Vocal Coach listens to Ren for the first time - Vocal Analysis and Reaction to "Hi Ren"

Today's video features a very special artist. This is my first time hearing Ren, and I was blown away by so many aspects of this piece. If you haven't already, I highly recommend watching the original video first. It's an experience that one deserves to have uninterrupted.
Original video: • Ren - Hi Ren (Official...
🎶 Website: www.thevocalyst.com/
💙 Patreon: / thevocalyst
📷 Instagram: / bethany.hickman
#reaction #vocalcoach #ren

[@RenMakesMusic]

Hey!!! Thankyou so much for your kind words and reaction to my video, loved watching your reaction, really glad you enjoyed it and that it connected!! :)

[@taniaandasadibrahim7003]

Following your journey, hope nothing but the best for you Ren.

[@juliasharon5337]

praying for you ren. you heal my heart with your music. get better- stay strong. i have an autoimmune illness and ME/CFS- your music gives me hope.

[@TheVocalyst]

Such an honor. Your honesty and your artistry have given voice to so many beautiful humans. Thank you for sharing with us your brilliant music and, more importantly, your heart. ❤️

[@bonolio]

@RenMakesMusic - I love your bit about it being a dance rather than a battle. In my own head, I think of it as surfing. I battled against the waves that beat down on me for so many years, but in the end, you can't beat the sea, and you can only fight the waves for so long before you tire and drown. Instead, I learnt to understand the waves, the swells and the currents, I learnt to ride the waves. I am now 50, and have lived riding the waves for so long, that I am a peace with my sea and my storm. It will still dump me and try to drown me, but I don't panic anymore, I hold my breath and head for the surface. People don't see my inner turmoil anymore, They look at me, and ask how I am so calm and resilient, regardless of what hits me. The sea is never calm, and thats ok, I got really good at surfing.

[@michaeldoherty7434]

Mate, I am well over twice your age and I can say that this performance is one of the very best that I have heard and seen. Inspiring and brilliant. Listen to those who support and follow you and nobody else. Take care and keep doing what you love.

[@lets-no6374]

Watching Hi Ren reaction vids is kinda my new favorite thing. It's so real and unexpected... Ren is a true artist, that is a fact.

[@davidgreen6490]

I know what you mean, pal, I am addicted to them. Ren is just simply indescribable.

[@lucketvids]

Oh man, same with me - my wife is probably sick of hearing the same songs but I absolutely love it.

[@Boatzerama]

Same here.

[@mommajarritos9312]

Same!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@skacicki]

Ren's song is honest and moving. It's like an empathy test for humanity. Thank you for your analysis and emotion.

[@Robertthebob]

Film makers, vocalists, guitar players, therapists, rappers, and old folks like me are all amazed

[@caterpillakilla]

its an opus. he’s a genius literally. using that word correctly finally

[@hertmybrane8896]

When he says "Newsflash", I've never heard a voice slither before, but now I have. Great reaction and incredibly powerful song and performance

[@Chris-wk8ss]

Oh, hell, yeah. This guy would he a perfect psychopath in a string of movies.

[@jeremymahuron5565]

I am a mid 40's blue collar male that has struggled with ALOT of mental and physical ailments. I found this song one night by accident. Within a minute of listening, I knew this song was special. It gave a personal song to my life. Thank You Ren

[@keithfrederick3827]

Ren, I too have had a version of your journey…a kind of darkness within my soul from early on …. not believing I belonged. Thank you for creating such a powerful, authentic and vulnerable expression of your own journey towards the light that feeds all of us, if only we can remember to remove the emotional blinders from our eyes. I will think of you often as I continue to put one foot in front of the other. I have no doubt that your amazing gift will impact and assist in healing many like us who long for peace and well being within.

[@melissaandjosh6210]

Same age and same thing. Just stumbled onto this song randomly. That end monologue made me realize my demons are normal and can be worked through.

[@lockandloadshari]

I think we'll look back in twenty years and this will be one of those iconic songs, it's absolutely incredible!

[@loadedorygun]

Yes. This will change Western contemporary music. It already is; he may be the first artist elevated to stardom specifically based on influencer reactions. There is a legion of us going from channel to channel-a million subs to one I watched with fewer than 200-just to watch the humanity and healing spread. There is no demographic for this song except human. I’m proud to be part of whatever this is because it is so healthy.

