Composer Reacts to The Tale Of Jenny & Screech | Musical Breakdown & Emotional Analysis

[@CyndeLooWho]

“Maybe this is going to be a little lighter than the previous couple of videos” 😂😂

[@analisasmith7927]

Yes, I couldn’t stifle a loud “Ha!” at that!! 🤣

[@dawnpatterson8708]

I know, right? 😂😂😂

[@jok8888]

I choked on my hot chocolate when he said that. Bless his little heart ❤❤❤

[@rivernuri]

Yeah, that got me too lol

[@chrisparti]

I genuinely laughed out loud, paused the video and called my wife to come and see him saying it 😂😂😂

[@geofthompson3844]

I understand why you are looking for something deeper, but in truth, what Ren does is much clearer than you realise. His subjects are exactly what he says they are. He's simply sharing the stories of humanity. The darkness, the light, the funny, the rude, but overall, the REAL. Ren is telling all of our stories. And challenging us to think about them. And to maybe, try to be better. He's basically just a very wise person trying to make a difference. And in that, he is achieving success. Because I know for a fact that he has saved lives, changed minds, and brought comfort to so many people.

[@JoRiceRenegade4Eva]

100% facts indeed ❤

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

🙌

[@robingayle68]

Renegades are my favorite people in the world 🌎❤

[@geofthompson3844]

@@robingayle68 same here ❤️😊

[@WesVwX]

Back on 74 for his best Sting vibes. Loving the reactions

[@K8TDidToo]

Englishman in New York with the Big Push is flat out Stibg as interpreted by Ren. One of my favorites.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Awesome thank you! ✌️❤️

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

I love that song ❤️

[@strumploid]

@@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell both of those Ren videos will charm TF out of you if you've been digging Ren and dig Sting :)

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

@@strumploid nice 👌

[@markmarlatt1105]

The ability to make musicians stop listening to the music and be drawn into the story, shows his next level talent.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

@@markmarlatt1105 it really does!

[@WelshBudds]

I love your take on REN and his music. Back On 74 is lighter vibe and also validates your comment regarding The Police 😊

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Thank you! Oh awesome, thanks for the suggestion! ✌️❤️

[@ZephyrsLoki]

Plus Englishman in New York!

[@woodywoodman2319]

Englishman in New York, Praise You and Bongo Bong are must dos! More upbeat too!

[@fleurant8822]

Yes, I’m really looking forward to you reacting to that one as well!

[@woodywoodman2319]

Love watching Actual Pros react to Ren! As a hard rock guitarist for 40 years... it pleased me to see ya catch all the things that tickled my fancy too! Lol

[@MegsD79]

There's an amazing interview on Justin Hawkins Rides Again yt channel with Ren where he talks about his guitar playing in depth and how he sees the notes as patterns and stuff. He has also done amazing interviews with The Charismatic Voice, Black Pegasus, Zach Sang, and 3 or 4 separate interviews with Knox Hill... All on yt.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Oh wow, thank you, I'll be sure to check those out! ✌️❤️

[@JoRiceRenegade4Eva]

Zach Sang interview is wonderful 😊

[@majbrat]

❤❤❤ Bardcore ❤❤❤ Not sure if you got the twist at the end. Violet was both Jenny & Screechs' Mother. After killed they would go into the system, as likely Dad went to jail. They were split up and never knew each other. Born the same day laid side by side, killed the same day, side by side. Ren saw a story about a 14 year old boy who killed a woman and the apathy & desensitized reaction of the story, just stating, "its such a shame," with no discussion of why a 14 year old boy would come to do that, or of the underlying issues that needs to be addressed in our society struck him. He wrote Jennys tale, then added Screech and later Violets tale. It is very important social Commentary about things that we continue to ignore and not address in our society. Generational violence and the way that we are failing vulnerable people, especially the children who are caught in the middle or left behind. Next a fun one - Back on 74/Message in a bottle (mashup/retake)

[@charleenk71]

Great take! Accurate!! I believe the intuition Jenny felt was a twins’ intuition. There are lot of intricacies to appreciate!

[@ttyme082]

Yes, exactly. People also tend to gloss over the fact that Jenny would also be 14 as Screech's twin and likely working the streets

[@MizCriz46]

This is about intergenerational violence & trauma. Have you heard the line, "Hurt people hurt people"? Every person in this tale, including the villains, is a victim of that violence & trauma.

