Classical GUITARIST Pro FIRST REACTION to REN - The Tale of Jenny & Screech

[@ant1010]

Ren's father specialises in playing medieval music on the Lute and the Lyre,and you can hear that travelling minstral style a lot with Ren.

[@saraatkinson8023]

I was today years old when I found that out. Thank you.

[@Eric-in-TO]

and his Mum is a vocal coach!

[@wembley636]

@@saraatkinson8023 Me too.. and also @Eric-in-TO comment "and his Mum is a vocal coach!"

[@ClearTheRubble7]

@@Eric-in-TO In an interview or Twitch talk someone asked him if she gave him lessons, and he said no. But I'm sure he still picked things up from his parents. Kids are like sponges, and Ren is one of the biggest sponges I know. I mean that in the good sense, lol.

[@Eric-in-TO]

@@ClearTheRubble7 Yes, I remember him commenting about growing up surrounded by music. How else can you explain "Kiddie with a black heart in a car park by Primark Jamming Django Reinhardt" 🙂

[@mattmorrisson9607]

I love it when people with different specialities look at Ren's music and bring their perspectives. Thanks for a unique reaction!

[@phlippbergamot5723]

He was inspired by a news story of a prostitute in London that was killed, and the officer was quoted as commenting that, "it's such a shame." He built Jenny's character on that prostitute, and imagined the killer as Screech (James). Violet's tale came years later as he developed how their parent's traits could have influenced them, and he added the twist that really grabs you at the end. As to the sound, it was recorded live as they filmed.

[@ThereWasATime]

I loved how you catched when Ren fast forwards time again. Very few reactors get that really! Awesome reaction, thank you!

[@daphneparkin6869]

I've seen a fair number catch that but very few catch the winding forward to the present.

[@Hopz47]

​@daphneparkin6869 yeah no disrespect to them that Don get it but haway it's perfection rewind fast forward 👌

[@Turvok]

When he was looking at the rewind and playing it on the guitar I predicted he would catch the fast forward.. It's the classical instrument reactors thst catch it I've noticed

[@MichaChaniewski]

I wonder how many people caught that the song also starts with the rewind (slightly different, and not announced, but it’s there). Listen to the very beginning if you don’t see what I mean, before he starts singing. It is foreshadowing that the whole part happens before Jenny and Screech are even born.

[@thetwistedfirestarter]

I’ve seen over 200 of these reactions to this story and this is probably the most interesting and enjoyable of the lot. Very intelligent and interesting guy. Well played 😊

[@rodentpete]

Ren is filming his next set ot 'Tales' this month - can't wait!

[@bethkelly6203]

Really????

[@Uknowme_right]

wait what

[@brianabercrombie1305]

Think that’s all going to be put on hold, he’s slipped a bit with his health. He put a post up about it last week

[@jasonmoccaldi9336]

You managed to catch so much more than most because of your understandings of the intricate ways you can enhance story telling from a guitarists perspective. Very wild

[@DG-dy4tv]

If Ren hasn't responded to any of your reactions yet, he should. He does respond to a lot of reactions and yours is one of the very best that I've seen. Thank you, sir. I've been wondering some of the things you talk about because my layman ears were telling me I hear classical and classical spanish influence. I had no idea about gypsy jazz.

[@SekhmetHathorSage]

Same here! I immediately searched for "Gypsy Jazz Django Reinhardt." I'm so excited to explore. Thank you!!

[@lyzzpinkpink9784]

Have a listen to Cigány Weaver on spotify. It's my brothers gypsy jazz band inspired by Django Reinhardt.

[@Suziejouk-zj6eo]

Ren does nothing accidentally...he is just a genius...Great reaction ❤

[@paulschirf9259]

Samuel as well...

[@Pablopax4]

Ren has a phenomenal internal metronome.

[@ArthurRex-x4m]

Yep, its more accurate than an atomic clock!

[@robertcameron2045]

Ren knows things a lot of things most humans don't,,wrestle here ,kneel there ,1 soul ,split 2 ways

[@Chrisinpommyland]

That’s a great reaction! Thanks for keeping me company, it’s 5am and I’m in pain chronically so thanks

[@panchomcsporran2083]

Ren helps me deal and cope with pain, he's been there and knows what it's like❤

[@sarasweightlossjourney1432]

Praying for you 🙏🏻

[@zegres]

Great reaction. I would recommend reacting to REN’s Fred Again Mashup for more interesting acoustic guitar work.