[@juliasharon5337]

we will be here in 20 years ?

[@brezdog4623]

Agree.

[@Dstinii]

Thank you for your reaction. He's got a singing song called Chalk Outlines (live) with Chinchilla. I think you will greatly appreciate it.

[@ChrisLawton66]

Great choice!

[@fourcornersofbrighton]

I agree, the harmonics between their voices in Chalk Outlines are spectacular!

[@LycraLout]

Chalk Outlines is awesome. I think Beth would do a great job of looking at that.

[@Richcanvas]

A definite listen.

[@scoutbane1651]

I like How to be me a lot more tbh (another one of his collabs with Chinchilla). Chalk Outlines is good but imo not as.

[@flightgamer7849]

As I get older I observe more and more that genius always comes with a cross to bear usually in equal measure. It is a always a work in progress to amplify the former and minimize the negatives. I am glad we are getting to enjoy this new musical talent and hope his struggles improve.

[@IronRaspberry]

What’s even amazing is that the whole thing was filmed live and in one take.

[@mark1sweeney]

Many people have said this but I’m not 100% convinced. The part just before he stands up, you can see where the person filming takes the camera from a tripod and begins filming while holding the camera. The shots are taken very close to his face with a wide angle. Then immediately switches to the camera set further back and there is no one holding a camera right up to Rens face. There must have been a pause. I dont want to take away any of the brilliance of it because it sure is brilliant. Would be very interesting to see how it was done in one take though.

[@supertuscans9512]

There’s a review somewhere on YT by a film maker which might answer your question.

[@SmallFox74]

@@mark1sweeney you quite right, i feel that the guitar is live on one take but the vocals/video have been redone in parts. Still, an incredible display that is a real pleasure to behold.

[@jeffmason4151]

​@@mark1sweeney apparently they used 3 camera's, two fixed and one hand held. Either way it's an absolute masterpiece

[@_b0h4z4rd7]

@@mark1sweeney In another reaction of a filmmaker I heard that it's a speciality of the used camera that you can change between a wider range like the room is shown and close ups very easily.

[@stevecoronado1103]

This song is an instant classic in my humble opinion. So relatable for/to everybody.

[@markgardner1020]

Steve, my opinions ate not what my friends would call humble. Bbt you are absolutely right. Instant classic is spot on

[@mirkogiljaca1051]

Yes. ;D

[@laupstad]

This song will live for generations and relate to all of them. A modern masterpiece.

[@jschex123]

He gave the voices in our head a face. Like none other I’ve seen before. Really hits home for people.

[@tyghe_bright]

This is so powerful, and I agree, it's connecting with so many because most of us have some degree of that internal negative voice. One thing that I find remarkable is his diction. His accent, his voice, is clear in both personas--but no matter how fast or intense it gets, I can understand him clearly throughout.

[@TheVocalyst]

Completely agree! I couldn't believe how crystal clear every single word is!

[@gliebzeit]

There it is: "We really do need to start identifying the difference between subjective criticism and objective criticism." Thank you for your reaction to 'Hi - Ren'. Of course I have watched many reactions to his performance since it was released ... but, you get to the fundamentals and razor sharp insight of this peace of art. I am so glad that I subscribed to your channel a while back. Keep up your wonderful 'reporting'. I wish all the best for you.

[@wolfgangwalk337]

Nothing has caught me like this during the last 30 years. No piece of music at least. And I don't even have significant health problems. Please check out his busking band "The Big Push", too. He is not their only singer - and they are amazing.

[@DK_Son]

I first saw this song like 6 weeks ago. The first thing I said when I saw the personality change early on (after the sheep/shepherd part) was "Oh. this song is going to break me, isn't it?". And it did. And it does. Every time I hear it or see a reaction video.

[@ryanzeigler9763]

Millennial Bohemian Rhapsody

[@mrintomesee]

The incredible thing is i've seen all reactions from therapists to vocalists to movie producers, the list goes on and each one of them say it's a work of art from each perspective. Incredable really, it really is a masterpiece.

[@wallacewhite9830]

My dad is a musician and has toured with Earnest Tubb, Mickey Gilley, and a few others. I sent this video to him a few months back. He is 75 years old and still is actively a musician. His response to me was ( I feel like this every day, but i keep going) That spoke a lot to me.

