I THINK I'M OBSESSED
Okay so I just have to scream about how friggin awesome this guy is. I know @ablaze has posted about him but I'm going to rave myself now, okay, coz it's my kinda JAM. And just when I'm like - that's the most freaking genius thing I've seen in ages, I watch another clip and go - whooooaaa - I think I kinda LOVE this guy. Plus, it's going to be super, super freaking hard to stop at three for #threetunetuesday y'all, so if I don't, forgive me. I'm in a Ren rabbit hole and I ain't coming out. In fact I haven't listened to an artist for a long time the way I'm absolutely binging Ren.
Ren's story is both hopeful and tragic, having spent most of his 20's rotting in his bed with Lyme Disease, though he didn't know it. Our girl on Hive @goldenoakfarm would know all about this although I don't think she'll dig the music. He's currently undergoing some full on treatment in Canada including daily IV drips and surgery to hopefully fix his immune system. A lot of his songs are about his mental health and illness including depression and psychosis - truly powerful stuff.
Ren says he honours, in a lot of his songs, the artists and songs that influenced him or that he loved. I guess it's why I totally get this song as Bittersweet Symphony was so huge when it came out and kinda embedded itself in my psych. Jamie loved it because it's set in Brighton to (like quite a few of his clips are) and he spent his entire 20's there until he had to leave or die (long story). It echoes the famous film clip of the Verve's song. But if you don't know it or are only going to listen to one song here, go listen to the third one, Chalk Outline. I can't get it out of my head.
And then, I mean Ren honouring the Beastie Boys? I'm not sure if you know about my love affair with the Beasties.
I can't get over Chincilla's crazy ass nails in this clip, but I found their duets incredibly moving. There's so much heart in this performance it kinda hurt my own. And if you liked this one, go check out the other one with her, which is just as haunting and powerful. What a duo.
And here's him performing it solo (not four songs, just one song twice, ya feel me?)
Sometimes it's the comments on Youtube that show you how affecting music can be. Don't you just love this one from a Swiss gynaeo? Priceless.
There's a whole heap of live stuff too on Youtube from his street performances in Brighton and playing with other musicians, from covers of The Who, Sting, Cyndi Lauper and more. They're awesome, but it's his original stuff that really floats my boat.
I have donated to his Go Fund Me - poor guy's music career is just staying to take off (think about this - he was just discovered by Sony in his early 20's but was dropped when he got ill, putting a massive pause on his career) and he's still trying to fix himself. Here's the Go Fund Me if you can spare a dime for this remarkable musician. I can't think of many people that deserve it more for all he gives back. Legend.
My heart goes out to young people who get this awful disease. Some, like him, get so ill. While I was pretty much housebound for 7 years, I was never bedbound, except in the first few months in late 1999 when I was reinfected.
I am glad his GoFundMe has done so well and he's found a doctor who can truly help. The neuro stuff, if left long enough, as in my case for decades, isn't repairable. I am glad he's able to continue with his music. It can pull him through.
I did listen, yeah not my stuff more my son's thing (Ren even sort of looks like him). I'm an old stick-in-the-mud who's stuck in the 60's and early 70's for music I like.
Oh I knew you would not like it but you'd like his story. Sounds like he is getting amazing treatment and that's working on creating new neural pathways too!!! I had no idea it could get sooo bad, I mean your story has shown me a lot but
..... You don't rap 😂😂😂😂
Nope, nor sing much and many are glad of that! LOL
Hahaha me too !!! (windows shatter)
Welcome to the Ren rabbit hole. I tagged you a while ago to check out The Big Push which he was a member of before they split, I knew you would like them and him, He is crazy talented, a genius really.
I mean his flow, his voice and his amazing skill at producing his own music, I'm blown away to be honest, he is a special one for sure xxxx
Power and The Hunger are two awesome tracks as well.
He really is the voice that is needed right now xxxxx
My youngest, who's 5 is obsessed with What You Need, she's singing it all the time xxxx
Isn't he amazing? I donated to his GoFundMe. I think I missed the tag but I've made up for it by listening to all of them over and over. The Power is amazing. I adore Chalk Outline too, it kills me. He's so good. Lovvvvveed what he did with Bittersweet Symphony. 💚💚💚💚
He is a modern day Bard. I listen to him everyday and his music is always in my head. Been a long time since someone's music has had that affect on me. He is such a light, I can't wait to hear what he posts next. xxxxx
Right!!!!! An utter wordsmith. I love how he doesn't take himself too seriously either. He deserves to blow up.
I think he's busy popping tons of pills in Canada currently but he is writing too so it'll be great to see what's next. I know what you mean, I haven't felt so pulled in by an artist in ages..... And he's sooo diverse.
It's really exciting, his rapping is just off the chart and then he's a great musician and producer and his singing voice, it's almost too much lol xxxx
Wow!!! He's gorgeous through and through. What a musician! Love knowing about him, thank you.
Isn't he amazing? My new crush, and I don't usually crush...
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Beastie Boys tribute is awesome lol
isn't it? Clever boy. He does all his own videos too.
Amazing, thank you for sharing 😊💕
Although I usually don't listen to this kind of genres, as they are uncommon in my environment, I must admit that this artist is quite talented and good within his genre, the rhythmic and energy he maintains are brutal. Thanks for sharing
Good music my friend, excellent. greetings
He's just so incredibly talented isn't he, I had a feeling he'd be right up your street. I didn't know about him getting signed years ago, but it doesn't surprise me as firstly he is super talented and secondly the music buisness is sickening cut throat.
His Bitter Sweet Symphony is serious social commentary is'nt it, he has a great way of portraying his opinions, great singer, great guitar player, great guy, I wish him every success and also contributed to his Go Fund Me, he really deserves it.