[@scramblesish]

As a non musician but music lover I always enjoy learning the technical aspects of songs I like 👍

[@staceysmith4868]

Yes, same with me! ❤

[@scramblesish]

@@staceysmith4868 joy! Another one like me 😊

[@TRPLD]

Amazing reaction! Thank you! Fun fact: Knick knack Paddy whack is a children song, yes, BUT its background is incredibly sinister. It is about the multitude of punishments the Irish people had to endure during the Great famine (in the early 1800s I think).

[@stacy1548]

You're the first reactor I've seen that actually noticed the difference in the strumming when changing characters. Great video!

[@piroschkasellers7366]

Not saying this to be rude in any way because he did an awesome job reacting. But there are others I have seen that also bring that up, not many though.

[@stacy1548]

100%. That's exactly why I specifically said "first reactor I've seen" because there are so many videos out there. I've seen a lot, but not all. I have seen people point it out on Hi Ren, but never on this one.

[@dropbarracuda]

EXCELLENT reaction! 🫡 I've watched the Tales hundreds of times with as many reactors, and THESE are the ones I truly enjoy the most. Thank you so much for your analysis and insights. The background information, composition notes, theory, etc are compelling to learn, and I've never heard many of the points you've brought up.

[@dbc13543]

Yes, the way he describes Jenny makes her sound much older than 14. Also, the way I've always seen these videos and songs is that Ren is trying to portray the traveling minstrel, passing down an oral tradition. But instead of telling medieval tragedies he's telling urban tragedies.

[@LHartman-gj7dl]

You are literally the first of hundreds of reactors I've seen to mention the forwarding of time back to the hospital, even when they've noticed the reversing time! Jenny had on makeup (rosy cheeks) and high heels. Why might a 14 year old girl with a tough upbringing be on the streets at that time of night looking forward to escaping her life? Great reaction, thanks! 🖤

[@AnnClark-g3t]

Well, that was good! You might be interested in Ren's live version of Murderer. You're the first I've seen to recognise the nods to Django Reinhardt and gypsy jazz, which you will spot in this too, perhaps. Very interesting reaction, excellent stuff.

[@Soylent1981]

Love your insights. Reactions to this trilogy are so special because it elicits a strong emotional response and almost feels intimate. Ren’s music becomes a shared experience.

[@carolweight5972]

Really enjoyed this reaction, I don't have a musical note in my body but luv listening and learning. Thanx to ash for introducing you to Ren

[@alanmai5656]

welcome to the Ren family

[@davidberesford7009]

Hi Raffi! Ren calls this music *Bardcore*. You really caught on the some of the intricacies of Rens performance. A lot of these tales put me in mind of Elizabethan music, basically folk music with a touch of class. Keep Reacting!

[@IronRaspberry]

You got it! Nice reaction 😊

[@baldbearded9601]

I've watched countless reactions to this, and as a guitar player I realllly enjoyed having your classical playing breakdown from the musician's point of view.. Easily one of my favourite reaction to this masterpiece. Thank you! Keep doing a great job 👌

[@JoRiceRenegade4Eva]

100% mine too 👏👏👏❤️

[@CordellWoodworks]

What a great reaction. Hearing the music theory along with the reaction is amazing. Don’t get me wrong, I love all Ren reactions but there’s so much more substance in this than just someone watching along and gasping. Definitely sub’d!

[@shalokin]

14 yr old Jenny walking the streets in high heeled shoes..think Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver

[@Mr.Ekshin]

Exactly... when that facet of the story hits, it becomes the saddest part of all. Not just that she's 14, but that she's tottered through those same streets in high heels "a thousand times before". So you realize just how young she was when she ran away from the foster care system and took to the streets. And the way the song takes it to a place where her passing was almost the escape she'd been hoping for.

[@guyduval3937]

Further to this Jennie would have been "made up" to appear more mature and alluring perhaps. Even if he had seen her since they were separated, Screech (James) would not have recognized her and actually thought that he had killed a lady...of the night.

[@jamesbrooks7698]

@@Mr.Ekshin the saddest part until you ask yourself why exactly a 16 year old Violet would have been given social housing as soon as she moved out of home

[@Lemonbees]

Ren has stated Jenny was not a street walker . He said the story was already tough enough.