[@williamjordan4416]

Reading about it and pre-reading the lyrics takes away from the initial surprise and visceral feeling of watching it new for the first time

[@JohnGatesIII]

The power of this video Shows in how YOU reacted to it. At first, you stayed true to your part, commenting on vocals.... his head voice, chest voice, diction, etc. I'm not sure which line it was, or even it was One single line, or if it was the Rise of Ren, but your eyes gave it away. You got swept up into the Message of the song and stopped analyzing it. By the end, you were Stunned by this work of ART. Even against your own training and position (as being an analyst), the Art made you FEEL. Ren is a Rapper, a Singer, a Composer, a Songwriter, an Actor, an Artist....You experienced it ALL in this one song/video.

[@ScottDJohnston]

You might really enjoy 'Chalk Outlines' by Ren and Chinchilla. A beautiful song performed live.

[@GBNationalist]

I once heard a great piece of advice on dealing with that voice; “You aren’t fighting fair so don’t expect a fair fight, you know all of your own weaknesses and insecurities, you’re punching yourself in all of the places you know you don’t know how to block”. Once you understand this, that voices effect becomes a lot less powerful. It’s not about learning to beat it, it’s about learning to live with it and prove it wrong. This has an exponential effect, the more times you prove it wrong, the easier it becomes to live with. 🙏🏻 Peace to all who read. As ren states; an eternal dance, a pendulum ever swinging from the light to the dark.

[@Jay-Ram76]

I found this artist Ren last year 2023. It popped up in my algorithm. Never heard anything like it. What a gem. Original, unique, masterpiece. I read that he made that video live, you see his mic on his collar. Supposedly spent a couple thousand dollars to make it.

[@Libbydoh]

One shot and live. Brilliance.

[@cobblepott4169]

Your observation at 2:22 is astute. Ren uses major to personify his light self and minor to express his darkness. In both occurrences of the sequence in head voice (before and after the piece's main body) he first repeats a single note (major) and then alternates two notes (major/minor). This is a musical representation of the dance he describes at the end. He's demonstrating that the light and the dark are both (still) present. Light didn't win, there wasn't an ultimate victory. He accepts both parts of himself and is learning to navigate the sway as the influence of each naturally ebbs and flows.

[@yaroslavmakarov2218]

Nice

[@dabid8470]

Nice

[@hmind9836]

Nice

[@DigitalJeremy]

I think it's safe to say that Ren's song changes anyone with a soul. I'm not the same, neither is anyone I know who has heard it. Love you, Ren. Please don't stop doing what you do :)

[@neilbrucker5985]

This man will forever hold a peice of my soul. A MFKN masterpeice to say the least.

[@MrD..]

This is a Universal Truth, portrayed as art. Wich is why I think it resonates with anyone who has a soul.

[@davidmcdowell1791]

By far one of the most articulate commentaries I've seen. Reactions to hi Ren needs its own designated genre channel. It's amazing to hear how it affects individuals with different backgrounds, professions, mental health etc. I like watching these reactions most because it's helpful to see others be moved by this art. I still get goosebumps during a few bars and a few notes he hits.

[@donmclaughlin3926]

You should watch some of his busking videos. Man's World, etc. And Chalk Outlines live.

[@thegman8968]

WOW! This was quite interesting.. This person obviously has a unique talent and the strength to share his story. 🏆🏆🏆

[@garywillow6578]

Ren's music heals. The world needs Ren.

[@noorieiversen]

Iconic piece for a new age. The next enlightenment has begun.

[@jukeboxdave6026]

Fantastic reaction thanks a 67 year old great grandad thanks love and respect from the UK 👍👍👍👍👍👍🌟😀😀 amazing channel 👍

[@kelliemyers4878]

He created a Masterpiece.

[@kimzwolinski9919]

Great reaction 😊 I first heard this less than a week ago and am an instant fan. His song Chalk Outline with Chinchilla is a wonderful showcase for his voice. Very special and unique artist.❤ 😊

[@truckinleprechaunscottcask9747]

Ren is a new age Bard with his storytelling ability. This song just shows us the internal battle he has gone through since being misdiagnosed with Lyme disease. You're right it hits home with us on the internal voice we constantly fight with. More from Ren; How to be me(feat Chinchilla) The Tale of Jenny and Screech (full) Chaulk Outlines (feat Chinchilla) The Hunger Money Games 1&2

[@TheHestya]

New age Bard is actually so on point.

