Under The Spotlight x Ren | Exclusive Interview

Under The Spotlight with Ellesse teams up with singer-songwriter Ren this spring. To celebrate this collaboration, we asked Ren's good friend Sam Tompkins to sit down and speak to Ren on our behalf in this scotts exclusive interview. This interview touches on Ren's career journey, but also touches on the struggles we have all experienced throughout the pandemic and how Ren managed to stay motivated throughout.
This is the exclusive interview with singer-songwriter Ren.

[@edwardgann]

I’m 74 and remember the buzz about the Beatles…this kid is special.

[@TheRealDxK]

You see some of the BRIT/GRAMMY winners and the shallowness of the music industry, and then see someone as authentic and real as Ren. It's such a contrast, I think he's the best thing to happen to the UK music scene in the last decade.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

I always dislike these comments that tear something down to build up another.

[@svenbertilsson6172]

@@stevenmeyer9674 And I hade to like the comment because of your comment!

[@stumeat77]

Best thing to happen to music in general not just the UK!

[@Skinny42384]

@@stumeat77 took the words out of my mouth

[@Stunl3y]

I totally agree

[@dustierodgers2452]

I just spent 2 hours going down the Ren rabbit whole after just finding him today... currently do not have the words to truly express the awe In in. ❤

[@Ken-mn2nh]

I am 4 months down the rabbit hole. There is no better place. Not one moment of disappointment but uncountable moments of extasy. Near perpetual flood of joy and triumph and pain and beauty.

[@Carrion00]

Just found out about Ren today, I am 56 years old and would not normally be exposed to this stuff. I had to watch everything he had posted on you tube. I wish him every success, very talented. Clicked Like...ha.

[@remargreg]

Yup 53 and felt the same, money game 1&2. Wowed 😮😮😮

[@bleachedout805]

Gen X is where all the cool came from so it makes sense you'd like him. I'm more shocked when boomers vibe to this but maybe its the Peaky Blinder's hair give them that 1940s nostalgia 🤣. I'm 31 yrs old but very jaded 😅 but this dude has some killer vibes that make me less apathetic. Would be awesome to see his diverse fan base at a concert.

[@bleachedout805]

@@remargreg I like Sick Boi and Hunger.

[@remargreg]

@@bleachedout805 yes fab…… and chalk outlines….".."

[@SamStone1964]

@@bleachedout805 Some of us boomers relate more to today than the 1940s lol.

[@deboraholsen8443]

I'm 66. Discovered him yesterday. Listened to him since. He's a new level of music. He's created a new level in musical artistry. Wow.

[@mr.floops]

Ren always looks cool ngl

[@kirstymitchell1703]

I have mental health (CPTSD) and Fibromyalgia. I live with chronic illness and never felt so ignored in all my life. Offered nawt but pills. Diagnosed so late in life and had it for years! But I'm.a singer too and have been inspired by you to write songs again. It's more poetry but something that is quite dark but also there's light days too. So I now embrace the good days and all lot the bad to pass. So looking at you and your success...its truly amazing. I hope that one day I could get there too. You bare a huge inspiration for those suffering with chronic illness, thank you for the awareness. Both of you have shown awareness....its really just beautiful. Thank you. Peace love and light ✨️💕

[@brentlottering]

Love to you Hope you find your music

[@paulsimpson5949]

Wow for an old bloke, who thinks Modern music has lost its soul, this interview is like something from the 70's. Ren is a genius at showing the world that there is hope for Rock and Roll and that there is still hope for the younger generation to keep the faith. Even if it is through the new blues, Rap about the human experience in this weird world we are coping with in the 21st century. Love you guys and hope to see you on the world stage. Cheers Ren and the others you have taken along for the ride.

[@herculesmclovin]

💯 many raw artists don't fit the systems model for radio TV etc so they don't get the visibility they deserve. Here are 3 more underrated Independent artists: Tom McDonald (taboo) Dax (all round) NF (story)

[@tobyb1018]

Please don’t think music has lost its soul. It really, really , reeesllly has not. There is so much good music, honest music, creative music still, just nit what you hear on the radio-go explore my friend- if you want any recommendations give us an idea of what type of music you want to check out and this comment section will recommend

[@BA-tq9ci]

💯

[@krimmer66]

Uh as always, the younger generation IS the hope, not 'there is hope for'. The older generation repeatedly make this mistake but the fact is you (as in the older generation) lack understanding of what the younger generation will be. Ren and so many others of the younger generation are the proof there is just as much genius to come from the next generation.