[@sputukgmail]

@@Lemonbeesyeah, but what does Ren know about it ;) (Joking. I used to comment about what it might mean about Jenny until I saw Ren dismiss that aspect as unintended. Now I just see others say it and smile - the weird thing is, to a degree, an artist loses control of their art once it’s out in the world and the audience is free to bring their own perspective to it, so although I do joke…it’s also kinda true - if Jenny being a street walker is what it means to some people, then that’s what it is…to them. It kinda doesn’t matter if Ren didn’t intend it to be seen that way now).

[@Oitsugina93]

Impreased woth how you can pay attention to the music and lyrics at the same time!❤❤❤

[@mrdarengilbert3907]

Raffi Thank you for this reaction This is what us Renegades love, someone who is intelligent and has the highest level musical knowledge to share this Ren journey with us Thank you brother Until next time Take care Daz

[@michaelwalsh7359]

Great reaction! I absolutely loved the breakdown! He has some really impressive guitar work as you will see! Some different styles of RENs guitar… Fred again mashup is beautiful and just him and a guitar, fire is ren in a Michael Jackson/ oldie rock sound, money game is a 3 part masterpiece, and believe it or not I would have to argue that the new Kujo beatdown is one of his more impressive musical composures to date

[@banzy3]

Thank you for the explanations, and for putting it in laymen terms. Great reaction, with a unique perspective on certain elements.

[@Lemonbees]

Walking down stairs up.... stairs...playing, singing , using the acoustics of the space...all one take videos 🎉

[@frankquinn6872]

Great reaction! Ren’s live acoustic versions of Murderer and Animal Flow are outstanding 👍

[@1individeo]

I don't find the acoustic version of Animal Flow to be "outstanding". It is just an acoustic version. Unlike the "murderer" acoustic version that is actually amazing.

[@Musiklife.9049]

@@1individeo Also Genesis, one of my favs along side murderer

[@frankquinn6872]

@@1individeo Thank you for putting me straight and welcome to the internet, where different people have different opinions. You are going to have such a good time!😀

[@JulieAiken]

Great reaction, thanks! I've subscribed. "I don't know if this is on purpose" or "I don't know if it's intentional"... Note to future Raffi: Every moment, inflection, glance, camera angle, shadow, echo, "incidental" sound... everything is intentional. Of all the things that make Ren a genius, to my mind his extraordinary attention to detail is a primary factor. He, and his DP and dear friend Samuel Perry-Falvey, craft every single detail. Everyone Ren creates with is extraordinary. You'll see...

[@ladonna9938]

Yay! A reactor who finally talked about the nick nack paddy whack and how much more sinister it makes the beating. ❤ It adds so much lyrically, especially because your mind automatically finishes the line "give a dog a bone" and he is talking about breaking her bones. Then in hindsight, even more sinister because it is a nursery rhyme and she is pregnant.

[@msDx74]

Gypsy jazz?? Sounds like something I need to check out. Great reaction, you caught onto so many things that a lot of people miss. Really enjoyed your input and look forward to more!!

[@Lloocii]

Django Reinhardt is a genius. He had an accident with his fretting hand, requiring him to be very creative and adaptive with the way he plays his instruments. He certainly never let it hold him back. Enjoy.

[@PeteFindsObscureStuff]

Check out anything by one of Ren's influences Django Reinhardt. He was a Belgian/French jazz guitarist who was prolific in the 1930's and 40's. Minor Swing and Limehouse Blues are two of my favourites.

[@vividly94]

@@PeteFindsObscureStuff He also invented a way to play the guitar, too... all because he was missing fingers. Its a technique still used to this day, and is taught -- with full phalanges. XD

[@lizl2432]

I don’t think people realize how incredibly hard the guitar is to play. My husband plays and to walk and play and sing/rap while not looking down at the chords, that’s incredible to me. I love your analysis because you can catch all of the nuances in the chords … it’s incredible to watch.

[@ivanishchev]

Yes! I have watched up to maybe hundred of reactions to this so far, and you’re literally the first person to notice the fast forward sound on the guitar! And, it is you exactly, from whom I was waiting for that. I’m not surprised, but happy. Finally! 😊

[@stillninja2741]

Loved your reaction and insight. If you want to make sure you don't miss anything you can left arrow once to go back 5 seconds. Can't wait for you to get further down the Ren rabbit hole. Be well.

