Classical Composer Reacts to REN: MONEY GAME (Parts 1, 2, & 3) | The Daily Doug (Episode 674) 

Classically trained musicologist here. I have not felt as excited about an artist as I have about Ren in many years. Mark my words, we will be studying his compositions at the university level in 50 years.

Two things of note: 1) Ren references Money Game 2 in "Hi Ren" when the bad Ren says "Ren, mate, we've heard it all before, 'she sells seashells on the sea shore'." 2) The Shell Transport and Trading Company, an antique company which expanded in 1833 to import and sell seashells, is the same company as "Shell" Oil today. So there's historical precedent for "She sells sea shells, sell oil as well."

Thank you Doug!! The 45 was decommissioned and there was clever switching of clips underneath the table during filming. We are, in real time, witnissing an artistic genius that I have never seen in 59 years. I'm so very grateful that I'm aware of this and to be alive. Grateful for you, Doug, and everyone who reads this. Thank you.

Andrew Lloyd Webber actually recognized and shouted out ren after money game 3 dropped. That right there says all you need to know about rens magnificence 😊💜💜

Ren has been praised by the one and only Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Calling one of the most unique artists of our time and wishing him good luck for number 1 uk album

Ren and Sam said the first Money Game video took something like 180 takes to get it right! Amazing dedication from everyone involved, really makes you appreciate it even more.

In Part 3, Ren wrote the piano piece, finding the later portion to be too fast and complex to perform it himself. He hired a professional Pianist, Charlie Woof-Byrne, and that's who taps Ren on the shoulder and takes over on the keys for the remainder of the track. There was one notable cut, when the camera goes behind the wheelchair; from when it circles around to reveal the quartet until the end is continuous. They could only do the rain once, that was a point-of-no-return. As to the gun, it was once "real", but this one is incapable of firing. They also did a hand pass to take the (empty) magazine and hand him one to load, then switched them again before he put the empty one in the gun. The only actual casualty I'm aware of on the set was the Violist's bow. So glad to have been able to share this experience alongside you.

Thanks for doing all 3 Doug, this is a masterpiece. #1 in the UK tonight if all goes well!

you have such a gentle soul. how shook you got when the hammer fell was heart warming. ive gotten so jaded to violence that i felt very little. ty doug for being a nice guy dont lose that.

Won three awards at the London Music Video Awards for Money Game 3. Best Music Video, Best Director and Best Concept, over the weekend. Well deserved the snowball is in motion.

I'm so glad you did this. Of all the reactors I watch, I've really been wondering what you would think on this suite of songs. Glad you did them back to back. I've become a huge Ren fan of the last year, much to the chagrin of my friends and family who are tired of hearing all things Ren, and this week has to be the greatest so far. So happy for his success and that he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

I read that the whole video only cost £2000. Can you imagine what Ren and Sam would be capable of with a bigger budget? Next year, they plan to make a pilot of an idea for musical drama set on city streets. They then hope to get it seen by Netflix or a similar company.

Phenomenal work of art. It was done in two takes with the break placed where the camera passes behind the wheelchair. They had to set up the quartet and move and protect Ren's lavalier mic from the "rain rain rain rain" shot. They did many many takes of the first half of the song to get the version we see here. But they only had ONE shot at the rain scene. So the second half of the song is truly truly a one shot. Such brilliance. In MG1 he took a great deal of time getting his poncho off and folded. Same with his suit coat in this. Building tension masterfully. When the water falls on him in this it is also reminiscent of him pouring the gas on himself in MG1. And MG1 ends with a click too. There were serious hurdles in getting the replica gun. And he had two clips, one which he loaded 45 bullets into for the accuracy to the story. But there was finesse involved and what he put in the gun was the clip that came with it which was a different size. And yet for all that it still hits us viscerally the same. When he sings the first notes it was reminiscent of Violet's Tale, introducing the notion of generational abuse/damage. And to my ear the quartet echoes the piano chord progression from "For Joe", which foreshadows the notion of su*c*de which is about to emerge in the story. One of Ren's favorite shots in the video is when he sits on the desk, spins the globe, and then the phone rings. He picks up the phone just as the globe stops turning to hear his father died. His world stopped turning. And the synchronicity of the globe stopping with South America facing the camera right before the song tells of him battling the cartels is beautiful. Even the bottle bounced perfectly for the sound when he dropped it. So much was planned for, but these little things just add so much. Ren is the most amazing musician/artist in decades. This from a 62 year old avowed prog rocker. Blessings.

