Why Do We Like REN’s Money Game 3

#ren
…because great art is not an accident and does not exist in a vacuum! Here I explore the musical connections and influences found in Ren’s Money Game 3.
Here’s the link to the original song by REN:
• Ren - Money Game Part ...
Edvard Grieg - Piano Concerto in A minor, Op 16
• Arthur Rubinstein - Gr...
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I’ve formed the habit of publishing all the names of my supporters simply because I appreciate your appreciation of my work, and I want to recognize each one of you personally. But, unfortunately, KZbin allows a limited number of characters for the description, and I cannot fit all names anymore. So, this is my message to each one of my supporters personally:
THANK YOU!
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.

[@CirTap]

"We do have Bach. We do have Beethoven. We do have Grieg. And now we have Ren." Let that statement from Amy sink for a moment 😀

[@jsamuelsen]

Exactly. I was going to say something if no one else did.

[@jeffwilson3205]

Wild.

[@CirTap]

@@jackrabbit0531 it's also called humor. 😉

[@CirTap]

@@jackrabbit0531 all good. The way Amy said it simply make me laugh. Pretty sure she also didn't mean it like *that* 😎 👋🏻

[@dunny2000]

@@jackrabbit0531I think so too but Ren is only 33 years old so plenty of time to attain their level. The next few years are going to be something to watch

[@centrasseptyni8277]

Edvard Grieg should be smiling, his popularity just skyrocketed

[@BorisCampan]

When a lot of content creators on internet are doing simple, if not idiotic, things, Amy (and Vlad) are betting on intelligence, learning and sharing knowledge. And it works so well. You deserve millions of viewers as the work you are doing is so valuable and intelligent.

[@barbaralawrence6226]

Thank you for this amazing deep dive into Ren's music on Money Game 3. We've GOT to get both of your M.G. 3 reactions to him somehow. I'm sure it would make his day! An interview between you both would be phenomenal! Ren enjoys doing them and is extremely supportive and grateful for reaction channels like yours. 💝

[@blow-by-blow-trumpet]

I hope Ren sees this. You come from a very different angle to the other reactors and I love your musical takes. I'd love to see you do an interview with Ren and dig down into some of this with him.

[@LeeKennison]

Excellent Amy!!! One of your most powerful music and life lesson videos yet. I don't think I have been able to articulate it before, but I think this is fundamentally why I want you to be a part of the Ren community. You are both creative artists and musicians with similar outlooks and insights. You are offering a very unique contribution to his community with a video such as this. I really think this community has the potential to help us find a way to create a better world, or at least to help shift the tone within our interactions with each other, and become more self-reflective. This is so very important in our current times of anger, cynicism, depression and divisions. Music gives us something else to focus on.

[@Thomas.Saunders]

So well put, @LeeKennison. I don't need to say anything more, you've got me covered here.

[@LeeKennison]

@@Thomas.Saunders Thanks Thomas, I appreciate that.

That's what art is made for: feel, think and talk. I'm looking forward to a response from REN or a discussion between them both. Talking about music is the best thing people can do in a good society.

[@supertuscans9512]

I agree this is a fascinating breakdown of the musicality of this piece and which itself is a wonderful showcase for REN’s abilities. The rest of it seems nonsense, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the murderous attack by Hamas into Israel, the consequent invasion of Gaza, the nuclear demonstrations by N Korea, the sabre rattling and threatened invasion of Taiwan, the on going occupation of Tibet, the proxy war in Yemen, the spread of Muslim fundamentalism etc…. All this makes the rest of your comment look like it’s utterly detached from reality of any kind.

[@LeeKennison]

@@supertuscans9512 Not sure why you have an issue with this, I'm certainly not saying the world is in good shape now. Quite the opposite, it is in terrible shape for some of the reasons you listed, keeping in mind that there are multiple sides and perspectives to most conflicts. But does that mean we should stop trying to do our part to try to make the world a little bit of a better place? Shouldn't we try to be a bit kinder? Rather than continuing to fight with each over stupid little things. Will we ever achieve utopia? Of course not, our human nature won't allow it. I just think we should at least attempt to swing the pendulum a little more in the direction of utopias, rather than dystopias. This starts with individual interactions. Just look at the vast majority of comments on Amy's videos, she has helped create an atmosphere where most people show each other respect and are civil with each other. It wasn't like that at all in the beginning, since there was full of a lot of insults and arguing over things that are not that important in the scheme of things. Now we have a great community that comes together to enjoy and learn about music. I think that is a good thing.