[@JeremyMckay-b7k]

Not about more than that? Nothing about mankind being fallen, and unable to be rid of Evil? Nothing about why you will make yourself ill thinking Evil can be defeated? ( hint hint, Hi Ren )

[@wolfe_tactics9075]

@JeremyMckay-b7k Hi Ren wasn't about evil, it was about darkness. Learning to accept your shadow as part of you rather than letting it define you. Evil and darkness aren't the same.

[@Thomas.Saunders]

I'd like to request a reaction video to one of Ren's former busking band mates. His name is Romain Axisa, and a smooth intro to him is this song: Romain Axisa - In the Mood for Love and it's here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJS7oqqNeaiMnKMsi=BtF1JbLeGBO0hL7c Hoping you can go this one.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Thank you so, so much! That really means a lot to me ❤️ Stay tuned for the Reaction video...

[@CurtisPoppenhouse]

One thing that is clear from the three songs here is Ren has a chilling way of bringing a story full circle it starts and begins with the same theme and connects the dots as to the child welfare system can be so tragic as Jenny not knowing they were brother and sister. It starts with the death of Jenny then screech and finally their mother. while the songs have definitely different tempos and backgrounds (settings) Ren weaves a tale that feels very cyclic And I feel this is a masterpiece of both music and storytelling.

[@beovel8803]

Keep it coming. Back on 74 should be a good one to continue

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

❤️ awesome, thank you!

[@sanfordgfogg]

Great reaction. Lots of insight and analysis. I enjoyed seeing you get drawn into the story. I see a circular pattern, and many implications that reach all the way back to the beginning of Jenny's Tale. Being twins, you learn Jenny is also only 14, in high heel shoes, having walked those streets a thousand times before, implying she's a street walker (prostitute?) linking mother daughter in a life of abuse, and Skreech being hot headed quick to physical violence is also circles to the line of abusive fathers in these stories. I feel The Tales trilogy are a commentary of social stories seldom told, but which are always around, right next to us on these very streets our cities are built. Ren's performances are excellent works of art, because they provoke thought and emotion from the audience. Many of Ren's works connect to many audiences, which makes people connect with Ren in return.

[@francesdoll4039]

Hi Ren was written after this. This is about generation violence. Violet is the mother if Henny and Screech who are twins who were seperated after their mother's death. Did you get that? Its also a commentary on society's failure to take care of our children and those trapped in the cycle of violence. Yhe antitode for the this could be Back on 74/Message in a Bottle Retake . Showing a completely different facet of Ren.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Interesting!

[@Anuta6675]

YES! That little guitar loop in Screech's Tale is soooo beautiful! A whole song around it would be amazing.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Wouldn't it though? So great how he goes into that loop

[@im2yz4u17]

Speaking of The Police, you should check out Ren's 'Back on 74/Message In a Bottle Retake'. 'Back on 74' is by Jungle and is a beautiful song with a dance flare. And of course when Ren sings like Sting you will of course be surprised and very happy.

[@mikkoheikka9579]

Lighter? There's lots! But I'm gonna recommend my all time favorite, that's Ready for you.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Awesome, thank you!

[@lovelylindsey]

I think the song is about generational abuse and the damage and separation that can trickle down. But it’s also a message about how any individual’s actions impact more people than they might think. You never know how someone might be connected to someone else, or even to you- eventually our stories all tie in together somehow. This story was just very explicit and ironic about it.

[@JeremyMckay-b7k]

Why is it that I tend to interpret in existential terms where most interpret only in terms of mortal and Individual? I think this trilogy is about the fallen nature of humanity, and the inability to rid humanity of evil, which Ren talks about when he says in Hi Ren that he made himself ill thinking Evil can be defeated. The trilogy captures the sadness of that falleness, the tragedy that is life. All our lives are tragic, by nature. Which leads to asking why. And that, I think, is answered in Hi Ren.

[@pollyg562]

generational abuse? for that to be the case you have inherited it from experiencing it, they never met their parents so it is more of a coincidence

[@mattjones2726]

It says something about our society that the assumption is a love story, and we're never prepared for the tragedy.

[@7bloke]

Ren is a huge Police Fan.I believe Ren is self taught with all the instruments he plays.