MG3 - Yes, that's Ren playing piano at the beginning! He also composed the music for piano and strings, apart from the opening bars, of course. He directed the video and produced the music/audio. It was recorded live but it's not quite one take. They had to make a single edit, at the wheelchair, as the 'rain machine' was malfunctioning. Yet another incredible, masterful performance from Ren! Overall? An absolute masterpiece... again! :)

I was a High School athlete, What I was taught was "Only Winning Matters" and "If the Refs don't see it, it's not a foul" Who was it that said "If you aren't cheating. You're not really trying"

Ren is the real deal, the most original artist we've witnessed in decades. A true trooper when it comes to breaking artistic boundaries ❤️

"We must be better simply because the option exists." - Ren

Ren is one of a kind, in the current pig-swill we consume, Ren cuts through the drivel to make us reflect. I can watch him over and over, then just drop into a track like loosing it and just laugh and smile. He's a genius with everything in his arsenal...... Loved you reaction, unique and profound as always.

Thank you. A truly splendid reaction to this absolute masterpiece of creativity. I appreciated your feedback of the story & understanding of the music. So glad you found Ren... & that you're a part of the Renegades 💖

My wife is an artist who has multiple degrees in piano pedagogy and performance but suffers from physical ailments that have turned our lives upside down. Doug she shares your same brain and it’s what attracts me to this channel. Artists are the life blood and pulse of a generation. Never stop doing what you do. Artists like Ren give me hope that our passions and understanding of one another will prevail in the end. This is all so beautiful. Thank you for your great reactions.

Ren is attempting to create a movement where humanity co exists in harmony. We’re taught to go to school, get good grades, get a well paid job, have kids, repeat the cycle. Earn as much money as you can, but what do you do when you have more wealth than you know what to do with it? We should be lifting each other up, not idolising those who’ve ‘made it’. The only time we should be looking down on anyone is to help them up. Bring on the Renvolution!

Amazing that at the end of pt3 he acts out without voicing the chorus of money game, even the rain...masterclass

One fun bit of info about the end of part 3: The sound you hear isn't the gun trigger clicking. I've grown up around guns, and no gun has ever sounded like that. So, the sound has to be something else. A light switch? A camera shutter? Ren said that he left the end open to interpretation on purpose so people would complete the story based on their own life experiences and values.

I love where he goes under the hands, underhanded, where they are selling arms so many little touches that you pick up after viewing 2 times. Mind blowing Greatness. Thanks Ren and team.

I love how part 1 & 2 hook came back but in visual form, when the "Rain, rain, rain, rain, the storm came Jimmy's way..."

Yes, he is brilliant. The best thing that has happened in music or in general in a decade. You’re right he ain’t playin. He means every word. You can feel it in your bones. How lucky are we??? Wow!!!❤

Andrew Lloyd Webber tweeted recently about Money Game 3 that @RenMakesMusic Ren was one of the top/best storytellers and song writers of this generation! He could certainly do Broadway, TED Talks, has written a show to propose to Netflix, and has aspirations to do so much more! Strength and determination from constant struggle is a Power. 🔥😎👍 🔥🌳🌬️💨

Ren wrote every note of (MG3) this musical masterpiece. He used MIDI for the composition because he isn’t really a professional piano player. He got Charlie, who is the piano player, to play it live, but Ren learned the part at the beginning and practiced it and mastered it so this vision was possible. This is all shot in continuous format. There is one cut when the camera goes behind him in the wheel chair. My understanding is that the first section took 5 takes to nail and the second took 15. It’s a work of art and the most ambitious thing he has done to date. As for MG1. He has said it took 153 takes to get the final one you see. This is mostly because they couldn’t do the final shot where he dumps the liquid on his head, but one time, so they would run through the whole thing and just before that scene they would stop it if something wasn’t just right prior. Also, Samuel Perry-Falve is the director and he has directed most of Rens masterpieces. He is quite the genius himself and should be applauded as well for what he has accomplished.

So glad you watched this, I was hoping you would. Ren said he had to compose some of the piano and strings parts on the computer and layer them because he can't play well enough to do what he wanted to do (though as you can see from the start, he can play very well!) This week Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber called Ren one of the most unique songwriters and storytellers he has seen in a long time. Parts 1 and 3 are like a broadway play. Money is a tool, but greed can corrupt the way we use it.

Excellent choice , the 3 together, and as usual, a great job., thanks for a great moment.

I chuckled when Doug said "Nothing to see here" just as Ren painted eyes on the victim/hostage/Romain. Fantastic reaction, loved every minute of it. Keep at it Doug! Love your candidness.

Oh also Ren composed the whole thing and the string quartet was playing the hook from the original money games!! And his piano playing ability? And vision for the film? And the story??? Just a masterpiece.