[@donald1379]

Ive seen this 1000 times and i am still just as impressed as the first time....just amazing...thanks Raffi great reaction appreciate you👍

[@protarget1]

Great review. As mentioned, Ren is self taught. The best insight, to his introduction to music, watch the 1st YT interview Ren did with Justin Hawkins. Ren goes into great detail, How was given his 1st battered guitar by his dad around 10yrs old Ren said he always practicing, and carried the guitar around with him, everywhere he went. BTW Ren said his parents were hippies, they always taking him to music festivals Ren also says, if he wanted to learn a style of music, or a certain guitar technique, would find a guitar teacher who he could gel with. Ren also did the exact same with his singing

[@iamsquatty]

Yessssssss this is our modern day bard! 🥹💜💜

[@Suziejouk-zj6eo]

I think your ready to see how Ren practiced his craft..go check out Ren on the streets with his band the big push...wade in the water,war pigs,paint it black,I shot the sheriff/Road to Zion/ hip hop ...Great reaction BTW ❤

[@wayne3093]

I was shouting out really loud, f ck you i wont do what you tell me, as i drove my work van today, i love everything Ren does haha

[@patriciaobrien6600]

Great suggestion!! ❤❤❤

[@AgnesPerditaX]

Great catch! So many people miss that one. "Do you think I want to do this?!" That is a poster sentence of an abusive relationship. Wonderful reaction, thank you, Raffi! 💙

[@ladonna9938]

💯

[@polyesterspecter]

I have been DYING for a classical guitarist's take on these tales! I love love love the demonstrations! You can pause and play a much as you want!

[@patriciaobrien6600]

One that is often overlooked is Crutch, he sings with ex girlfriend, Bibi. This was before his Lyme diagnosis and he thought he was dying. Subbed fir more. Love that u caught the time travel and Ren's one take genius ❤❤

[@thomasjoyce7870]

I have to say, after watching at least 100 reactions (I daresay, many, many more), you are absolutely the FIRST I've seen who recognizes the "unrewinding" of time to bring us back to the present moment toward the end of Violet's Tale. Many - though I'm guessing no more than 30% of the reactors I've watched - noticed the Rod-Serlingesque "rewinding" of time earlier in "Act III", but absolutely none before you recognized Ren musically bringing us back to the present. When I read that you are a classical guitarist, I held out hope that at last someoneother than me would recognize it. Thank you for upholding my devotion to classical musicians. Y'all know (most of) it all. Oh yeah, thanks for your short digression into modal music. Much too deep for this venue, but it's super nice to give it a shout-out. Thanks.

[@piwaka50]

Cool reaction from a guitar expert who has lent his expertise to this trilogy. I have watched many of these reactions and you are one of the few who picked up both the rewind time and forward in time guitar pieces. Ren is a perfectionist and leaves nothing to chance. You can also find him playing this whole trilogy in a busking session on the street with a live audience. Yes each part was shot in one take live in the early hours of the morning, with just Ren and Samuel Perry-Falvey who is the master videographer behind much of Ren's work. Apparently they had to shoot the Screech segment twice as someone yelled out "shut the f**k up". Nice work.

[@rabensteinerronald7875]

Thank you for this one ! Once he defines rap as " rythm and poem" .

[@Musiklife.9049]

Yes, I think he said ‘rhyme and poetry’

[@dunny2000]

Love it when professional musicians analyze Ren’s music and give us their thoughts. Excellent reaction. Thank you.

[@supasoulproductions]

Nice reaction! Yes, what was a 14 year old girl in high heels doing walking those streets alone at night? Especially one that came up through the system with no real parents. She had walked them about a thousand times before. It's funny how easy it is to figure out once you know Violet's tale, but very few pick up the clues first time around in Jenny's Tale.

[@carguy1975]

Had to subscribe because I love watching your insights and explanations! Next I think you should check out his band The Big push covering Bongo bong! I would love to hear your opinion on this guitar work of that one

[@andytyler1484]

You should absolutely check out the big push with i shot the sheriff /road to zion/hip hop!

[@9madness9]

Bongo bong form Ren other band Big Push worth also a listen

[@piggbaron]

Absolutely fascinating reaction, truly!