[@fibienn250]

To me, this piece is closer to modern classical rather than rap. Some listeners were disappointed by the lack of melodic lines but they simply failed to hear and recognise what was happening. Quite aside from the piano and quartet, there is music in REN’s voice. He is actually singing until he shouts “stop the music”. Only at that point, does he start to speak. Sure the melody is limited. Almost a monotone but with a wealth of texture. It is incredibly subtle but it’s there. Perhaps, this piece should be seen as musical anarchy as per Terry Riley’s “In C”

[@larryfroot]

The notify me when this airs button hit within one second of seeing this. Ren is truly the Bard of our times.

[@fibienn250]

Ren has said that if you don’t know the musical rules, you can’t break them ( paraphrased). His lack of musical education is a true asset in his case.

[@googleaccount4159]

Wait what? That makes no sense. Are you saying that he doesn’t break the rules then?

[@fibienn250]

@@googleaccount4159 He means that he’s not constrained by the rules because he doesn’t know what they are.

[@stonefaction]

@@googleaccount4159 I take it to mean that although he may well be breaking the rules, he doesn't necessarily know when he might be doing so (and as a result his compositions don't always do what would be 'expected' - based on the 'rules').

[@davedem4107]

I see this song as sound art. Maybe that is what draws me in. Ren is very compelling and I can see his genius.

[@jeffwilson3205]

People who really understand voice as an instrument, like (on KZbin) The Charismatic Voice, Chris Liepe, and Peter Barber, do a really great job of describing this.

[@supertuscans9512]

I do think that as a pianist yourself it would be appropriate for you to give a bit of kudos to Charlie tye pisnist for this piece, whose mastery of the various time signatures in this song and ability to match them to REN’s vocals makes it a truly breathtaking performance in its’ own right.

[@Colleen998]

What I find quite interesting about Ren’s music is that in a lot of his songs with darker or sadder themes, the lyrics are juxtaposed with uplifting or happy melodies.

[@lauried6974]

There's hope and redemption in his art.

[@peterliljeholmen5703]

To me, what’s make Ren most interesting is that he writes music and lyrics that concern himself and therefore gets so relatable also to a lot of other people. In comparison, most artists nowadays writes music that they envision that their audience want to hear and that would sell. Partly (or mainly) because they are under the fire and constraints by their record companies and therefore also follows some given models for how music should be composed in order to be radio hits. Wasn’t really like that in the early parts of rock history where experimental bands like Pink Floyd and others wrote music and lyrics that concerned themself mainly (and not just to please the audience). Really hope that Ren’s music will inspire new artists to write more interesting and meaningful music. Looking forward to a new musical renaissance!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Amy you brought out details in this music that I never would have thought about or even noticed. You really deepened my appreciation and your piano and harp playing is just beautiful.

[@conradschumacher4013]

Well said. I agree completely. And a conversation with Ren would be amazing.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@conradschumacher4013 that would be very cool

[@wizardflaps]

That's a beuatiful description of how music becomes art.

[@papertrucker1]

What amazes me is Ren not having no real teaching in music or musical instruments ( small amount at a college) but to spend time watching u tube and learn his craft on the streets busking where his hardest critics ( even seen a dog sitting in one video) maybe you can cast your eye over the big push.

[@garygreen1782]

Ren does like to do interviews that come from a different angle for himself and the audience.

[@Thomas.Saunders]

My word, Amy! I don't know how you've done it, but I feel smarter, while at the same time, uplifted by your video here. Wishing you and your family well.

[@VirginRock]

I am glad, Thomas! And thank you for supporting my work!

[@Vmcf1968]

i love how articulate you are. your ability to recognize and communicate why music makes us feel the way we feel is excellent.

[@cdakent]

The String Quartet revisits vocalisations from MG1 and MG2. The descending chromatic run at the start could also link to the falling rain from the MG1/MG2 chorus and the actual rain at the end of MG3.

[@scottiewsutton]

I greatly appreciate you taking the time and care for this break down! I’m autistic and felt what you explained, but don’t have the vocabulary and expertise you have to put it into words. So great! Thank you again!

[@dunny2000]

I feel like I just enjoyed a collegiate level music theory class for the most excellent price of zero. To hear this kind of breakdown of this piece is a dream come true. Along with lyrical genius I will now add musical genius to Ren’s plethora of accolades. Thank you.

