a profession. I always considered it a privilege to be the person who placed a newborn into it’s mother’s arms; I knew I was witnessing the purest form of love exploding into life before my eyes. Now when I introduce people to Ren’s music I get that same feeling. He is not religious (neither am I) but he’s certainly a Spiritual Being having a Human experience. I’m grateful to be alive on this Earth at the same time as this remarkable man. He is a gift to Humanity in a very dark and difficult time.

[@gkopij]

❤ beautiful soul

[@elainewood756]

❤❤❤

[@LeviSquadReject]

This is such a beautiful comment 🩵

[@christinehughes6397]

Ren is a once in a lifetime inspirational artist and his music is now been used by health professionals around the world not only as a training aid but in therapy sessions I cant think of any other musician who as had such an impact on peoples well being on such a global scale. A true Ambassador of mental health 💙💙💙

[@nixpuk75]

💙💙💙

[@davidlloyd9598]

We met Ren during his visit to Beaumaris Lifeboat Station. He donated £21,000 to the RNLI as a gesture to all those that helped search for Joe and to help others in need. He met my wife and son and he is a truly amazing person. They say never to meet your heroes however Ren is an exception as he is all heart and truly inspiring. Being a self taught guitarist from North Wales myself I look up to him for all he has achieved. Thanks Ren. Diolch yn fawr.

[@Koray.K]

"Hi Ren" showed people that making peace with yourself is the answer. That unwanted side everyone locked inside in their chests. Ren opened that box and showed people it was "okay". It was incredibly personal. It made an incredible impact on people because it allowed them to let go of those emotions too. Something not any artist has done before so precisely and honestly.

[@dawnaulisio8103]

@koray.k beautifully said ❤

[@jameshursiuiluiiiut4955]

An eternal dance. That line hit hard with me.

[@jorice5528]

Ren is the human humanity so desperately yearned for - a musical, poetical, artistic genius! An intelligent, raw & true soul of deep knowing & longing - Thank you Ren 🙏 Great interview too 👍🏻

[@willoweezie1]

We have been given the gift of Ren and the world is a better place for having him and his creations!

[@JoesNoseAppreciationSociety1]

Ren is a special one. I see how his impact has helped others every day. He’s created an amazing community with amazing support. Thank you for the interview. 🐇🕳️🖤

[@tracycrook2574]

And thanks to you Keeley for the amazing group on FB, such a wonderful community ❤️

[@williamkeith8740]

There are so many of us survivors who really do appreciate the music and genius of Ren - he has created a community of empathetic followers who understand issues surrounding mental health - generating the uncomfortable conversations. Thank you for sharing this interview.

[@Thisisnotmyname0116]

I’m so glad this is becoming a topic of conversation instead of a taboo. Talking helps! Trying to silence or sweep it to the side only hurts. ;

[@Silkytoaster]

This was so good . MIND is a a wonderful charity in the UK - they made such a difference to my brother’s life and to see REn being interviewed by Mind just validates what we already know about Ren - a wonderful human being who is making such a difference .

[@worldcitizen2941]

"If we look after our mental health as a collective, then our societies function much healthier"... Never a truer word spoken 🧡

[@kalijhawk70]

Well done MIND. REN is the best person to talk on these subjects. He has changed so many lives with his messages and lives the way he speaks. 😊❤

[@redangel169]

Ren is a beautiful human being. I'm so glad I live in the time when he is creating his art. It's a bit like bearing witness to something that you know will become a remembered part of our collective history.

[@laurabuxton7041]

Yes!

[@ms.lisamarie82]

😊 Thank you for giving us Ren fans such a well thought, caring and respectful interview. Truly enjoyed the conversation and it is truly wonderful to see another fan ask a few of the things I have wondered myself. You are clearly a Ren fan as the joy in asking him all your questions that any fan would want to. Well done sir. ❤❤ #thereneffect

[@conradschumacher4013]

Well said indeed. A really wonderful interview all round.

[@cassiemarree832]

Another great interview of Ren.. The fact that he still makes time while in treatment to bring a voice to a community in need. What a legend.