[@darkzer0670]

"Why do I feel like something bad is gonna happen?" Everyone who knows this song: 😐

[@MC-zr7hl]

One small thing that I've never heard anybody mention, and I wouldn't really expect most people to, is where he calls his girl and says "nothing I'm just a bit tired." That line and the way he delivers it without thinking like it was just second nature makes me feel kinda gross lol because that's such a stereotypical excuse for people on drugs when somebody else notices them acting weird. I've used that exact same line many many times myself. It's such an easy and cheap lie when you're trying to hide something. Just a small detail that to me speaks volumes on the character and mental state of Screech.

[@lynette.]

Jennys tale was prompted by a newspaper story and people saying its such a shame then a few months later came Screeches tale then it was nearly 2 years later he released Violets tale tying it all together. Masterpiece.

[@dukecunning7046]

Appreciate your reaction to this song. This is a VERY SAD tale; But, what I LOVE the MOST about "The Tale of Jenny and Screech" is that in the end it points out that Jenny and Screech were siblings. This gave me insight into Ren's compassion for humanity and the recognition of how wrong it is. It should not be this way. We all brothers and sisters. That we are divine spiritual beings in mortal bodies. We should treat each other as such. Jenny and Screech grew up in the foster system so that they didn't know they were siblings. But, if we're taught like we should be taught; that we are ALL BROTHER and SISTERS! That is the way we should ALL treat each other! This is what I like about this song. Hopefully, one day we will all know this. "Every so often there comes an artist that says things on a certain level that just resonates." I feel Ren through his ten or so years of hellacious suffering became somewhat of a prophet. Have a nice day!

[@tetsumcneil1545]

I love the fact that you are waking up to the fact that he plays this stuff live, he mixes and mixes for days afterwards but the take you see is usually the one you see.

[@alm7973]

So He is playing the guitar doing all those chords notes and arrengments , while telling a story , singing, rapping, walking around, acting different type of characters in the story, ducking walls not to smash the guitar, and recording it live in one continuous take without fkng up... .. Im a sound enginier and that video is not post prod. Studio Sound with lipsync, thats live.....I guess ren is something else ahhh...!¡! 👏👏👏

[@kiwigirljacks]

Awesome reaction. Impressed by how you are able to pick up the lyrics while also processing the musical notes… the Money Game trilogy is amazing (make sure you do the lyric video for part 2!). Also… I think you’d like Back on 74 for the musical influence. 👍

[@krikat3485]

Great reaction! It’s very interesting to hear this from the POV of a classic guitarist. Ren is self taught, but, as folks have been saying, was surrounded by music as a child. He has many influences, and these spur his creativity. Thank you for having a look at this.

[@michelejohnk1598]

Thanks Raffi!!! ❤❤❤

[@tinytim161061]

Great reaction and well observed have subbed for future ones

[@hollyryalsgrubb1273]

The most perfect pausing ever! I am fascinated by how quickly and clearly everything is pointed out. And I am learning while enjoying this reaction! Aces!

[@totalrando3156]

The songs that have instrumental introduction are the songs that are “bard core” and are more story focused. It’s a musical cue to what kind of song this will be as ren doesn’t stick to one genre.

[@mrdarengilbert3907]

Subbed to you brother Awesome genuine reaction Thank you 🙏

[@bethellen1962]

Very thorough musical analysis and demonstrations. Thank you for sharing this with us. 😊💜😊

[@Well-in-the-garden]

This is an example of REN’s Bard core style of music - like a modern version of the medieval bard or minstrel here roaming the streets of Britain telling his stories to “the man on the street” the average Joe, the working class man - a cautionary tale about generational abuse! I love these tales for their dark, haunting quality to tell stories that are hard to hear but definitely need to be heard to teach and give cause for reflection. I enjoyed your take on the guitar styles and chords. Liked, commented and subscribed ❤

[@Grecianfan1]

The intros and story telling is very much in line with late medieval times, around the time of Shakespeare, hence the label given to this genre of Ren as Bardcore.

[@daftgowk1]

I said it before but he reminds me of the minstrel rooster in Disney's Robin Hood in these songs, but far more sinister

[@francesdoll4039]

Intenional misdirection. Real commentary on society and generational violence. Ren is truly an actor with a huge resevoir of rage from his history of illness. Sick Boi has been reloaded to You Tube. Watch that next! You will see his struggles. You will want to watch the 30 min explanation video on his page. Then watch Kujo Beat Down. Yhis wulk be Ren we havent seen before. He is like a multifaceted diamond.