[@system0fadowner251]

​@Ilona his genre actually has a name. Bardcore. Tho he dips into so many other genres too

[@TheHestya]

@@system0fadowner251 Nice, thanks for letting me know.

[@nickahrens5869]

You did a much better job holding your tears back than I did the first time I heard this song.

[@michaelschlageter8381]

U should have listened to this masterpiece without any Infos before. Such a masterpiece comes just every decade . Lucky me l had no idea when I got this on my playlist 5 weeks ago

[@jo_g.germany]

I'm a metal head. I rarely listen to rap/hip-hop, especially the "modern" forms (unless it's Xzibit joining Within Temptation). But this is good. Like really good! I'll check him out for sure!

[@loadedorygun]

Do you get some baroque/classical metal vibes from some parts, like the way he uses the guitar in the opening and the atonal bridge? The final guitar riff almost sounds like Nirvana to me if you distorted it.

[@philmckenna5709]

This is not "just" rap, or "just" hip hop. It's a synthesis with elements of folk, the troubador/strolling player tradition, performance art, spoken word, classical guitar stylings, etc etc... "Bardcore", he calls it, apparently.

[@jo_g.germany]

@@philmckenna5709 Sure. And it is extremely well done! Not just the message, also the music and the overall performance! It wasn't my intention to diss rap/hip-hop, or any other music style. I just almost never listen to these styles nowadays. Also, never heard of Ren before I watched Bethany's reaction (I know other reactors have done this earlier, but I was not inclined to watch them. Bethany's reactions are different, like those of The Charismatic Voice and Julia Nilon).

[@andreasbrey6277]

Music. Art. Whoever was wondering what Nietzsche meant with "Übermensch" should listen to this song. Ty for your analysis - love your channel.

[@fellforit]

The truth of this song is that with every reaction video I've watched, there's a moment when it's totally apparent when it suddenly speaks to the reactor's inner sadness, and they step out of analysing the song and the singer and just truly hear him.

[@fourcornersofbrighton]

I think part of what I love is his ability to portray characters using a combination of voice and acting and his ability to quickly flip from one character to another. It seems like if he were to exit then come back and sing a new little bit of music related to this song, you would be able to tell if it were the negative side or the positive side within a few sung bars. there's so many musical and visual clues to let you know. He wouldn't need to blatantly state which side it was. It's so beautifully done!

[@nosondre]

I get emotional every time I hear it. Powerful stuff.

[@1oo1optimus]

The reaction on your face is why Ive watched 200 of these reactions ❤️

[@Lemon-tb7wf]

You should do his song Chalk outlines feat chinchilla (live)!! His voice is really good there!

[@georgeknox1822]

One of the most incredible songs ever written …

[@andy2950]

Sung live, too. His sad back story is worth looking up; he is currently in Canada for long-term medical treatment after many years of misdiagnosis. Lymes disease and mental issues took their toll on a potential music deal with Sony. He busked in Brighton and had a band.

[@marktyler3381]

Yeah, I caught that it was live too. Amazing

[@RupeWilson]

It's amazing and beautiful and scary all at the same time. The hairs on the back of my neck standing tall, and feeling cold but warm... this guy is so so good. Wow! What a talent.

[@jiros00]

Musically he keeps up the tension (in a variety of novel ways) throughout the song so that, when the music starts to resolve, it becomes really pronounced and dramatic. All music does that but so rarely to this extent and in this way. An explosion on the senses. He's an artistic genius. Period. A treasure.

[@M_S_K420]

I can't get get enough of Ren at the moment 😅

[@Mehuge]

It was pure genius. It is pure genius.

[@SkunkworksProps]

Everyone has commented on how well he puts into words and feelings the difficulty artists have with being judged, but I think you put it really well when you say we have difficulty with stuff outside our control. I actually stopped playing in violin competitions because of it, and it reached a point I felt I was playing for judges rather than myself and how I wanted to interpret a piece. Even now in my professional artistic capacity it can be a struggle to listen to the 'good' inner me.