[@brudylpear3080]

He's not that young mon frere

[@yvonneschlame8657]

Fast forward to January 2023... the success Ren is encountering right now, after releasing Hi Ren really feels to me being the success of the whole story y´all have shared back then, and throughout, in Brighton and beyond. That´s what makes it so real. It´s not just one guy doing great, making great music, but it´s a kind of family, or brother (and sister)hood of humans who have achieved great things already thanks to the true love they (you) all have for each other. It´s Robin Hoodish, it has this quality, and that´s what makes it such a great thing. I think we all feel that. 1000 people waiting for the buskers to arrive... unheard of 💫👏🙏💖

[@ChrisBarringer]

Also a bittersweet taste too. Finding the success and not being able to capatalise on it fully. I hope that his trip to Canada has a very positive result so he can get back to doing what he’s meant to be doing ☮️ ❤️

[@MrMasterFlash]

SO he was doing great at the time of this video then went downhill? Is he still in Canada?

[@eevee_themeanie5883]

​@@MrMasterFlash hi I am a new member of Ren Nation. As far as I can tell Ren is still in Canada having his treatments. I personally have been praying 🙏 for Ren's miracle. Take care ❤️

[@teddyillusion2186]

To me it feels like Ren is an over night living legend. I just heard of him days ago and I'm so hit by his music.

[@jackbuff_I]

I first heard Sam cover Halo.. Halo was played at my best mates funeral.. and Sam, your version brought me to my knees. And still messes me up massively... then my Mrs showed me Ren busking with you.. I was again utterly floored. Brilliant..Brilliant stuff. Long may it continue.

[@krazulo]

look at him now - two years later: UK #1 Album

[@iaincphotography6051]

Guts, determination, and one hell of a lot of talent.

[@jrbush1]

Obviously there are millions just meeting Ren for the first time. Great to see him looking so well.

[@pixie055]

I honestly believe that these are two of the most beautiful people in the world. Their artistry and creativity consistently blow me away, and they both have such beautiful smiles that warm my heart.❤

[@silvermoon886]

I was literally going to write almost the same thing! I'm in awe of how genuine and real these lovely musicians are. 🇨🇦💜

[@belgand5555]

Watching this again a year later and Ren or Sam still never letting us down… Mad respect for these beautiful humans…

[@zed4225]

Ren and Sam are an inspiration, I cannot speak highly enough of them. The world needs Ren and Sam and others of the same mould. Beautiful souls, beautiful humans❣️ Your skills with both vocals, guitar and songwriting are off the charts. Really lifted me up finding The Big Push, Sam and Ren. Music is my passion, wouldn't want to live without it, and have felt like it needed the kick up the ar*e that songs like Hi Ren and Jenny/Screech/Violets Tale trilogy are giving it. Stuns me that 70 year olds are loving Hi Ren, and then discovering all that is Ren and comes with Ren, like Sam and The Big Push, unsung talent on a sucess train, that gets in your brain

[@deborahlester4018]

70 year old here. Sometimes I felt that they stopped making people like these two. They give me hope for the future of more than music.

[@grantwallace1882]

Discovering Ren and his music reminds me of being obsessed with Jeff Buckley. This guy is fresh, interesting and has something to say.

[@brendanjordan6780]

I'm the same. Haven't felt this way about a songwriter since I discovered Sir Jamie T. Ren is the Real Deal.✊✌

[@denalinde]

Definitely have felt the Buckley vibes listening to Ren. Someone who has to make music because it was soul-directed.

[@darabojorquez9303]

I thought the same, he has the same vibes...

[@alwaysradical1613]

I’ve so been wanting Ren to do a Jeff Buckley cover!

[@MasEgamorf77]

I had a brain tumour removed 2 weeks ago an now have to deal with lung tumor then chemo. Ren has helped me through so many dark days cannot praise him enough keep it up fella you've helped me an I'm sure so many others..peace an love to all

[@hallucinogen22]

Ren is such a bright light. Nothing but pure hearts in this video 💕 my love to you both!

[@davidmichael1727]

I’m honestly torn by what I think is more moving; the interview or the comments. Both simply wonderful. Thank you all. There may be hope after all!