[@analisasmith7927]

Great reaction - one of the best! 👍 An important trilogy, shredding light upon hidden tragedy(generational abuse), like a modern bard. An independent artist, he is rarely played in the radio and, due to his health problems, he cannot tour. So thank you for your reaction, helping to spread the word x

[@kellyt5341]

No artists, especially independent has tried anything like this because it takes tremendous skill and talent (especially live and in 1 take). Jenny's tale has been out since (2019). Anyways, you are using different sections of your brain at the same time. He is playing the guitar without even paying attention to it (muscle memory), he is singing, rapping and doing spoken word as the same time as playing. That is a tremendous amount of information to remember. He is acting, remembering those lines and hitting his marks. He has a high vocabulary and a high IQ, especially in the music field. He does it all, from mixing and mastering beats, plays a handful of instruments (electric, acoustic, bass, piano) at a masters level, raps, beatboxes, writes all his lyrics (except for some remakes), composes, writes the string quartets music and piano sections for his videos (you'll see that when you get to those), audio and sound engineer, he is an actor, a director and producers almost all of his music and music video's. He is one of kind in the music world. The soul and emotions he puts into his music shows, he has been through HELL, and back, then gets plunged back again. That comes out in his music like no other (in my opinion). He might not have the perfect pitch and hits some off notes with his voice or guitar but he leaves it in because he is authentic and real. So technically there are better singers and guitar players but his voice gives me a warm hug like no other. 🤗

[@JeremyMckay-b7k]

You forgot mouth-trumpet. He also plays the mouth-trumpet! ( and sings in English, Welsh, and French )

[@mothra54]

He is creating a theatrical experience and the audience is so close that we feel like we are there. He is an absolute creative genius.

[@dawnpatterson8708]

I would HIGHLY suggest, Power or Back On 74/Message In A Bottle. For the LIGHTER side of Ren. Absolutely LOVED your reaction. GENUINE appreciation of his talent AND skill, gets me EVERY time. 😁

[@AK_J.Reed24]

You might like MacKay (it’s a piano piece he wrote for his friend who passed away, but very beautiful); money Game three has piano as well as string instruments that he wrote the parts for, and I just love money ties

[@darkmatter6714]

Did you get the twist in the end? I couldn’t tell from your reaction if you did or didn’t!

[@NightFogFilms]

He didn't

[@Thomas.Saunders]

I really loved your analysis of Ren's guitar playing. I'm a non musician, but I'm an old guy, and have loved music for 70 years and have a wide taste in music.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Fantastic! I'm so glad you enjoyed it, what is your favourite genre/artist if you have one? :)

[@Enhancedlies]

It is such a sad story, and you haven’t even got the gut punch yet! (jenny and screech as twins) This song absolutely knocked me for six when I first heard it. Each and every time I thought I’d reached some space of refuge in the song, it came to bite you again and again. He is something so special, and I get goosebumps listening to him sing. And I’m not a big music buff, but it’s just totally captured me, as all the best music does!

[@iamsquatty]

Great reaction, just remember, with ren you must always expect the unexpected 😘😁🥹💜

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Thank you, absolutely!✌️❤️

[@iamsquatty]

@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell and don't forget, you gotta check out his back on 74/msg in a bottle retake if you want a real taste of sting ren 😁💜😘

[@emmanx011]

As a survivor, the part where he says: "Do you think I wanna do this"... 😢 That always "trigger me"... Anger, sadness, helplessness and emptiness. To be "stuck" in such a relationship, is heartbreaking. You love him and want to help. You believe him, when he promises to never do this again. And then when he does, your heart breaks and you think it's your own fault. Bleeuugh... I'll stop writing now... Not fun at all... 😢❤

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

I'm so sorry. Sending love ❤

[@CorgiDaddy2]

I used to hear that line used against my mother. I learned very early that my job was to keep my little sister quiet when things got bad.

[@charleenk71]

My advice as a listener is to pause as much as you want, when you restart, go back at least 10 seconds, be you and don’t be afraid to show emotion! I am along for this ride!!

[@wopaah]

There's a lot of lighter Ren songs, but I think Power is essential to understanding Ren in many ways.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Okay, awesome thank you! ✌️❤️

[@antonellacuscueta1034]

True

[@anticafo]

@@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell Lighter tracks: Power, Humble, Love Music series 1-4, but for me 1-3 are favorites, 4th gets a little crazy for me. Making fun of cheesy romantic music - Uninvited is worth checking out, catchy, playful and lot of double entendre in the lyrics, just don't take it at face value, lol! And of course there is The Big Push, Ren's former band - so much gold there - almost a different journey, but good to mix it up to see his versatility. Covers: Bongo Bong, Englishmen in New York, Wade in the Water, War Pigs, I shot the Sheriff (busking, red suspenders) Originals: Watch Out, Sweet Little Lady (live) Dignity, Precious - these are not reacted to enough and for some reason are overlooked as more people focus on the covers, which are amazing, but ...originals are as good!