I love that you did all three versions of the money game together. In two, Ren soaks himself with fuel, and also shoots himself with a 45. Little pessimistic, right? You’re right, powerful stuff. That’s why I find Ren so fascinating. For the boi from a small island in north Wales, he has a surprising world view.

Y’all can we all just take a minute to appreciate how Doug goes into a reaction prepared and researched 👏

This was so much fun to follow you in this journey. Part 1 gets you instantly invested and part 3 leaves us speechless. It has purpose and story and incredible piano music and next level videography. He does play piano and he composed the piano and strings on pt 3. High five Doug!!

BEWARE ALL: The intensity of these songs is set to Eleventy-One!

Thanks for your reaction to this series of masterpieces from Ren! He is so talented. He wrote the whole piano and strings for part 3 and was involved in planning all these videos. Well-deserved UK Number one album for Ren today!!

hearing the strings play the money game humming melody was genius

Thank you for watching the three together! I feel that although they are all individually great songs they have PROFOUND impact all together. One of Ren's greatest creations!

Ren was destroying the "money game" not killing himself.

A great reaction to all 3 parts!! 1 thing I took from it (and maybe someone else suggested this as well) was that the dad could be a metaphorical dad that could for example represent society in general and that whether it's through family or friends or society that we are all almost challenged that whatever you have it's not enough and you need more and more...and as Ren says 'the way we live is parasitic' and he is absolutely right. Have another listen and you will pick up the strings section were playing the hook from parts 1+2, and when he sat in the wheelchair of course there was rain...'rain rain rain rain, a storm it comes our way...' (why sing it when you can actually make it rain! Haha) the chorus from parts 1+2. The guy is a genius to link them all beautifully. And what a fantastically produced and directed cinematic video as well. Ren has said that when the screen went black at the end he has left it up to individuals to decide what happened....did Jimmy kill himself? For me the gun clicked, it didn't fire... I love he leaves it up to individual interpretation (same as he did in part 1 after pouring petrol over himself)

I saw someone post that the money bags over the head are not just symbolic of the way we are blind to the game, but symbolic of the way WE and our DATA have become another commodity in todays day and age, and I really love that idea and visual communication.

Wonderful reaction, it's great to see Ren's genius reaching more people, and you're helping to spread this wisdom!

It’s incredible to me that this whole performance was set to classical acoustic instruments. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before in the rap scene. Ren said he composed all of it himself, using virtual instruments and drawing in some of the parts in midi as he didn’t have the technical skill to play them all, and then gave the music to the performers to add their own flair to. The pianist has an in-ear linked to Ren’s microphone so the two can stay in sync, and at the end, Ren conducts the strings using the gun!

There's so much to say about this trilogy of videos, and you already said so much of it beautifully, Doug. I think what has been coming up for me as I've watched them over and over is that they make me feel uncomfortable in some unique way that I can't put my finger on. I typically avoid that kind of discomfort, I dislike it, and I don't see the importance or value in it, but there is something, thus far intangible to me, about Ren that bypasses that filter for me and allows me to sit with it and move me like nobody else. Money Game 3, in particular brings me to the edge of tears more and more the more I listen to it. Instead of being desensitized to it by knowing what is coming, I find myself becoming more moved by it. Thank you Ren, and thank you Doug, for this reaction and commentary.

Im a violinist, and ren is my ABSOLUTE favorite new artist since alt-j. Admittedly, I've been a huge fan of his for abt 5 years now, but its been absolutely amazing and emotional to watch him explode into so many ppls awareness. His philosophies don't hurt, either ❤ PS- I love tht in the 1st vid he uses the space/props as percussion and the 3rd just breaks out the grieg 😅😂😂

In the first one, the guitarist didnt react to Ren before he was hit. When he got eyes, he reacted when the gas was going to be poured on him. Ren, realizing he messed up by giving him eyes, Ren destroyed himself. Like the People vs Government. When the internet came out, one of the things i thought of was that companies are going to get rid of stores and just sell online. Watch the making of Money Game 3. The violinist on the left accidentally got wet and Ren had to buy her a new bow. And kuddos for her not reacting.