[@sheenadees2701]

I think Ren nailed it on the head there yes his stuff is highly artistic yet what draws me in more than that is that accessibility he talks about. That you're a regular guy off the streets you can not only see it but here it in the music because of the emotion you're able to apply to what you're creating.

[@stepintoyourpower]

God I love it so much when artists use there art to inspire and help others and send out a positive message of hope. Respect

[@lakeyshaclarke1444]

I'm commenting from and I just came across this guy who is playing with his own unique and talented young man who have taken everything in the world life and put it together so we have a clear example of what's going on in this world as of 1-18-23 I have to give this young man a Standing applause to you coming from northern California with love peace and blessings to their countries should be grateful for your bravery and awesome truth is amazing to me I am going to share it with my friend and family to download u ASP period ✌🏿🙏🏾😘😊😉👍🏿😍

[@jafuni9349]

Beautifully shot and edited interview video. I liked how the background music changed when REN said something very personal and deep about sharing and relishing in each other’s success.

[@kevingrant7098]

I’ve been watching these two for 1015 years. It’s brilliant how far they’ve come❤ my son, was bitten by a tick. He was conscious of limes disease. He did seek medical attention and luckily he was okay.

[@Rotundalover]

For some reason I started to zero in on the amount of times both of these guys used the word “like” in this video and I have now gone completely insane.

[@lippylewis1]

I’m absolutely loving seeing the comments from such a wide variety of different people with interests in so many different genres of music and just how much of an impact Ren has made on all of us. I’m a 41 yo Aussie and grew up on 90’s hip hop but also a lot of rock and blues listened to by my folks, a heavy metal head in my younger years too. These days I am almost nothing other than a hip hop head still, (with an appreciation of all music of course) finding so much new/newish talent within hip hop alone (especially the UK by the way) but how Ren can adapt to different genres and do it so well is mesmerising. Unbelievably talented. And without knowing you personally, I imagine just your vibe alone would have such a positive impact on everyone around you. I wish you nothing but success in life

[@brentlottering]

My sentiments exactly 👌🏽

[@dipseadiver]

You two are an inspiration. Your music is amazing for people of any age (62 years) in my case. My son now listens to your music from the states where he is based and we have both contributed to your fund on FB. Well done the both of you.

[@daemonix]

we’ve come so far 🥳🥳

[@saltlight5689]

What a memory…that’s so special

[@ionechisholme7552]

Ren has the same magnetic essence the vocalist from rancid has I'm completely blown away

[@LETOTU]

I hope you guys make a lot more music together - the collective creativity and energy you bring is amazing!! 🙌

[@deankehoe9874]

Ren is the best lyricist on the planet

[@brendanjordan6780]

I second that emotion.👍

[@margieaustman]

Guys, the rawness and unpolished side of it only add to the brilliance of your talent and hard work !! I have a hard time with Hallmark movies for this reason!!!

[@kentkarlsson8277]

No wonder that people showed up to see and hear you guys, contagious, moving, brilliant and refreshing are a few words that comes to mind

[@ryanates994]

REN ....BRUH .......found you 2 days ago and you are definitely are on my top #5 artist.....so .... congratulations mate ...you did a mind freak on me ... Jesus bruh .....keep it up ...I have read and looked up just a fraction about you .....if no one hasn't told you " IM PROUD OF YOU " ....good day mate

[@lesserpoo]

A song and video about that story would be amazing! In typical Ren fashion of course!

[@Ayns.L14A]

Whatever Journey we go on, it's always, always better to travel with good friends, may all your journeys be fun guys you are special.

[@jonblackburn7634]

Until I heard Ren yesterday for the first time - and have now seen the stuff him and Sam did beforehand - I really did fear for the state of modern music. Not any more.

[@Spunky62]

I JUST found Ren and I just LOVE him! Sooo REAL and DEFINITELY gives me tha CHILLS! 💯 😏 ✌️❤️🔥🎶😎

[@brendanjordan6780]

He's the Real Deal. I've been sharing his stuff with everyone I know.

[@j03bs]

Fun drinking game idea: drink everytime they say "like"

[@rexduffy7881]

You'd be like under the table in no time like , listening to a great poet/musician.

[@kristybancroft5836]

Well after (8:39) mins.. Wow, how beautifully Humble both Ren an Sam are!! But, after many shots- " like".. They say like a lot! Everyone looks beautiful now!! Ha ha.. Thanks for the Challenge!

[@christhomas571]

Well i took you up on the drinking game. And i start A A next week lol

[@grunther779]

Why are 50% of the people here 50+ year olds who just discovered ren yesterday?