[@juliesmith7023]

Power is one of my faves.

[@tattsNcats]

Indeed!

[@Paramedic794]

Loving your reactions and breakdowns, much Respect! Back on 74 mashup, upbeat and 100% complete turn around from his style here and in Hi REN. Back on 74 shows another side (one of many) of his musical talent and pure genius. I shot the sheriff mashup , wade in the water (REN’s playing bass guitar) , praise you , all three with the Big push band. Troubles, for Joe (piano skills), the hunger (rap), Fred Mashup, Ocean (REN and Eden), wade in the water ( busking with Sam Tomkins), the extraordinary list goes on and on! Thank you!! Renegades!!! Peace!!

[@reeserenity]

Yes! Power! Upbeat, fun song

[@carolegriffin4132]

Jenny and Screech were twins and Violet was their Mother.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

The cycle goes on and on

[@EchoBlake]

The bars at 6:02 talks about a "blade that can cut through steel and slice concrete" ties into the one about "the statue she was turned into butter in a breath" Since statues are generally made of concrete with rebar supports which are steel/iron or the statues are made of other metals.

[@ChrisLawton66]

1:24 no one expects the Renish Inquisition! 1:44 I love this observation and the comparisons.

[@hollyryalsgrubb1273]

Rather than say it's such a damn shame and getting on with our lives; this implores for us to stop and think and DO something. Society has failed so many people. Fo "light" Ren, there's the Love Music series and What You Want.

[@IrishSpud]

I normally skip the reactors comments and watch their reactions, I listened to your every word 👏

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Oh wow, thank you! ❤️

[@cindyoliver2459]

Ren said in an interview that Sting was one of his singing inspirations, as they both had a similar range ☺️

[@brasstacks7181]

I don't know why but when I first watched this trilogy some amazing writer's such as Poe, Shakespeare and Charles Dickens came to my mind. Ren has always struck me as a modern day (musical) poet, playwright and story teller. He also acts the parts in his creations. He just has a hand in all aspects of creativity and I love that he pulls from so many different genres of music and moods. He is fascinating and such a rare gem! The subject matter in this trilogy is raw and real (generational trauma) and connects to so many (myself included). Another reason why I love Ren so much...he connects from one heart & soul to another in more ways than one. Ren does also have a fun, playful side which is just as intriguing and compelling. And yes, he is a huge fan of The Police and Bob Marley. His vocal talent as well as his musicality & writing ability is nothing short of brilliant!.

[@gerrydoherty52]

'Back to 74 message in a bottle' superb and upbeat

[@jenniferfoster1692]

Lighter: 'Back on '74/Message in a Bottle'. It's incredible & you're right, Ren loves Sting & the Police.

[@Xian8242]

For something lighter and just for fun - Losing It or What You Want. For lighter yet still deep - Humble ft. Eden Nash.

[@bosbornefischer]

There is so much to these 3 songs. Jenny's Tale was based on a news report Ren saw about a teen boy who murdered a woman. The Lore is, that part of the commentary on the event was "It's such a shame", and that was part of the reason for that ending refrain in the first 2 songs. Violet's Tale came later, and brings up themes of generational abuse. Like Violet, Jenny is silent--she freezes when confronted by Screech. Screech, takes after his father (Lore postulates that father may be Stevie, but might also be Violet's father)--violent and a drug-user or addict. So Ren forces us to contemplate a chicken-egg scenario of where abuse cycles begin and end and how the dichotomy of beauty and horror can coexist. Ren is a master at provoking big thoughts without simple answers and of holding the viewer captive and uncomfortable to make a point. He's one-of-a-kind. For something more upbeat, check out Power, or the retakes of Back on 74/Message in a Bottle, Losing It, or Bittersweet Symphony.