[@jamescurrie7678]

This piece of art is beautiful, your reaction was beautiful, please don’t apologise for sharing your thoughts and your expertise, we are all here listening to you because firstly we hope that you will be as moved by the piece as we are but also to learn elements that we haven’t even considered. You are clearly an amazing in your profession and thank you for taking your time to share this experience with us. I wish you love happiness and success. Thank you

[@flarelens5775]

Wow Vocalyst, your reaction was beautiful to watch, a reflection of You. Every time I hear 'Hi Ren' I am moved and a hidden part of me escapes from my shadow. Please react to some more of Ren's music 🎶 😃 Jenny, Screech and Violet Trilogy

[@nfefx]

Love this song, you should definitely do a video on Ren's "The Tale of Jenny & Screech". I think you'd really enjoy it

[@NoCanDu]

It’s true what you said about that negative voice. I remember when a “Jazz Choir” was added in high school and I didn’t think I was good enough, so I didn’t audition. I did the next year and got in. The director told me she couldn’t believe I didn’t audition the year before. 😢 That was just the beginning, too.

[@jeffwilson3205]

MORE REN! How to be me or Chalk Outlines would be amazing.

[@radadventure2606]

Thank you for your honest, emotional comments.

[@islgrl292]

Wow! This was amazing, who knew you could put a voice to that voice...hmm, maybe I am not so smart. Thanks for this, going to dig more into him. Btw: Did you see Floor dropped the Phantom of the Opera she did with Henke Port with Nightwish back in December in the Netherlands. She was never done it with NW because I suppose it was considered the 1st singers, Tarja, that left in 2005. I think Phantom is made for metal, & I’ve seen it on stage, & have the CD’s, but it just fits NW!

[@chadmyers953]

It's a live recording done in one take. That's something else that blows my mind. Along with the message of the song.

[@danieb4273]

When a musician is honest and bears his soul, this is what you get. Like a piece from Beethoven. Just beautiful.

[@Telescreen5]

2023, someone making funny voices is now a Beethoven.

[@w.c.orielly9059]

Hello there, believe it or not... out of the dozens of "Hi Ren" reactions ive watched YOU are only one of TWO people who actually noticed his change up in the melodic "hurk" when he begins vocalizing.... YOU and The Fairy Voice Mother... are seriously the only ones who reacted to this melodic change... signaling two different personalities coming out of the same musician.... KUDOS to you.... i this is why i love to watch your reactions.... you are on top of the music and the tonality that you are listening and reacting too.... ty for your reactions.... peace🙂

[@brooksy1217]

Watch his retake on 'Back on 74 / message in a bottle' his voice is superb! Oh, and it’s a jam!!!

[@loadedorygun]

It’s a comprehensive piece of art in several disciplines, you’re absolutely right. Rapping, singing, acting, playing, photographing, speaking…did I miss any?

[@andrewcarpenter3148]

I'm still hoping the lad will turn out to be great at tap dancing too. I wouldn't put it past him...

[@danieljodrey7677]

Another great reaction I knew before it started. This guy is a phenomenon frankly. His musical and emotional intelligence is off the charts. There's more of his stuff out there... ... segueing into ... I'm waiting with bated breath for you to return to another The Warning song. 🙏 Love your channel ✌️💖🎼

[@alysonstrang948]

Have a look at Rens older songs such as 'crutch' Ren ft Bibi..it's a fab song and shows his diversity.

[@ChrisLawton66]

Oh, that's a brilliant song.

[@kenteas9461]

You MUST watch the trilogy of songs. In order..........The Tale of Jenny & Screech. It will simply blow you away.

[@stevelucero9047]

Ren has the same gift for "conversational cadence" the Eminem has... And (just like Em) I'm 100% positive Ren's life experience was necessary for him to be chosen to create this It transcends music and even entertainment There is a visceral nature to this that creates a moment and places one smack in the middle of it, as if it were live and you were there in the moment it is being created. Even re-watching it takes one right back to that place. It's not just music. It's something else.

[@jichaelmorgan3796]

I was just thinking he reminded me of an eminem that went to music school and learned how to sing and play instruments.

[@Stephg128]

Thank you - big hug from Scotland.

