REN - Hi Ren ( First Reaction Podcast ) 

Never apologize for crying. We all cried the 1st, 2nd, 40th time watching this.

The tales of Jenny and Screech (full) should be your next reaction to Ren. This was a lovely reaction.❤

Thank you very much guys - the all three of you! I wouldn't have known who Ren is if not for you amazing 'reactors'. That was quite an awakening! Ren is a talent apart! 🙏🏽

“For Joe” is definitely a song that is going to “make Sistah cry”😢❤ And everything that he did with his band “The Big Push”, busking on the streets of Brighton, is top notch!

I’ve recently gotten into the Ren rabbit hole, what an amazing artist.

I apologize for the redundant information. It wasn't until further into the podcast that I realized that most of what I wrote here was explained during the conversation. This certainly was one of the best discussions on Ren's background that I have listened to over the past 7 months; well done. For what it's worth, here is some additional information on Ren's story that I gathered from old newspaper interviews, articles, and Ren's public livestreams and posts. None of the information was gathered from sources that Ren did not personally approve for release to the public. Ren is a British musician/independent artist/producer, self-taught multi-instrumentalist; originally from Wales. Ren pursued a career in music from an early age. In 2009, while studying music performance at Bath Spa University, Ren began to experience health issues and was struggling to attend his lectures, which eventually caused him to discontinue his studies and return home. In addition, Ren was signed by Sony Records in 2010 and was working on an album when his health deteriorated to the point that he was unable to go on; consequently, his contract with Sony was dissolved. Ren would later relocate to Brighton. Ren's illness often kept him in bed for up to 23 hours daily. Ren was initially misdiagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome, which led him to experience psychosis and develop PTSD. It would take seven years before a doctor in Belgium finally correctly diagnosed Ren with autoimmunity, Lyme disease, and resulting damage to the brain, organs, joints, and PTSD. Ren eventually underwent stem cell therapy in the United States, which improved his health, but it has not been a cure. Ren is in Calgary, Canada for at least six months (Summer of 2023), undergoing treatments such as IV therapy and other interventions five days a week, as well as surgeries (wisdom tooth removal and cavitation surgery). His Canadian doctor discovered that Ren also developed a condition called Mast Cell Activation Disorder (MCAD), which has affected the myelin sheath in his brain, his thyroid, and adrenals as well as his bones/joints. Hence, Ren is receiving additional treatments for this previously undiagnosed condition. He recently took a break from treatments and returned to the UK to visit family and friends, and to produce some very ambitious musical projects to be released soon. Let's keep supporting Ren as he undergoes his treatments. Check out and subscribe to his channel; if you are a content creator, ask your audience to subscribe to Ren. Ren's YT channel has less than 1 million subscribers, while his videos have garnered millions and millions of views. Listen to some of his earlier work, like and comment on his performances, and let's lift Ren's spirits. If you are a believer, pray for him. Ren is an artist with something to say to the world, and his work is important in these troubling times. Someone has finally created a Wikipedia page for Ren, so there is additional information available.

before calgary a doctor in los angeles donated a 200k stem cell transplant which i understand allowed him to do forward with treatment in calgary. that doctor perhaps realized true genius and he deserves a thank you