[@durabelle]

The best reasoning I've seen for why the twins father would have been Violet's own father was that she was given a council flat to live in rather than being placed in a foster home, something they'd be only likely to do if she was already pregnant. That might also explain why Stevie calls her a liar, if she started showing a bit too early for when they met.. although with twins that can happen anyways. But no certainty one way or another, and it doesn't really even matter, it's super dark either way, and both dad prospects are just as violent. What always gets me in Violet's tale is how you already know how the twins will grow up and how their story ends at the moment we get told about their birth. Usually a birth comes with this feeling of hope, and a chance to write a story from a blank slate, but not with Jenny and Screech. We know they're doomed, so there's not even that glimmer of hope left as soon as their names are revealed.

[@yvonnesmith1297]

Lighter and upbeat? Yes definitely do back on 74 as others have suggested, you'll love that, it's a treat. Another fun one is to watch the Big Push (Rens busking band) do I shot the sheriff/road to zion. There's a couple of videos on KZbin you want the one where he's wearing the red suspenders

[@SydneyElaine1]

Ren wrote Jenny's tale after reading a newspaper article about a sex worker who was killed in London. *If you listen to the lyrics closely in Jenny's tale, you can surmise she was working as a sex worker on the streets when she was murdered. Not a lot of safe reasons a 14-year-old girl would be regularly walking an alley at night in high heels. Jenny followed the patterns of her mother by freezing and becoming silent in times of danger and Screech followed his father by being violent, using substances, and impulsive. He repeats the line "such a shame" to bring attention to societies reactions to tragedy. Words but no action or responsibility. Such a difficult trilogy but beautiful and moving. Love the reaction.

[@rivernuri]

On May 6, 2023 ren was asked in his discord about Jenny being a prostitute. His exact reply was "I bloody hope not the stories (sic) messed up enough already"

[@SydneyElaine1]

@@rivernuri Interesting. Sorry for the misinformation. Always love learning something new. Does make me wonder what she was doing late at night in an alley over and over again in high heels. *Shrug*

[@SydneyElaine1]

​@@rivernuri Interesting! Sorry for the misinformation and thanks for sharing. I love learning new things about his work.

[@rivernuri]

@@SydneyElaine1 no worries! It's a common conclusion, and I was just lucky enough to be hanging out in rencord when the question was asked

[@rivernuri]

As compensation, i offer the following (i believe it was from one of the Twitch streams?) Ren did say that the reason Screech's friend Patrick and girlfriend were both unavailable was because they were spending some "quality time cough cough" together at Screech's girlfriend's place

[@LaShayHaynes-t8f]

OMG - since you said sting. you have to listen to back on 74/message in a bottle

[@Caketime2]

He has explained in an interview that that is exactly how he does.His music is it it's by how it feels, Not so much even how it sounds. And it's very evident throughout all of his music

[@zaru623]

I’ve come to appreciate how the songs are all cyclical, coming back to the same lines at the end that they started with, and the story is about cycles as well.

[@MonavanTastisch]

take it´s alright. Just for your mood ^^

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

❤️

[@marlonwilson647]

Great reaction ❤. Renegade subbed. I love the format of your screen. The close up of your face, so we can really see your reaction, and nearly half the screen is the subject.❤❤

[@PatLee-h5j]

Loved the red herring mentioned- the mouth flute threw me off too. Such an interesting reaction!

[@SF-k2p]

“Power” and “Humble” are uplifting Ren with his band The Big Push “Swan Song” or “Praise You” are lovely “Bongo Bong” is fun

[@ordinaryvalley]

Thank you so much for your heartfelt, sensitive, and insightful commentary on Ren’s art and the sad reality of our world that he addresses ❤️‍🩹

[@TerriKash-NEO]

My thoughts are that Ren will have his work in film, music, video, theater ...all of it. The guy has a genius-level talent. I think he is telling a timeless story, the human Condition. His work is just so layered with ponderable ideas. The work I've seen so far is an emotional gut punch. I can't get enough of this guy's work.

[@michaellavella2377]

Buddy, this is My first time watching you but I've gotta comment. You gave me a really good laugh when you said that maybe this one was going to be lighter-hearted.

[@GGdmk]

I feel like these stories are an expression of the very dark, heartbreaking, and hopeless realities of life that Ren likely came face to face with in his darkest moments during the decade he suffered with his undiagnosed illness. I recall being inside my own head and spiraling to a single moment that felt like hundreds of millions pieces of a puzzle, that I didn’t know I had stored in my head, all crashed together and ripped the foundation we have all been led to believe is beneath us. I feel like these 3 songs very much express him facing the realization that the ideas of good winning over evil and love winning over hate are nothing but lies we all are told. I remember the moment the words, ignorance is bliss, became so deeply profound in my eyes, and I feel that these songs are Ren’s way of pushing what’s comfortably hidden into the light to make us uncomfortable because the only way to cope with such deep awareness without succumbing to it is to face it.