[@janswimwild]

What is wonderful is that your ‘tangent’ is why we are all listening to all of the professional feedback, to see others be so shaken that they too are stripped emotionally naked by this extraordinary song, by this extraordinary artist. My son introduced me to him a month ago, and like him I disappeared into a Ren rabbit hole. Everything, every skill is there but most of all it’s his raw honesty and compassion that bursts through it all. I cry every time I watch and listen. Genius of the most human kind ❤

[@tvm2209]

You my dear have a great deal of empathy ❤

[@JiveMind]

I know you probably won't see this, but I just want to say- your rant- don't ever apologize for what is speaking to you- Ren resonates with me in such a powerful way because of exactly what you are talking about. The words you said literally brought tears to my eyes as imposter syndrome can be debilitating. Without music I would have very few reasons to survive this place. It is my outlet. just, Thank you for speaking our truth too.

[@TheVocalyst]

So grateful you're here and sharing with such honesty. ❤️

[@scottallan6770]

Ren's the best!!! Imagine if politicians were this open and honest.

[@AnnieNYC1]

This was an absolutely masterful performance, voice-heart, life-lesson, art. There is so much to say about this, and perhaps nothing much needs to. Other than it is. Marvelous. His breath control is stunning. Everything about this. Absolutely amazing talent. Wise, too. Thank you for introducing this magnificent artist to me. Thank you for you.

[@amandavanwyk5424]

Great reaction. This piece is so relatable, not just to artists, but to anyone who’s dealt with the negative inner voice telling you what you can and cannot accomplish. Comparing you to others. Etc. I’ve heard others comment on how this portrays a mental illness and multiple personality disorder. I don’t think this is at all what he portrays. I think anyone with enough self-awareness will recognize that there is negative self-talk within themselves. Sometimes it’s not very loud, but it’s there.

[@cas9065]

Ren has a you tube short in promotion for Hi Ren that addresses exactly that toxic self-talk as a part of all of us.

[@andrewwidows3822]

I want to personally thank Ren for creating this beautiful masterpiece! Much love to you!!

[@user-tt4ok9vm7f]

Wow, this is one of my favorite things I've seen on your channel. It took me a while to watch it because I didn't know who the artist was, but now I kind of feel ashamed. As a longtime fan of commercial music, I've long understood the tension between art as following a muse and art as commerce, but I imagine if well-known artists struggle with it, how much more difficult it is for those who want to try to create something new, but are also under immense pressure to put out something that will sell if they want to put food on the table. Please, don't apologize for the "tangent", as you put it. That is maybe the best artistic statement you have made, and I think it resonates with people who enjoy music because it shows us a different way to look at the world rather than just reinforcing what we already know we like. Brilliant!

[@crossefire01]

I put off listening to Ren for about a year. I made a judgement on a name. How ridiculous it was. Glad I'm here now.

[@michaeldoherty7434]

Ren has several brilliant videos. Listen to the trilogy of Jenny’s Tale, Screech’s Tale and Violet’s Tale.

[@alanpickering9845]

Spent hrs on one tune... Never before.. Im50 years old music lover great stuff, amazing..

[@RobertTaylor]

Just today I was wondering how I could find tomorrow’s classics today on YT and… here we are.

[@stevenlangton5607]

RENS CHALK OUTLINES , A MUST SEE AND , RENS TRIOLOGY EPIC

[@curtjohansen5742]

Words fail me to describe the genius of that i just witnessed. I won't insult it by trying.

[@brandonsimpson4553]

Ive watched literally every reaction I've found to this song and yours is definetly my favourite ( my first time finding your channel and def gonna check more out )

[@chrisv791]

I have never heard this song before…this is fantastically different

[@CPegRun]

I heard this song for the first time about 3 weeks ago. When the song was over I walked to my livingroom where my husband was. I felt I was in a sort of daze!! I told him I'd just heard something that had left me speechless!!! I played the song for him and he was left feeling the same way. We sat in silence for a while!! My goodness!! Ren is a man of many talents and I believe, with all my heart, he is here to teach us!! So wonderfully incredible!!!

[@PeteAxeShields]

BRILLIANT reaction and spot on with all your wonderful comments. I concur with all that you said. I am 62 on 17th of this month and I have never heard anything to match the intensity of Ren's creative, lyrical and musical genius 🙏

[@RedentSC]

for those of us in the UK who have had the privilege of knowing Ren a little longer than most voice fanatics, may I recommend Chalk Outlines, please, the live version... if you want voice and art, that's where its at. it's an amazing video and I cry everytime. love you man ❤️ new sub from the UK!

[@lilgit9969]

Ren's sound just does something nice to my brain. He's truly a special, one of a kind, rare, outside of the box thinker. I just love him and wish everyone could hear him.