[@irisbenjaminsen]

I didn't think I'd ever find someone even more talented than Ed Sheeran but then you guys came along and made him seem fairly plain😅 in just 1 week I've become a huge fan of both you guys👍

[@clubgel]

wtf ed sheeran is decent artist but nothing wow does good solid pop songs. he wouldnt have stood out in 70s 80s 90s. its just this era of low grade talent. freddie mercury, mj, etc are wow talent

[@belindahawkins4615]

You are both inspiring people, keep doing what you are doing 😊

[@Psychwardetiquette]

Ren, and here you are with Sick Boi coming out in a few days. Congratulations 🎉

[@jorice5528]

Two legends of the human & artistic/musical variety - wishing you both continued health & happiness ❤

[@brainstain2904]

Isn't it hard to believe that we have climate change lack of water lack of food people getting sick and they're spending all the money on War it just doesn't make any sense. Ren music is a breath of fresh air because he speaks the truth the human race needs to get their priorities straight because we have a world of troubles and we worry about wars and not dealing with the real problems of the world one of the biggest is the learning to love again there's so much hate in this world we need to work towards the universal consciousness of positivity not negativity. I will say one thing Ren will never run out of things to talk about in his songs he is a true genius and a troubadour for truth!

[@JonnyHyperbole2090]

Some people are forged in fire. This man is one of them, he's going to get his dream (if he isn't already living it in the quest) and it'll be a more fulfilling one than the Sony deal that would have turned him into a parrot.

[@jaylarson3182]

How cool the way you got in our eyes in the last year or so. Blessings

[@TheHatchetbob]

Inspirational chat

[@guylawrance2216]

Love you guys, hadn’t heard anything new and exciting in rock music since The Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines............ And I thought I never would again, then I discovered you guys and The Big Push about a year ago and got some faith back, Thank You.

[@julirissi]

Funny you say that. I just discovered Ren today after watching a bazillion Arctic Monkeys videos. KZbin knew it and I’m grateful.

[@jasonstewart3996]

Its so amazing Ren what you have done for the world

[@debbierussell3916]

Ren you touch so many souls with your beautiful voice range, your guitar skills are amazing. Please keep doing what you have been gifted to do which is reaching others through music.❤✝️

[@dimitraBlissDk]

I love the song Dominoes because I could relate so much to it personally. I have suffered my entire life with problems from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I wasn't correctly diagnosed until I was 46 years old. When I was a child someone asked my mother if I was retarded. My mother got mad at me for embarrassing her.

[@AP-gb3eh]

💔💔☮️

[@jafuni9349]

Unbelievable that it took them so long to give you a proper diagnosis. And it makes me so sad that your mom didn’t get you back then. I hope there is more understanding for each other and a bond between you two now.

[@SamStone1964]

Some parents care more about how they appear to others than they care about their children's wellbeing.

[@SuperMatt2112]

Awesome, O love this and Ren in a dude sort of why, great inspirations and passion for your craft, the world is blessed by your gifts. You had a thought 8 years and I had no idea about that until today when I washed your video where your were very emotionally explaining the situation and you made it though it, I also realized you lost the contract with Sony, but in truth, I think that was actually a blessing in disguise as or world is in the process of great change and Sony unfortunately is a tyrannical company who has destroyed many lives, beside this, I truly believe that keeping your stuff in the private realm and doing your own things might be slow to success but i feel it will be a lot more meaningful, Corporate entertainment is dying IMHO and it should, we need to get back to basics IMHO. But I think you probably realize all this, and I thank you for sharing your talent with us, I love it and will do what I can to support it and you...

[@pamelamb1111]

You are a LIGHTHOUSE. A brilliant Light SOLID, TALL, STRONG & SHINING into the darkness. A spot light for those on a bad sea. YOU are HOPE.

[@kjcile8334]

REN you do you. What you have is so special. Continue to do what works for you & not let mainstream try to destroy what you have. Your guitar is an extension of yourself. Your writing ability to take people on such a journey has impacted so many people. Don't let it get overwhelming by thinking people will start expecting things from you as you blow up. You are such a fresh air for what we need now. God Bless You my BOI I'm so proud of you.