[@aleciapalmisano5923]

Wonderful reaction. He’s such a great artist and every song you never know what to expect hope you keep going down rabbit hole 🐇❤️🫶

[@christabor7254]

The stories to me cover multiple things... multi-generational abuse, a story to push past the common/passive reaction ("what a shame"), and how people may not simply be good or bad... and we all have a story. That last one... the story is not as an excuse but more to understand in an attempt to both prevent and/or break the cycle of abuse. That in turn circles me back to the other topics... pushing us to look past passive reactions, but more with support and prevention. Lastly it is a story to me that we are all related and violence can be seen as an act upon our relatives. In summary to me it conveys many messages in a bard like story.

[@pollyg562]

it only had Violet receiving abuse so multigenerational abuse is an assumption

[@donald1379]

Masterpiece...thanks Dan❤

[@krikat3485]

REN’s musical heroes were Jimi Hendrix, John Fruciante RHCP, and for singing, he liked the Police. He also admires Tash Sultana’s creativity. This trio is a storytelling masterpiece.

[@howieb4217]

I loved your dance with the devil breakdown. This captures all three tales for me and not just for Violet. Abuse lives through generations. Subscribed. If you want something more upbeat and very different, you could do far worse than checking out Power and What You Want. All of Ren's stuff is great, but these are on my regular party playlist.

[@926johnh]

"Maybe this will be a little lighter than the other ones " oh boy.... 😂

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

😂

[@Sleehrat40]

Great job, Dan! I loved your take on self taught musicians, most pros can’t hide the condescension when they try to be charitable with that. Keep up the good work.✊🏼

[@karend1577]

Oh my. There were other Ren reactors whom requested lighter songs after Hi Ren, Sick Boi, and the Jenny Screech trilogy. I don't blame you for that request.

[@TwinkleToestheBerserker]

Speaking as someone with a starting point in life very similar to Violet but with my own individual flavor, as an artist in my own right of a similar but different vein as Ren (I write prose and poetry, not much music although not none), and as someone who knows how these Tales got started, I have a solid guess about how these came about in story form, anyway. I don't play any instruments well enough, at this time, to compose this well The first two Tales, Jenny and Screech, were written about a newspaper article that mirrored them pretty directly. The Jenny in question was a street worker who was stabbed by a 14 year old boy who was later shot by police. One of the commentators in the article said it was "such a shame." Violet's Tale came a bit later and I have a good guess about how, although it IS just a guess. I'd say Ren has known many Violets in his time, of all the possible different flavors. The things he says in there from the point of view of Stevie - "you're such a little liar, Violet" "do you think I wanna do this, Violet?" - are things Violets hear all the time. Constantly. Every time we are hurt, every time we try to object, every time we try to get strong enough to fight the mind control. It's hard to shake, especially when you've endured it since birth. Jenny and Screech show clear patterns of behavior from either inherited or inflicted trauma, which means it's likely one or more parent was also. While Screech is the epitome of Fight, Jenny is clearly Freeze - like her mother, Violet. Ren wrote Violet's Tale with very, very deliberate language to great effect. It was a useful beacon to me escaping my own cycle of abuse. I'm know I'm not the only one Also, some interesting facts: Jenny and James (aka Screech) are kinda the UK equivalent of "John" and "Jane" Doe. Violet is the code word in many hospitals in the UK to let the medical staff know you're in a domestic violence situation. These names were very deliberately picked, I'm guessing

[@JeremyMckay-b7k]

But what does the trilogy say about the nature of mankind, and the nature of evil? What does Ren follow this with, about shouting out that he would defeat the darkness? What does Jenny & Screech say regarding defeating the cycle of evil? Ren is giving you much bigger messages than you are aware. Find them.

[@TwinkleToestheBerserker]

@JeremyMckay-b7k Are you attempting to gatekeeper here?

[@karak9499]

Very nice reaction. I believe the similarity you are hearing between Violet's Tale and Hi Ren is because they are both played in Drop D.

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Thank you, yes I think you are right!