[@patisan]

Ren definitely has a spiritual connection with music and I think you’re right when you say he has instinct and feels it. You can sometimes see it in his face when he’s playing or singing and with certain performances the audience can feel it too. It’s a beautiful connection. I loved this video and I think you’re wonderful

[@cdakent]

The beautiful melody from Ren appears in a slightly different form in Violet's Tale (part of the Jenny and Screech Trilogy). It then moves into the Money Game Motif that appears in MG1.

[@didierblasco8116]

Amazing reaction to Ren's music: I hope he will go through this and get how his art is appreciated.

[@sorenm.lairdsorries7547]

Thank you 🙏❤ Amy ❤ for revisiting 🐷 Ren's 🎻🎻🎹💰🐚 Money Game, Part 3 #moneygamepartthree #ren #sickboialbum

[@Io-Io-Io]

Children can be very conniving, we all know that. Innocence is a big word

[@ernieburns1]

This piece also has the structure of a play. The intro resembles an overture then the next part is the setting of the scene. Followed by defined acts. I am not very familiar with opera but it is very operatic.

[@buca505]

Once again, Amy is on the top of the game. Her analysis is one of the best and once again in pair with Beato analysis, even different, cause in first year of her channel, lack of knowledge of modern music based on jazz and blues roots of modern rock, is now easily being erased and she is recognizing rock even where now some of the rock fans do not see one. I enjoyed this, and even I missed the premiere, I had time to now listen all in peace and it was magnificent. So keep on the good work and as always lots of love for your family Amy!

[@colinmccabe5526]

Not sure if this has been mentioned but you highlight your sense of Celtic music/story telling in your Jenny & Screech video and I thought it would add what I heard in an interview recently. In the interview Ren said he has no theatre experience but that his mother would sometimes take his to Celtic story recitals, and gave an example of one where a dragon is used to create a bridge for an army to cross.

[@caladonn2659]

Ren is the Original "Bardcore Genre Bender" The Master Bard himself ( Shakespeare ) would have understood exactly where Ren was coming from. Ren isn't just a songwriter but rather a Performance Art Master who blends music and character acting from all the styles over the last 500 years and makes it modern and relatable to all generations even if normally you may not be a fan of whatever genre he is currently performing. While most good Performers can envoke some emotions in their audience, Ren is an Emotion Master who has control of all of them, From the Feel Good Vibes of Bongo Bong, to the Rebellion of Illist Of Our Time, to the Tragedy of Jenny and Screech, to the Mind Bending Rap Flow of Losing It, and the Internal Psych War of Hi Ren, Ren has it All!

[@brightbeacon]

I’m currently, delightedly going down the rabbit hole of Ren’s music and while reaction videos have their place, I am so glad that you’ve highlighted the skill that we’re all hearing in his music. As a representative of the “non-theory informed listeners,” I really appreciate now having a basis of knowledge in one of the many layers of “why I’m surrounding myself in this music”. Ugh, this feels a bit like word soup, so I hope I’ve communicated that I thought your video was great! ❤️

[@jasonremy1627]

This is the best analysis I've seen of any song in a long time. Stunning.

[@altair8598]

Keep following Amy then, because this is in a long line of 'best' analyses that she has given. 👍

[@jasonremy1627]

@@altair8598 I've been on this channel for a very long time. Well aware!

[@heartoftherose]

My reaction to your question of "Why do we like it?", Amy, is what I have inferred from your comments about early Bob Dylan (and others). I recognize the talent, perhaps even genius, and thrill to a performance. But would I add it to my play list? Would I listen again and again, perhaps for life? No. It brings awe, but not joy.

[@stranger2Utube]

I commented under your original reaction that it was phenomenal, so now I'm at a loss for words. I wholeheartedly agree with Lee's quote "One of your most powerful music and life lesson videos yet". I really really hope Ren will see this. ❤

[@SuzanneO707]

Fabulous. I learnt so much. Such a sensitive and generous interpretation. I don't like labels on music, my dad used to say some "classical" musicians, were the punks/rebels of their generation. The ebbs and flows on the piano playing was fascinating. And explanation of the keys. I also find it fascinating how humans use an instrument as an extension of something within. I have experience of live music abroad. I don't know the language , but still felt it. This made me quite tearful in this troubled world. Let the music play on🤗 Its wonderful how Ren is carrying the torch, in his own way. Love your harp playing, heart strings plucked. So beautiful❤ ❤ Thankyou. Not an accident, context 👍

[@niftyhacker]

Thank you. You introduced me to some really fascinating music. Off to listening some pavanes and Edvard Grieg now.