[@rebeccaburnell9319]

Yrs, watch Sick Boi VERY SOON - it's embroiled in a legal battle (guy who produced the beat Ren bought/licensed/whatever, didn't clear a sample, and then the producer made things even more complicated) and Ren says be doesn't actually know if it'll be back for long. He's already working on a re-make of it where he's produced a new beat for it himself, set to be released next month. So. Go watch the original Sick Boi while you still can!

[@DJLast1977]

I love learning new ways to appreciate Ren's music. Your descriptions are perfect.

[@mauraleib]

Great job appreciating and interpreting this trilogy. It took a lot of us at least several times through to catch all that is going on here. 🎉

[@Shiroar]

Ren is a modern day (time travelling 😂) bard painting such vivid imagery with his storytelling that it pulls you in and forces you to keep watching - even when it gets physically uncomfortable during Violet’s Tale. And Ren uses this ability to shed light on far too real issues in the world. Ren is special 🖤

[@hilazing]

Great reaction, and you picked up that these were all filmed in a single take - Ren's speciality (and not forgetting Sam's incredible work behind the camera!)

[@Dennis-en9qy]

Great reaction! Welcome to the fam ❤ Pause as much as you like and rewind as many time as you want. one little tip along the way though, after pausing give the rewind button a tap just so you don't miss anything. Once again, great reaction!!

[@annatraustadottir4387]

Fine reaction

[@aura81295]

It's so easy to get caught up in the story or particular aspects of the performance. There is just so much going on. I appreciate you pointing out how he uses the instruments to set the tone of the different scenes, characters, and chapters of the story as it unfolds. That is what orchestras do for theater/cinema performances. Many of the early cartoons gave no (or very little) voice to the characters. But the animation along with music and sound effects could keep children entertained for hours. I've been careful about subscribing to new reaction channels lately because it makes it harder for me to find my favorites. You got a sub from me. Looking forward to more fun/informative reactions! 👏 Others will recommend lots of phenomenal work by Ren which I will likely check out as well although I am not as much of a hard core "groupie" generally preferring more random variety. I have a long list of favorite songs by different artists of various genres and eras of music that I often put on random play while driving, doing chores around the house, etc, unless I am in the mood for something very specific at a particular time. Would love to see your take on lots of different kinds of music and artists. 🙂

[@johnpegues5701]

Thanks! Great Reaction...

[@lordj805]

Everything with Ren is an one shot live performance, Ren and his team choose locations carefully to exploit natural reverb from the surroundings. You will probably never come across greater artistic genius and talent than Ren in your lifetime.

[@HarleyQ14]

Great reaction, loved your input and comments and insights. For some more lighthearted and fun guitar you should check out Back on 74/Message in a bottle retake! It isn't classical guitar but it is a fun time and shows yet another side of Ren. Like you, I had also imagined Jenny to be older until I had re-listened to it with the context that Ren wrote Jenny's tale after seeing a news report of a teenage prostitute being killed in his town. The work she was heading home from and the "streets she's walked so many times before" were referencing that she was a street-walker so it made more sense how she would have a job at just 14 years old.

[@TheRealTrueCrimeAnalyst]

I was waiting for this reaction! The information you shared taught me a lot about the music and composition of this trilogy, as I expected it would. Thank you!!!

[@jonsible]

You're good at this format, Raffi. It's not beneath you. I don't watch live streams like I used to, but you have a ton to offer and I'd be happy to keep up with you like this!

[@dawnLingens]

Yes, Fred Again Mashup next please. You will LOVE it!!!! 🥰

[@petersilie8549]

Great reaction @RenMakesMusic: you gotta see this one, mate

[@JonniPants]

Thanks for covering this. 💜

[@bonnievonbraun6276]

Ren uses Django Reinhardt as part of a rhyme scheme in "The Hunger". Well---he also uses Willie Wonka, Vincent van Gogh, Frank Sinatra, Jesse Owens, Leonard Cohen, and King Arthur. 😄 Thanks for your observations!

[@stanton613]

Great reaction. Thank you. There is no guitar in "Mackay", but it's another song that shows his amazing talent on another instrument, the piano. It's a song about a second friend that died too soon, Callum Mackay. Normally, I would recommend going down the series of Joe songs first & there is some overlap, but "Mackay" is just amazing.

[@BigBob473]

I love how Ren can tell and guide the story with just the sound of his guitar. Its amazing!