[@cheetara32]

I can't describe how much Ren's music has meant to me in my own recovery. It helped me unlock emotions I'd been repressing for so long that I didn't even recognise them anymore. His bravery in being vulnerable and starting so many more of these conversations will save lives. He will have a legacy that he will never know the full extent of. Now it's on us to keep the momentum on this movement. ❤

[@timetherington-judge3719]

The man is a genius, making music that touches and moves in a way most artists can only dream of

[@Sue-qp6dx]

Ren touches soooo many people through his music.....I'm just blown away by his raw...honest talent....thank you ren

[@staceyshaffer180]

Such an intelligent young man. He’s touched so many people with his music.

[@gregbeard6057]

Ren, I've been listening to your music for sometime now and you're incredible! I'm 41 and grew up listening to the likes of Prince, Genesis and my late Dad's favourite artist, Cat Stevens... You to me is what Cat Stevens was like to my Dad... My favourite artist of all time!!! And now my 6 year old son is listening with me just like I did with my Dad listening to Cat Stevens!!! I wish you every success and look forward to coming back to Brighton (I go there regularly) and watching you perform.

[@nancydenis8059]

I stumbled across Ren from the darkest place my mind has ever been and he is still slowly help pull me back from that void. Thanks for bringing him forward, this was lovely and will be a light for other lost souls to follow. 💙💙💙

[@zed4225]

❤🌻

[@emmafrench7219]

I'm so very grateful that this situation gets talked about and not swept away as if by saying it out loud it will, "encourage", or urge people to do, "it ".If someone feels suicidal then they don't need any encouragement but they do need to be listened to and actually heard. I'm similar to you, thought about it, think about it and try to dismiss it. Then life happens and things are either okay or painful again. Ren's music has given me the kick up the arse I needed / need. It puts me in a good frame of mind and is a brilliant pick me up. But I feel for Ren that it must be a tremendous feeling of responsibility. It shouldn't be. We all make our own choices, it's just that if a certain music or singer or actor or painting of whatever it is lifts you up then that's a good thing. So sorry for blabbering on. I get carried away. Basically talking about things is good. For me Ren's words and music have helped enormously. But no pressure. Music is great.✌

[@stampandscrap7494]

Wow crying again. Love that Joes mum has her camper van.

[@carlahelin5203]

I teared up when he talked about sharing the song and money with Joes mom.

[@clg3239]

Ren is such a beautiful soul 💖

[@NastyCrabcakes]

Great interview. Thanks for showing Ren some love. He's built up a really special community 💛

[@Sarahburrowes]

Thank you both for this interview on this incredibly important topic around suicide and artistic expression and how music / art can be powerful therapy Hi Ren turned up in my YT feed a few days after it’s release. I was, and still am, blown away by Ren’s artistry, wordsmith wizardry, musicianship, authenticity, courage and generosity. ‘I always feel a little bit lighter after (playing) it’ So many of us humans do everything to avoid emotional pain, to avoid vulnerability, to distract from and even deny our grief. Ren, and the interviewer (no name given I think?), I’m grateful for how you show us how singing, playing, expressing, listening to the saddest stories and the toughest emotions can be a powerful balm With immense gratitude and admiration ❤

[@waxingmiracle]

Thanks for having this conversation and sharing your thoughts.

[@DogDocKat]

Fantastic interview. Ren is the most inspiring artist I have encountered in my life. If you haven’t listened to his music, do yourself a favour and check him out ❤❤❤

[@JohnSmith-vy4oh]

REN is changing lives. Respect

[@sicpuppy9500]

Ren is such an amazing and talented human being. Much love RENegade 💪

[@MalcolmMXTaylor]

Great interview Ren!!! I think everyone who listens to your music knows that it comes from the heart. That's something that's missing in most other music these days. RENegades stand together!!

[@rachelbennett7127]

Ren is such a humble guy but also a massive inspiration to many. Thanks for everything @renmakesmusic ❤

[@lynnfeoranz4529]

Ren is an amazing artist. Thank you for interviewing him. The sound of the song and look of the video was the first time I saw and heard how it felt inside when I went through a major depression during college. Ren’s message is to hold on, it will pass and things can get better. That is so true!

[@lillyvanpug]

A beautiful, honest, deep and utterly needed respectful conversation 🖤

[@ricci8497]

So great to see that a charity such as Mind is also showing the importance of an artist such as Ren and how music can be therapeutic.

[@BrandonWestfall]

Freckled Angels is still my favorite song he's written for Joe but they're all great.