[@deborahshariati8345]

AMAZING LADS! Ren, you're very special and you deserve soooo much success. Your whole being exudes enthusiasm for life and what you can achieve, but best of all, you're taking everyone who can relate along for the ride of a lifetime❣️ Wishing you both so much love and every success for the future from a 60-something mum who's absolutely blown away by your talent! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@mufc89100]

Their talent is ready to explode

[@donnaroberts4565]

Wish you all the success in the world as long as it doesn't change ya :)

[@t8r-8]

Such a huge fan of these 2...absolutely amazing talent

[@timwideman8824]

Ren’s such a positive, triumphant person. Would like to see him on more shows or podcasts like Rich Roll, Impact Theory, or Jay Shetty. I’m sure he’d have some wonderful insights on creativity while overcoming life’s challenges.

[@clubgel]

jay shetty is a false prophet

[@mr.wolmance830]

Yeah, it's cool, like really cool, like you know, like truly good, like yeah

[@jenniewallis5764]

Love both these guys they are amazing “like” xx

[@jcdenton4911]

This video is a masterclass on how to avoid keywords that will get you de-listed on YT while talking about certain events that have happened over the past few years :)

[@randlewilliams8288]

Love the honesty and openness. Beautiful, as an old muso , you give me hope.

[@sejbomb]

Someone get this man a blanket 😅 great interview!

[@rael1999]

Stoked where it's all gone for you guys....just keep it all grounded. Happiness is in the events you share with your friends. No amount of money and fame can improve that. I relate to many of Ren's lyrics because I got Crohn's when I was 23 and it completely turned my world upside. When you live with illness you see more clearly that it's the simple things in life that make you the happiest. I'm 64 now and I've loved music all my life and it's always exciting coming across someone who just lights up music. Good luck wherever it takes you and stay safe.

[@puffeiffer]

It’s not over, fellas. Don’t talk like how it was. It IS, and will continue to be. Genius can’t be suppressed.

[@darrenboyd8780]

such an awesome interview with awesome people! it's such a refreshing change to see someone make it off their own backs! and for that reason they will be eternally grateful imo

[@marysinger6411]

Yay! Ren! We ❤️ you!

[@bujotrys3236]

I lost all hope in music for a long time a renewal... has taken place because of Ren I can't thank him enough I have something intriguing to listen to again

[@brendanward3258]

true friendship.

[@janetclaireSays]

This was great!

[@melg1329]

Special ❤

[@cherylrobbins715]

Awesome to listen in.

[@MoreKellBellPlease]

You two are amazing people. ❤

[@gurlwelovemusic]

I love these two🤗💓

[@srogers500]

Beautiful conversation.

[@eileenaylin]

i love you and your music and all these words, thats it.

[@JoeElliotSA]

Good to hear this interview. 🤗

[@jeanfrancorojasmora2312]

I love seeing both of you! Cheers!

[@irabeam7439]

Your lyrics speak about real shit 👍 people can relate to 😐 Appreciate it ❗

[@darrenrees3284]

Just found you guys total talent, never give up.

[@kinkajoo73]

Thanks, both. For everything

[@SGI999]

Aww you two ♥️♥️

[@fredfred2363]

Am I one of the early REN followers before he blows up? I think we're at the beginning before he gets really big. Watch this space. A few people have been commenting over the last couple of weeks, so here we go... This vid's been out ages and only now are the views starting. 👍🏻😀🇬🇧

[@_vm.mv_]

oh. gosh 🔥

[@chriswhitton666]

subbed for the boys. bugger it guys you're legends . following Ren through and through

[@audreyburton5367]

I love your music and am looking forward to hearing a lot more from you.

[@ChrisWilliamsRMWpigeon]

It was harsh, I was coming out of agoraphobia and then lock down hit, and we had to stay in a little longer

[@jamesrapp9778]

Guys I've been sharing your vids for four years and I'm glad and very happy foruz guys 😎👌

[@jiagforal]

TALENT THAT IS OFF THE CHARTS WHILE GOING THROUGH SO MUCH!! YOU INSPIRE!! GENIUS

[@bycarolbarber]

Well cool!

[@pompeyo7]

Would love to interview Ren, i wouldnt have a clue what to ask but just chatting with him would be ace.

[@LeeannG]

These two 🥰

[@veram2635]

he brought art of music to the next level. sooo good and such a very nice guy

[@andrewharris1837]

My son has ADHD.so good to see Ren flourishing thru his amazing music

[@vmarlop3679]

Cooooll! Now can someone please count how many times they say "Like" Zanks