[@kylefrandsen2665]

Half of Ren's life has revolved around his illnesses and knowledge (in his mind) that he would die young, so he has a lot of songs about dark subjects (thankfully his health has improved since he started treatment). He's also a fan of Orwell and Golding, so social commentary is a big theme since he has such an appreciation for life and humanity. He does have a lighter side, to be sure, but there are probably fewer songs like that in his video collection since they aren't as theatrical and he's also a visual creator. I suggest his "Love Music" songs for the lighter original compositions. Although they're titled "Love Music, Pt 1" through "Love Music, Pt 4", these are variations on a theme rather than a sequential story, so you can react to them separately and you don't necessarily have to watch them in order except to see his progress over the years. Parts 1 and 2 videos are only still images displayed while the music is playing. Parts 3 and 4 are lyric videos with style.

[@arklilbro]

It’s all about generational trauma

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

That's the overarching point isn't it. So sad ❤️

[@lanamc7606]

Its a very dark subject that as women we are all to familiar with . I believe it's extremely helpful for this subject to be brought up and discussed by men, so Thanks Ren ......as Sun is the best disinfectant! Love your take on the musical aspects 💚🇨🇦

[@cultivatinggrace]

I think he’s definitely speaking about the impact of generational trauma with this trilogy. Loved your thoughtful reaction, and really looking forward to seeing you experience more of the breadth of his works!

[@wetpanther99]

Something lighter and awesome sting, back on 74/ message in a bottle, much love and new sub

[@Enhancedlies]

"and the mouth trumpet uh is very nice very playful um so I I kind of wasn't expecting that maybe this is going to be a little bit lighter than the previous couple of videos maybe we're going in a more playful direction" oh the optimism in your eyes! hahaha 10/10

[@Shiroar]

Ren is a modern day 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. Great reaction! And you’re right, there’s definitely a raw freedom to his playing. Ren isn’t creating music from a perspective of technique but from the soul and as a means of storytelling. The music here is like a parallel version of words in the story but purely expressing the emotions of the tale. I think another thing that adds to that freedom and unpredictability (aside from his ADHD 😅) is the range of his influences. One of the big ones is definitely The Police along with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine, but Ren seems to like all genres of music including old school hip hop, drum and bass, reggae, nu metal, britpop, grunge etc. You obviously caught some of the different styles in these songs. Ren doesn’t fit into any box but builds his own many faceted structure with no conventional rules and no limits. It’s interesting to see you analyse the different building blocks though. Maybe especially because it’s impossible to predict the next ones? 😅 And Ren hits us all like a ton of (Lego) bricks when he tells emotional stories like these…

[@kristineteall368]

He used the chromatic scale to signify going back in time to tell violets tale. His music is full of Easter eggs.

[@josephporchia5902]

Love seeing people who know what they are talking about so they appropriate reactions

[@LHartman-gj7dl]

You should do the Love Music series next, very light Ren, but brilliant of course. You can do them as 4 separate videos, but do them in the right order as part 1 was written (I think) 13/15 years ago, and part 4 was released a year or so ago, so you get a great feel for his progression. 🖤

[@MC-zr7hl]

Ren does some guitar tutorials on his Patreon and during one of the videos for Screeches Tale he said that little riff you tried out around 12:50 is one of his favorites hes ever written. Well mine too because it's always so satiafying to play lol Also great reaction! My favorites are always the professional musicians. I love to see how you all interpret music and to get all these little insights from your understanding of the technical side of music. Especially with more unconventional songs such as these.

[@funkyuk1]

Sting? you’ve got it there. Charlie Calotta nails it in his reaction video to Back on 74 / Message in a bottle, which is recommended watching. After that, have a gander at Charlie Calottas analysis of back on 74 - definitely worth a watch 👍🏼

[@davidricks7128]

Ren tells the stories and the filming of the stories are all done so well i found myself looking for the bodies laying on the ground. The saddest thing about this is the fact each of these things are happening in every country at this very moment and the cycle continues

[@shayzee2007]

This is the 1st time I've come across your channel. You're a very knowledgeable young lad who clearly understands the crafts. Just subscribed, and will be following you from now on. Love this reaction breakdown. There are so many levels to Ren, and I can't wait for you to start unpacking it all.

[@kaileighwilcox1530]

What I take away is the compounding effect of inter-generational violence. It’s a fraying thread that creates victims as it unravels: Jenny, Screech, their respective foster families, the officer, Violet’s parents, Stevie, the doctor, the surgeon. Jenny, Screech, & Violet died but the devil’s dance continues.