[@marcosap5195]

I love Ren! Favourite artist by far! His mind is different, his music is different, i feel different listening to him... much love from Italy man!

[@Peacetrain66]

He is so humble and beautiful ❤

[@wanrell]

Ren is a true musical genius with the heart of an angel. More of these please!

[@The_Oracle_of_time]

Ren is shockingly talented and so humble. Such a nice lad. I hope the industry doesn't change what he is. He's what my mother would have called 'an old soul'.

[@Pint-Shot-Riot]

Ren has it all , the deepness to affect and the technique to give joy.

[@clairepickin5928]

Superb interview, Ren is so articulate - just brilliant ❤

[@kevinotoole885]

My martial arts instructor who was in my life for 12 years, he meant the world to me and I lost him 3 years ago to cancer. He asked me when I first met him ‘whats the hardest thing in the world’ I had no idea what to say and he replied ‘to be a nice person’ not the answer I was expecting but over time became more profound. Ren is living proof, as well as being and absolute talent he is also a genuine nice person. Ren is the embodiment of those words. I miss my Sensei.

[@barbaralawrence6226]

Thank you both for this interview. I'm surprised it hasn't been flagged due to subject matter (watching it 2 hours from release). I pray they don't take it down. Ren, your words ring so true for so many. It's always a pleasure to learn about your process and journey. I believe your music and your message (and your gentle compassion for humanity) are literally raising the vibration of thousands upon thousands of souls, and soon, it will be millions. I feel so blessed that Hi, Ren came into my youtube feed and introduced me to you. I LOVE watching others experience your music for the first time. As always, sending you lots of love and healing energy. 💖

[@darthgardner]

No one has addressed mental health in music in a way which "Matters" apart from Ren ..we all have benefitted and will continue to do so. issues we have are shared but then Rens music is shared and this itself is something which we as a community are backing totally.we all have hope but heres to the Sickboi album getting to top spot.

[@Danielle-ed9kt]

Pure expression before objection I love that

[@simonward2663]

Keep shining the light on this important subject. Thanks to Mind for all the important work you do and to Ren for engaging with these subjects in your wonderful music ❤

[@GW-kf1be]

This topic has never really touched my life personally, but Ren’s music has helped me to understand. Thank you for the interview. ❤❤❤

[@ricksurratt9034]

What a beautiful old soul..thank you

[@shanebruce3997]

God what a classically trained and talented, insightful, sensitive, and astute young man! Thank the Gods and the Goddesses for Ren - a "voice for the voiceless!"

[@kimberlyelizabeth6052]

What a lovely raw and wonderful conversation. Ren definitely changed my life over the last year❤ all the compliments are well deserved Ren 🥰🥰

[@analisasmith7927]

Mind is a great charity. Ren, you really help others through your music and also by giving interviews like this. That’s plenty. ❤

[@AvengedKittyLP]

I was doing research and I am glad I found them. it feels genuine over the others who just feel fake and want to take money from you

[@andymcpandy2128]

I've said it a thousand times already, but thank you Ren.

[@hollyryalsgrubb1273]

This is one of the most well structured and important interviews that I have experienced on this subject. May all find peace.

[@zed4225]

Amen

[@TimmyOnTime]

never has been and never will be another one like Ren. A true poet of the modern times.

[@AmaliaFraud]

Thank you for this interview. Extraordinary human being and brilliant artist.

[@MissMeKate]

Extraordinary candour and empathy. He will help people stay by making the world a more hopeful and connected place.

[@carys4231]

Thirty-three years on from losing my beautiful brother to suicide, Ren’s song expressed so much of what I have felt about su1c1de, the loss, heartache, empathy, loss of carefree youth etc. They are indeed indeed angels, perhaps the world wasn’t ready for them. Ren is an absolute treasure, witty, with extraordinary depth and emotional intelligence. You’re a special soul Ren Gill … thank you so, so much 🙏🏻😊👍💖

[@DonnaPoynton.]

Ren is just an Amazing human being,I love him ,Thank you Ren ❤❤❤❤❤

[@DebapriyaMaitra]

Great idea for a segment. Thank you for giving Ren this platform. This song and his body of work in general has had an immense positive impact on so many people, including me. Excellent interview.

[@TheCraigyT]

an amazing charity that has helped a lot of young people I have worked with over the years. great to see @RenMakesMusic working with them.