[@miatigerstrom7364]

Great reaction!!🔥 👏 Thank you! Subbed for more Ren ❤️

[@EdB-w7i]

Great reaction and explanation for the non musical like me. Try a left turn and his back on 74/ message in a bottle take.

[@goaty1964]

Love the way you are increasingly curious as he blends those musical elements to reinforce the emotions and create tension - he never fails to surprise..

[@Jinxy44]

Really enjoyed your “modal’ and ‘peddle’ analysis even tho’ I’ve never heard of these terms in guitar before. Interesting breakdown. Thanks ❤ Edited to say I subbed for more. 👍

[@sharis9095]

This was an amazing reaction. I've seen a few (lots) of these and you still brought new things which I love. Thanks.

[@sylv772]

A powerful story. Your analysis of the music was much appreciated. And I've learned some things about Ren's musical background from the comments. (I knew he was self-taught but did not know about his parents' involvement in music.) I look forward to your next analysis.

[@barefootalien]

For this song, Ren was inspired by a newspaper article he read about two kids, a boy and girl, the girl murdered and robbed by the boy and the boy shot to death a block over by the police, in London. From there, he created a hypothetical backstory connecting them, making them twins, giving them new names (Jenny and James are equivalent in England to John and Jane Doe for anonymous corpses or orphans), creating Violet as the mother to tell a tale of generational domestic abuse... Jenny was a "lady of the night". At 14. Walking the streets "a thousand times before" in high-heeled shoes, so the assumption is that they were separated at birth, given very different (yet equally tragic) upbringings, with Jenny winding up in the care of a pimp and Screech a street urchin. It's also implied, though I haven't seen it confirmed, that their father was _not_ in fact Stevie... but Violet's _father._ Hence his lines about calling her a little liar, a "f*cking slut" and the like. Not that that's a _good_ excuse for his violence toward his girlfriend, but at least it makes it understandable to a degree. An all-around tragic tale, and one that, sadly, isn't even a tiny bit of a stretch. P.S. Patrick, when Screech came knocking after murdering his estranged sister, wasn't home, and the girlfriend (of Screech) couldn't have him come over just then, because they were _together_ at the time, cheating on Screech (which was revealed in a series of Instagram stories as part of the marketing push for the initial release). Ren is a _very_ good storyteller, a modern-day bard. Even the songs _without_ classical/folk guitar elements, I'm sure you'll love. Probably the obvious next place to go would be to the Money Game trilogy (Pt. 1 OMV, Pt2 Lyric Video, Pt3 OMV). Ren's friend and bandmate Roman plays the guitar on Part 1. Part 2 is a produced studio track. Part 3 is Ren and then another pianist on a concert grand mixing classical and... let's go with "showtunes" sort of playing, I'd say? All one-takes (more-or-less; one solitary cut for budget/pragmatism purposes in Part 3). There's even a surprise string quartet! Or... Animal Flow, which Murderer is a prequel for, which has a produced track for the OMV, but there's a guitar-only acoustic version (filmed guerilla style on a moving city bus!) for it as well.

[@kali9850]

Thank you so much for your reaction! I learned a lot about the guitar sections that I hadn't heard before.

[@rhonda-qc6qy]

Great reaction from a different perspective. You've given me some more things to think about in these Tales. Thanks for the review. Subscribed.

[@waxingmiracle]

Cool breakdown bro.

[@AndaraBledin]

So, this trilogy came about after Ren found an article about a woman who was killed by a 14-year-old boy who was also killed and he was upset that such a story was buried inside the paper and not given more attention. The line, "It's such a shame" is a quote from the story. The videos were originally shot in 2019, which is why Violet's Tale is "London City, far from pretty, 2-0-0-5," because that's the year of her death and their birth. Also, he gets angrier with every iteration of that line as the story progresses. If you'd like to hear more of his singing and guitar playing, do a reaction to "Ren X Chinchilla - Chalk Outlines (live)." And if you want to hear more of their incredible harmonizing, move on to "Ren X Chinchilla - How to Be Me (live)." He plays multiple instruments, including piano, which he uses in the third installment of his "Money Game" series, all of which are well worth the view. Money Game was his first single-take live video and it took over 100 starts before they made it to the finish. The person playing guitar for that one is Romain Axisa, a bandmate (and at some point also roommate) from The Big Push. Speaking of guitar playing, you might want to check out some of Romain's instrumental pieces.