I love Ren ! He is the Dr Suess of musical truth. You are the only reactor to take the time to play all 3 together. Though I have heard them all. Together, they are magical. ❤❤❤

I really enjoyed this. Your views and values align with Ren and so many of us that follow him. He has not only does he explain what is damaging humanity, he has shown us how we have the power to change. The week leading up to his album drop he did a week of interaction promotion for money game, showing exactly how hive thinking works. I believe it is this just as much as his amazing music has got his album to number one, we all wanted and needed to lift him as he has shown us in his own actions. I truly believe he has awoken a new consciousness and I have a new found hope for humanity 🫶

BRILLIANT love the depth of your insight both musical and lyrical, you are Ren level genius of reactions

Thank you for reacting! I just discovered Ren. I fear this is a rabbit hole I will live in for a while. ❤ And... he ain't playin. Love Ren.

no matter how much i listen to Ren he ALWAYS leaves me speechless, teared up, and goosebumps all over. he is a lyrical genius. he's like the modern day Shakespeare! his music is absolute gold. I relate to him a lot with having chronic pains and mental health issues.

I have no words. It's so beyond talented, it's abnormal.

Did you notice the gun went click? No shot. Jimmy didn't kill himself. Jimmy killed the money game in his mind.

Doug Look behind you. Dark side of the moon. Money. 50 year anniversary. . Ren is carrying their baton.

I geuss that's what really, REALLY good Music und REALLY good Texts/Poetry/Songwriting does - It leaves you speechless and thinking...Many Thanks for this reaction, I think we can all realate! - Thanks for all these reactions (I'm subscribed for many years now), you have shown to me some awesome music, that I would have missed otherwise AND you are very educational (like exlaining why the Music I like connects withe me) -and entertaining - keep up the great work!!!

Ren brings something to the table that's been missing for many years: groove.

Amazing and beautiful breakdown, reaction and personal thoughts. ❤

Yes! Two of my favorite people Doug and Ren!

Doug, that was one great reaction. Thank you for this. Hope Ren sees it.

Thank you for reacting to this Doug. I'm glad you got to hear about this. I'm still shocked by Part 3 and trying to understand the message. I feel like we all need to do a lot of pondering and take action about this.

Appreciate your reaction. (btw, Money Game Pt 1, when he draws the eyes on the seated figure, that figure now becomes a person. He is no longer "faceless." When he started getting ready to pour the gas on the figure and the figure now looks directly at him, he has to recognize this is a person and he what he is doing is wrong. Also, in Pt 3, a lot of people don't pick up on the petri dish being us and our EARTH and what we are doing to it, as well as society.)

It was 1 cut according to Ren, 2 according to Samuel. 1 at the mirror after he removes the hood (because Ren was really sweaty under the hood). 2 behind the wheelchair. They had to reposition the lapel mic and waterproof it. Ren only had the one suit. Also, you can see the violin (?) player on Ren's right move her bow as the water came down. Ren called her a legend because she barely flinched, only trying to protect her bow as the sprinkler unexpectedly sprayed back too far but she knew they only had the one take to get it right, so she sat there. I guess they had to replace the strings on her bow because it got wet.

Think: this was put together with so little money that they couldn't repeat the rain scene if needed because they didn't had the money for another suit or time enough to wait for it to dry...

Thanks for doing this reaction :) p.s it was ST:TNG for me too :) Im old enough to have seen the OC before it on telly but i was too young for it to have a real impact.

Your comments about choir, forgive the pun, struck a chord. Ren himself has used several simple choral samples in his album. Cooperation is a key part of Ren's own personal ethos.

WOW Doug Thank you so much for this reaction. I love REN But this, your reaction, your words, your personal thoughts regarding this subject was inspirational, and thought provoking. I’m subscribed to your channel. Thank you again I hope you are well Take care Daz

Another reaction from a visual artist pointed out that in the first installment, when we're so tense about what he's doing to the poor guy on the guitar, he gave him a face by drawing eyes on the hood; making it harder to just dismiss his existence.

Thank you for your thoughtful commentary. Ren is brilliant and his music hits on such a deep level and what is going on at this point in time…so profound, powerful and entertaining ❤

you've been one of my favourite reactions to this amazing artist . obviously you being a musician, intelligent, understanding rens abilities, that its live and you get it! you get the story . I'm a new subscriber that's for sure

the gun magazine was swapped, they had 2. the 1 that was loaded was not put in the gun

His dad had the wrong idea, but the wrong idea also happens to be the loud hum of western patriarchy and capitalism.

Your reactions to Ren are always special; I've been looking forward to this. Thank you!

The Daily Doug is a great, great Dj. This is the kind of speaker I would love to have in the air.

Fabulous review! I love your enthusiasm and musical knowledge. Yes, Ren is a true generational talent who will leave a profound effect on our world.

Sam needs something more than a run of the mill award for everything he does

I just "found" Ren this year. He blows my mind. (He reminds me of seeing Andrew Bird live without a band. The things he can do with his violin.)

That’s was really good Doug 👌

Great reaction, really enjoyed watching this. Thanks.