[@bethstratton3391]

Thank you for this discussion. Ren’s song is gorgeous. You both still being here demonstrates that life can be beautiful and possible even when people have been to dark places, stuck in physically and/or mentally painful and deeply emotional situations. You highlight that hope is an emotion worth clinging to because it is possible to get better.

[@sharonflanagan4634]

Beautifully put Beth! ❤

[@ow50s4]

It's really good to hear this narrative and the positive impact of Ren's music on people like me, who have had their minds opened to a new era of music.

[@sandyyoung9582]

World class artist, so many have opened up because of this music ❤ awesome soul xxx

[@Vigges666]

Much Love and Respect to this man.

[@Bhodisatvas]

THE most important british artist and creator of our time , we are listening to your message mate.

[@rbaileyrb]

Damn! We love Ren and team. Keep raising the bar and breaking the mold. Nothing else comes close

[@henrikstornblom]

Ren, thank you! Your are a real hero. You have helped so many people with your music.

[@redhairdontcare19]

Picturing Joe's Mom smiling driving through the countryside in her campervan made me feel joy and tear up❤

[@user-qn3lv5jr8x]

I love this unique and talented artist, Ren. You are correct that his music and artistry knows bounds. He deserves all the accolades he is receiving.

[@mldkenny]

Ren is a True Gift from the above.

[@coleeg69]

Ren is the goat! He truly makes music, what music should be and not like what other music is today.

[@lisaanya5335]

Thank you for this interview. Ren has helped me work through a few bad days. And his lighthearted songs are lovely on my better days.

[@sandracole2578]

What a lovely guy.

[@dottedlinewent]

Thank you both for this, really open, introspective interview and sharing with us. It helps to talk about it, and the grief of sudden loss is just otherworldly to go thru… and agreed Ren - there’s just nothing like music for bettering any mental moods - “when the music hits you feel no pain” sums it up for me… ✨ I’m glad you’re both here still ❤ and thanks for all your soul alchemy, Ren. 🎶

[@Shineyourlightxo]

I often struggle with words. If I had to say anything to Ren it would be... thank you for all your music.

[@christophCymru]

Hope this interview is shared far and wide

[@tracycrook2574]

Great interview with Ren, he has helped so many people all over the world. ❤

[@garym8998]

Great chat guys, I love everything about Ren, such positivity, a fantastic role model for today's youth. Also Mind do so much good work, I experienced this when I volunteered in a drop in centre after my little boy died, helping others really helped me get through the worst of my feels ❤

[@roxannescozzafava8168]

I am so sad for your loss. You helping others was a good thing not just for the ones you serve, but for you to interact as a coping strategy is the most efficient way I’ve ever seen for others get mentally stable again. Loss is so very hard. I hope you find continued support. On your journey. ❤

[@drealyn1486]

This was so well done. Both you and Ren are so articulate while dealing with such a difficult topic. He is a beautiful person and having his music in the world truly does make a difference.

[@mothermaclean]

Wow brillent interview loved it. You were right his music is helping me in my darkest mental health moment

[@TobiiRheaStarr]

Thank you Ren for everything you have done and continue to do for all of us. You are the most talented, kindest, generous, most beautiful person I have ever come across and I am so proud to share your music and story far and wide. You don’t realise how many people you have saved. We all love you always 🖤

[@sinrenfield]

Ren, you're so special and we are all here with you through your journey!

[@janiceN4Nugs]

"For Joe" does give me goosebumps. Such a beautiful song. Nice interview and spreading the word 💜💛

[@MoreKellBellPlease]

Ren is such an amazing soul. I'm so grateful to him for sharing his life and music with us ❤

[@marcelamerino9832]

Ren is such a gift, thanks for this interview 😊❤

[@westbank5436]

Great interview. Ren is the only person that can make me laugh,smile and ball my eyes out all in one song!! Thank you Ren!!

[@adtheladj]

This is an amazing video with such an important insight into this subject and its consequences. Well done Ren for being so open and authentic.

[@belgand5555]

What a wonderful interview.. thank you .. Ren is an inspiration to many.. ♥️🎶♥️

[@toasterfuk]

Ren, thank you for baring and sharing your soul with us. ❤

[@Microdave75]

Fantastic interview, Ren is a legend in the making