[@JensRandolff]

As usual, great reaction and analysis. "Hi Ren" is the song that put Ren on everyone's radar since December; it went viral and has garnered more than 4.1 million views since its debut, but he has been creating great music for more than ten years. Ren’s songs are generally recorded live in a single take (although not necessarily the first take). His latest release, "Sick Boi," is almost another chapter to "Hi Ren." I am 57 y/o, and I only recently learned about Ren and have gone down this rabbit hole ever since. Many of his songs resonate with me because he addresses struggles that I myself face every day. He plays multiple instruments, has impressive vocals, is an excellent storyteller, and is quite the philosopher and poet. Check out the trilogy "The Tale of Jenny/Screech/Violet." It is haunting and has an unforeseen conclusion; WATCH THEM IN THE STATED ORDER, as this is the flow of the storyline, or just watch “The Tale of Jenny & Screech (Full),” which includes “Violet’s Tale at the end. It is another example of Ren’s genius and a master’s class in storytelling. It has been likened to a Shakespearean tragedy. Ren’s collaborations with Chinchilla (“Chalk Outlines,” “How to Be Me”) are beautiful and showcase his singing voice while addressing mental health. I would watch the official live music videos. "Chalk Outlines" is one of my favorite songs right now. Ren's personal reflections are threaded through many of his songs; "Insomnia," "Depression," “Diazepam," “Penitence,” “Dear God,” “Heretic,” “Dominos,” his "Freckled Angels" album, just to name a few, all deserve a listen. His song "Money Game" (Part I & II) is another recommendation. His performances with Sam Tompkins (“Blind Eyed,” “Earned it /Mans World / Falling,” “Walking on the Moon), Eden Nash (“Humble,” “Ocean”), Bibi (“Crutch,” “Ahiahiaoha”), Molly McKinna (“Penitence”), his former bandmate, Romain Axisa (“French Song”) are all great. His performances with Sam Tompkins (“Blind Eyed,” “Earned it /Mans World / Falling,” “Walking on the Moon), Eden Nash (“Humble,” “Ocean”), Bibi (“Crutch,” “Ahiahiaoha”), Molly McKinna (“Penitence”), his former bandmate, Romain Axisa (“French Song”) are all great. Ren's performances as a member of the band "The Big Push" (which unfortunately broke up), their busking (street performances), concerts, and their live recordings, are awesome and well worth checking out. Ren's covers of "I Shot the Sheriff," "Wade in the Water," "An Englishman in New York," the songs "Oh My Woman," “Swan Song,” and so many others are equally impressive and really give you a sample of his vocal ability. Ren just released his latest single, “Sick Boi.” In anticipation of his stay in Canada for more treatments, Ren prepared some music ahead of time to be released over the next six months that he expects to be gone. "Sick Boi" is almost another chapter to "Hi Ren."

[@MrWidd]

The Big Push were great

[@garebear1202]

Greatest song ever. I've never been able to describe it

[@drorharari]

The first thing that came to mind seeing the video is that it's a one man opera - " a dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers and instrumentalists".

[@wadecohagan2388]

it is a RENaissance we are in the midst of! I am here for it! did anyone else notice there are two shadows most of the time?

[@mrpratster]

Thank you for your take on REN.. I must have seen 15 - 20 reactions and the music speaks to them differently. He is an amazing artist for sure.. The more I listen the more I understood the meaning of the song.

[@gilhelguera]

The fact that this isn't a video with a back track, what you hear is what was performed and recorded. Amazing!!!

[@nightshade7240]

Oh and his use of overtone singing in his nasality is really cool. There are sounds you can develop bridging between head voice and overtone singing that you can't produce without doing so.

[@zachhenderson7982]

He's an amazing artist and I'm so glad you found him. You should watch his whole catalog.

[@tfburksstarseed6107]

I am brought to tears each time I hear this man sing. Moves my heart and soul.

[@jeffwellman8347]

Wow. Just, wow.

[@horsehollerer]

Great reaction, thank you! Everything I've checked out by Ren has been stunning. If you want more of his beautiful singing, I highly recommend Chalk Outlines (live) with Chinchilla. Meanwhile, the trilogy (Jenny's Tale, Screech's Tale, Violet's Tale) is simply staggering storytelling that takes his singing, acting, rapping, poetry and playing skills to whole new levels. Thanks again!