I don’t usually comment on your videos because after all I’m no expert in music and I just wanna see your reactions and analyses on my favorite musics but I think it had to hit you hard to leave such a heartfelt comment on the meaning of the songs more so than their musicality and I loved that

This rise of a generational artist is awesome, storyteller of our time ❤❤❤

Thanks for a review of the entire arc of the Money Game songs. Like The Tales, there is an entirely different feel to it. A few things to think about: First, The "10 steps" of economics in a nursery rhyme, is not only an incredibly series of bars, but it is influenced by the history of the Shell Oil conglomerate. They literally went from selling shells to oil. Second, Ren has co-opted elements of the 10 steps to change the way things work. He has zeroed in on "influencers, product placement, featured prime time entertainment" **BUT he has done so in a way that does not sacrifice others for his success**. What I mean by that is that Ren has chosen to *cooperate* with the YT reaction community to push his music, but he waves his copyright claims, so that reactors can monetize their work. As the tide of interest in, and love for, Ren's music rises, the many boats that make up the reaction community are rising as well. It should also be noted that it is even becoming a point in the Ren fan community to watch Ren's videos on his channel, but then *also* visit the pages of as many reactors as we can to boost their reactions, and to share reactors content among ourselves to boost their subscriber counts. Ren utilizes social media and the premier function on YT to directly engage with his fanbase and keep the energy and anticipation high. He has created a less harmful, and more beneficial, way to play The Money Game. Lastly, for those who are just learning about Ren, a lot of his music is like this--full of layers that you can investigate at your leisure, and some that will ambush you.

Ren got number 1 in the UK album charts last night. For an independent artist, it's an incredible achievement. Add in all the health issues and obstacles he faces, and it's just beyond amazing. There is a video of him finding out which made me cry with joy 😊 . I'll find the link and send it in a reply. I'm so proud of him and the global community(RENagades) he's managed to cultivate. He's insanely talented and deserves everything he is getting g at the moment. My journey started with hi ren when I was in a dark place, and it saved me, so thank you, @renmakesmusic , for everything you give us. Peace and love to you all

Great reaction Doug! Found your channel a while back and found Ren a little bit earlier. I have watched all of your Ren and many other of your reactions, and not only do we have similar tastes and views, but I also truly appreciate the way you breakdown the art. Keep up the good work.

He drew eyes on him at the end of part #1, so he could see, he was no longer blind.... ...he could see, and seeing let him fear, and through fear he could refuse, and by refusing, he forced the dominator to kill himself through his own means of destruction.

I love that your reaction at the end of one is literally the same as mine at the end of the 1st and last parts. That a solute shock and "No, no ,no!" Ren reaches down to the most visceral and unpleasant bits of ourselves, pulls them into the light and gives us the option to change it.

"how am I supposed to say anything coherent about that" might be the best way to describe Rens music. It's out of this world

Really appreciated your reaction to Money Game pt.3. it's so lovely to see so many different types of people, from different perspectives and educational backgrounds view and enjoy that masterpiece for what it is 💜

What a great and honest reaction sir!! You make me smile thanks! 😄

I find it amazing that a single person in a few minutes can explain the world to a Tee. His talent through this and many others of his songs and the angst that he can generate makes one listen even when they know they cant handle the message.

Finally someone that does all 3 of them at once. Just for that fact, you got a new sub :D

Fingers crossed he gets a UK number 1 album tomorrow! It's sooooo close! Love your thoughts on his music.

Wow! Just wow!

WHOA You did them all!!! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Number 1 record!!!! His messages are resonsting! Love to see it. Thanks again for your thoughts. I enjoy listening to you so much!

Applaud your ending summary. I can listen to Ren songs multiple times to try and understand and think about the lyrics. It rewards re-listening. I am not knowledgeable about musical composition, but enjoy listening to the way he crafts his songs. Is there any possibility that you could do a short revisit and focus on how this composition creates/supports the atmosphere?

Ren, visualises the imagery of these emotionally hard hitting videos as he is writing his lyrics. He truly is a creative genius.

Great reaction….really appreciated your musical knowledge & your passion for REN’s music. I have to say though…I laughed pretty hard when you got that little jump scare when your heard the trigger pull. 😂

It's so amazing seeying you envolving your experience with Ren over those past reactions. It's like see a flow blossom. Keep going!

Outstanding! Ren is the artist for our time, unique and indescribable. Thank you for this breakdown and reaction and for doing all three consecutively. Music is the heart of our existence and Ren's music is the pulse. Well done! I love a team too and the healthy result of working together. Those damaging our existence at the moment can not function in a team......this is a problem. Ren is profound