[@Cr4zyCarL]

Thank you for this. Ren goes on his guts and feelings when he touches (our) strings. He seems to be completely fine with every chord. It seems it matches the exact feeling he wants to express

[@danmchardy6424]

2:58 thank you so much for clarifying this!!! I heard it too but couldn't remember the name - you've saved me so much headache!!!!

[@iamnobody2]

hey neighbor, as a music teacher, was wondering if you'd be interested in some old signed music books i have... The Music Of Czechoslovakia by Rosa Newmarch, The Home Book of Music Appreciation by Helen L. Kaufmann, The Music Lover's Handbook edited by Elie Siegmeister, and Symphonic Masterpieces by Olin Downes. they're all flat signed by the author (editor in one case) on the title pages, i found them together in antique mall, gotta figure they were part of a music teacher's collection. if you want any/all of them, just let me know i don't want anything for them at all

[@Vitosax32]

Analysis of the highest level, thank you

[@juanjoseescanellas3798]

I'm happy reading a lot of supporting comments about Amy's work that she really deserve.

[@barruktp]

The sung line at the opening is the same melody as Violet's Tale, transposed down a fifth. I think of it as a motif that forebodes tragedy, specifically pointless tragedy.

[@Veeliscious]

Wow, what a lesson in the intricacies of musical notes. Thank you so much

[@danellwein8679]

thank you for this Amy .. very good

[@tomothywalker]

That section you played on the harp was gorgeous! Thanks for the breakdown Amy, really enjoyed it.

[@julianginniver5785]

@RenMakesMusic thought you might like to check this out, possibly a rabbit hole if your own to explore. Seeing as you have sent sooooo many of us down yhe ren rabbit hole 🤣

[@RonYoung-wc7ty]

As I came up for air from being down the ren rabbit hole ... I was very happy to see this on my feed....😊

[@CirTap]

In one of his streams or interviews Ren said he went to "Bath School of Music and Performing Arts" (UK) for a short while but didn't finish. I believe this was around the same time as his first band "Trick The Fox". Very well possible he picked up these classics while in Bath but also being a musician through and through he's open to lots of genres and styles, as his musical catalogue proves. I don't know if it was mentioned in another comment, but the violin and viola play the vocal theme from Money Game 1 and 2. This is the only multi-part series of his that uses a common musical theme although in very different genres/styles, unlike "Love Music 1-4", "Sick Boi 1-2" or the three Tales.

[@Colleen998]

Ren also grew up in a musical family. He described his parents as “hippies” and, throughout his childhood, accompanied them to smaller music festivals where they would perform. His mother is now a singing teacher and his father plays in an ensemble that specializes in medieval music.

[@supertuscans9512]

I’m also fairly certain his father has been a professional music producer during his careers.

[@Colleen998]

@@supertuscans9512 He is a psychotherapist and hobby musician.

[@supertuscans9512]

Yes I’m aware of that but I have seen or heard that his father has during his time been a producer. The problem is I can’t recall if this came from Ren himself in an interview or was from a comment in a comment section which might make it total nonsense.🤷‍♂️

[@Colleen998]

@@supertuscans9512 His father does produce short-film type videos related to his psychotherapy profession. They can be found on KZbin. Maybe that’s what was being referred to.

[@walkerig1]

Wonderful analysis!

[@TheBorderRyker]

Thank you for your in depth look at this piece. It was very interesting to explore Ren’s music and influences from a different perspective. New subscriber. 👌🏻

[@dreambit10]

Love this video, so interesting, thank you 🎶🤗

[@sketchtherapy1218]

The combinations of montunos and tumbaos he uses is known on my island as Jaleito it's used in improvisational salsa to match the instrument solos & the call and replies of battle salsa (a little like rap battles but much older) I hope you check it out because you will understand the similarities far better than me I loved hearing home in his hands.

[@seagull01-cp8pb]

Wow! Just wow!💕👍🦇

[@doccops]

Nice analysis - thanks for taking the time ;)

[@KM769]

Dire Straits - Money for nothing (1985). After The Wall go to Dark side of the moon album (1973).