[@strumploid]

1:12 lol when somebody smiles when Ren does that trumpet-singing, I know he's got 'em :) 12:25 I LOVE that little guitar piece in there too, you found it pretty close and quick, nice! heh I'm jealous when somebody can pick up a guitar and play what they just heard 15:26 I'm inventing a term "SAMera Work" instead of "Camera Work" heh Sam's a mage with that camera 18:25 with that quick guitar playing at the beginning of Violet's Tale when Sam zooms in, I've seen more than one reactor go "that's actually not that hard but it sound impressive, watch!" and grab the guitar and basically go nevermind lol - this is why he puts this at the BEGINNING lol so he can just go "wait wait start over" without having go walk off the street and back through the building and get back in bed rofl 26:39 "she never stood a chance, the devil comes to dance" - let me remind you of 3:35 "the devil had set his sight on his [screech/james'] soul, then he swings possessed with the devil in his chest to kill jenny, Stevie, Screech's father, had the devil come dance with him right before he killed Violet. lol anyway, great video man wow these tales are powerful, glad you checked it out - you've got cool musical insights and I wish you well, I'll keep an eye on your stuff, homie! :D

[@jesicacorrales2293]

"Maybe we're going in a more playful direction, we shall see" Me: 😬😬😬

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

😅😆

[@cherylrobbins715]

FYI: If you contact Ren he will remove any strikes that may have been applied. Check out other reactors to get a handle on length of time, methods used, groups that are more, and less, lenient. Also consider a cappella groups, HomeFree & VoicePlay, as well as compositions by singer Peter Hollens.

[@douglasg.9271]

I consider this a modern Shakespearean tragedy. It’s art, that makes you think. So I love it. ❤

[@goaty1964]

I love the initial reaction - "this might be a bit lighter and playful...."

[@Carl-gj4ed]

Great reaction. Initially, Ren wrote The Tale of Jenny and Screech, which was based on a true story of a 14-year-old killing a random woman after partying with the boys. He didn't feel the story had closure like he wanted, so he wrote Violet's Tale a few years later to "put a bow" on the trilogy. He created Violet, which is quite close to "violent" and "Violet's Tale" sounds almost like "Violence Tale". Violet was the mother of Jenny and Screech. While the "original" Jenny and Screech didn't know each other, Ren though it made more impact if they didn't know each other but were yet related. I think it served what it was meant to do. Violence begets violence and the pattern continues. Nature vs Nurture as they say.

[@johnranford3741]

These 3 songs make me think of him as a modern wandering minstrel.

[@tjh5716]

Really enjoyed the insight of the messy play. Hadn’t thought about that. But makes so much sense.

[@McM-u2u]

The story is what it is, VIOLET, was SCREECH and JENNYS mother, she died, so they went into foster care, and then later screech killed Jenny, who happened to be his sister. Anyways BACK ON 74 REMIX , should be your next reaction, since you mentioned STING.👍🍀

[@fialagerdahl]

You are so incredibly right about the dangers of teenagers. My country (Sweden) faces a hardship of gang violence right now and most of those active doing damage to people and the cities are teenagers. Just the other day a 12 year old stabbed a woman in the back while recording it for social media. Last year my own house had a bomb placed in it by a 14 year old and my parents neighbouring apartment block got blown up by two bombs the same night by a gang of 13-19 year olds. They are "hired" by older gangmembers, fed drugs, luxury items and live on the high of the reputation it gets them in the gangs.

[@MegsD79]

Shared this reaction. Loving your Ren reactions! 💙💙💙

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Thank you so much!!! ✌️ ❤️

[@jenniferboe]

Loving your journey! Back on 74 is a fun ibe, but i think youd be more into Murderer - acoustic version.

[@debswood8792Y]

'Loosing it' next 😂😊

[@editracz2513]

❤ next, back on 74 please!

[@jitskebu7582]

To me it feels like Ren is telling this story with words ànd with his guitarplay. Two times the story melting together perfectly.

[@DSchae2165]

"messy" guitarists don't stick to technicalities, but use technicalities as a base to launch off expressionism. You can almost view Ren's stories back to school days when you have to do an impression essay on the story you read. "What does this mean for you?"

[@PeaceBeatswithDanBlackwell]

Well said!

[@_victorhhugo]

dude you're really good at this, keep it up!