[@thomasgoldschmidt298]

Great video! I also see Ren as a great generational artist on the rise. I am not sure if he will be known only for his music or like Wagner for his "Gesamtkunstwerke".😊 I felt the first time I listened to "Hi Ren" and then other of his work that he is special! I predicted in March that he will be the breakout artist of 2023. Does a #1 UK chart position count?😉 Anyway, it is a shame that you need only 18k charting units with 6k lead to reach that position. it means that nobody buys music anymore.😪

[@jurgenhess134]

I learn so much from you! Thank you❤

[@JG-lx5pm]

It is not just the music, music is just a small part of the package, it is rather the combination of the parts that makes the hole. If I only would hear that song it would had not produced the effect it did, so for very FIRST impression, what counts is first the message, the vision of it and the music would be probably the last part, so the mixture of parts is just right, it grabs the viewer right from the start, so the guy is not only a good musician, but a very good actor, producer and in general his simplicity and realism identifies itself with the general public, his viewers, he comes across as ORIGINAL, ELEGANT in his delivery, REAL!!!!

[@ms.p6238]

Hello Amy, I want to share Ren is studying music theory. Pls c interview with Justin Hawkins Rides Again... Love ur take. If you would play the piano and harp(in place of the strings) I would save it to my play list.😊

[@frankylaseure2641]

Another call for the song "Travel" by The Gathering, the TG25 live version. "I wish you knew your music was to stay forever".

[@DavidLindes]

26:59 - I was prompted to look for one. :) I found one with Khatia Buniatishvili on piano, accompanied by the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, conducted by Tugan Sokhiev. (v=zMq7sKePlQ0). I listened to the first section so far, and have definitely enjoyed it. Will listen to the rest after I finish this video. :)

[@puppenbuhnebauchkribbeln1183]

😯🙏🏼

[@Kibashino2]

LESSS GOOO

[@fotoesberard]

Save Amy! Could you comment on the band Moody blues? Album: "Every good boy deserves favour". Congratulations on the channel. I am from Brazil. Tanks! 😊

[@sketchtherapy1218]

you should interview him.

[@sketchtherapy1218]

Please interview Ren.

[@hdufort]

Try the latest Slowdive album (Everything is Alive). The whole album, which is rather short and build like a coherent piece of art.

[@DonutCockapoo]

Talking of medieval influences - you really should react to REN’s Tales of Jenny and Screech complete - each tale has a separate bard’s tale introduction and then brilliant episodic accompaniments ……

[@VirginRock]

I did!

[@palindrome8742]

nice🎉

[@annikawallnyqvist3893]

❤🔥🌺

[@johnthompson6374]

At the beginning, I didn't hear an up and down roller-coaster. I heard a circle. Round and round, generation after generation. Is music linier like the paper it's written on or is it dimensional? Peace/JT

[@harmon004]

Please consider Gentle Giant, anything off of Free Hand.

[@robertstrimel1975]

Do iron maidens rime of the ancient mariner ! Please

[@GregHinz-jt6nq]

Jimi ? Is it time

[@stevenmeyer9674]

no

[@GregHinz-jt6nq]

Ladyland

[@GregHinz-jt6nq]

Watchtower

[@Richard--]

Bold As Love 🌈

[@Richard--]

But if copyright issues come into play, Chrissie Hynde does an alright cover of it.

[@carlbernard7615]

I'm sorry, but who in their right mind would keep a guitar on top of a piano like that. its setting my nerves on edge.

[@modaud358]

It's hanging on the wall behind the piano - see other videos where the piano is in a different place.

[@carlbernard7615]

thank god, i haven't slept in 4 days thinking about this lol@@modaud358

[@bradleyfurer7847]

The first word that comes to mind with Ren is “contrived”

[@isheetfromaswhole3657]

He relies too much on creating intense music. I pick up on elements of emotional manipulation, well intentioned or even unawares. Ren is human and that means he falls into traps. All of his fans will deny it, very predictably, and that is revealing. He didn't just write a song about a friend's suicide but he then proceeds, at the end of the music video, to talk directly into the camera about it while crying or on the verge of tears and his voice breaking. Another perspective, if a boyfriend was like Ren and I described these things then people would recognize the issues. When a person relies on being "over the top" in order to be heard, it suggests immaturity.

[@john-huiac]

contrive: create or bring about (an object or a situation) by deliberate use of skill and artifice.

[@BlueBellGoPro]

@@isheetfromaswhole3657Being housebound for long periods and going in and out of hospital could stunt someone’s maturity so may just be a consequence of circumstances. He is well intentioned as far as I read though …..

[@bradleyfurer7847]

@@john-huiac Here’s what I mean: adjective deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously. created or arranged in a way that seems artificial and unrealistic. "the ending of the novel is too pat and contrived"

[@isheetfromaswhole3657]

@@BlueBellGoPro yes, but criticism is necessary. He is , maybe, Jimmy.

[@sidprice2027]

Excellent ❤❤

[@justinayers9983]

@renmakesmusic