I really enjoyed your genuine, heartfelt reaction. Even after literally hundreds of times of watching this video and reactions to it, this song, like many of his others, still gets to me. Ren recently released a video of an older live stage performance of “Hi Ren;” it is worth checking out. He also just released “Murderer.” I wrote this introduction to Ren when I first discovered him earlier this year, as there wasn't a Wikipedia entry for people to look him up prior to March 2023. I have posted this info to every "Hi Ren" reaction I have come across since, and I hope it will be of some use to the uninitiated. "Hi Ren" is the song that put Ren on everyone's radar since December; it went viral and has garnered over 16 million views since its debut, but he has been creating great music for more than ten years. Many of Ren's songs resonate with people because he addresses struggles that many others face every day. Ren's music videos are frequently recorded live, often in a single take, although not necessarily the first take, and from various camera angles. In the case of "Hi Ren," it took four takes, all live in the room, to get the footage he wanted. Someone commented that Samuel Perry-Falvey who filmed "Hi Ren," talks about the production of the video in the comments of Jonathan Hiller's (Filmmaker Reacts) reaction to the song. According to him, this video footage is not a one-take per se, but the audio was recorded live in a single take. Ren's release, "Sick Boi," is almost another chapter to "Hi Ren" and appears to have been filmed in the same room. Ren is an independent artist/singer/songwriter/busker/producer from Brighton, UK. He plays multiple instruments (acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, piano, melodica, drums), has impressive vocals, produces all his own beats, is an excellent storyteller, and is quite the philosopher and poet. He is considered by many a modern-day bard; he calls his music "bardcore." Ren's earliest recordings on RU-vid are from his time in a band called "Trick The Fox," consisting of Ren and his buddies Charlie and Tommy. Unfortunately, the band performed only briefly due to Ren's onset of health issues. They are very talented. A fun clip to watch is "The Mash Up." Here is the link: The Mash Up - TRICK THE FOX Ren's trilogy "The Tale of Jenny/Screech/Violet" has been likened to a Shakespearean tragedy and is a prime example of his genius; it is a master's class in storytelling and also showcases his guitar skills. The three acts are haunting, and the conclusion will catch you off guard. The trilogy needs to be watched in the order given, as this is the flow of the storyline and is best watched as a whole rather than piecemeal. Ren's collaborations with Chinchilla ("Chalk Outlines," "How to Be Me," "Sexual Healing," "One Dance/Drunk in Love") are beautiful and showcase his singing voice. His live music videos are especially impressive. Ren's personal reflections are threaded through many of his songs; "Insomnia," "Depression," "Diazepam," "Penitence," "Dear God," "Heretic," "Dominos," his "Freckled Angels" album, in particular his song "Fire," just to name a few, all deserve a listen. His song "Money Game" (Part I & II) is another recommendation, although it is less of a personal song than it is an indictment of greed and the resulting injustices in this world. Ren is about to shoot "Money Game Part III." Ren's Hip Hop/Rap style songs are all worth checking out if you enjoy this genre; they are pretty amazing. Check out "The Hunger," "Genesis," "What You Want," "Losing It (FISHER rap retake)," "Right Here, Right Now (Fatboy Slim one shot retake)," "Life is Funny," "Love Music (Parts 1, 2, and 3)," "Crucify Your Culture," "Power," "Hold On," "Bittersweet symphony (The Verve retake)," his recent releases "The Illest Of Our Time" and "Animal Flow" (both the full production and the live acoustic version), and his latest release, “Murderer,” which is fire. Ren's performances with Sam Tompkins ("Blind Eyed," "Earned It /Mans World / Falling," "Walking on the Moon/No Diggity," "Feeling Good/Trouble So High/Masterblaster (Jammin')," "Latch," "Wild Thoughts/Crazy in love (Live Session)," "Same Old Situation (Live, feat. Ren)," "Improvising Around Stevie Wonder," "Live in the Streets of Brighton, UK," "What Went Wrong" Part I&II) are definitely a must. Also, his collaborations with Eden Nash ("Humble," "Ocean"), Bibi ("Crutch," "Ahiahiaoha"), Molly McKinna ("Penitence"), Orlean ("Jessica"), his former bandmate Romain Axisa ("French Song"), are all great. Last but not least, Ren's busking sessions with Liv Sangster are awesome. I recently discovered that Ren also recorded a cover of "Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Cover)," which is simply beautiful. "The Big Push" (Ren Gill, Gorran Kendall, Romain Axisa, and Glen Chambers) busking sessions, concerts, and live recordings all are amazing and well worth checking out. All but the drummer sing lead vocals at times. Ren, Gorran, and Romain all play multiple instruments. Ren plays acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, piano, and drums. Gorran plays acoustic, electric, bass guitar, and harmonica. Romain plays acoustic, electric, bass guitar, ukulele, and piano. They are each incredibly gifted artists, and their solo work is completely different from each other. Well worth checking out. Their covers of "I Shot the Sheriff/Road to Zion/Hip Hop," "Wade in the Water/Nina Simone/Trouble so Hard," "Watch Out," "War Pigs," "Roadhouse Blues," "My Generation," "Paint It Black," "An Englishman in New York," "Bongo Bong" are excellent. On "These Boots Are Made For Walking'/Satisfaction/Everybody," "Praise You" (Fatboy Slim Cover), and "What Kind Of Woman Is This," all three take a turn singing. The songs "Oh My Woman," "Swan Song," "Sweet Little Lady," "It's Alright," "Dignity," and so many others are equally impressive. The band, at least for the time being, performed their last official busking session and gave their last concert in September of last year (2022) due to the fact that Ren was leaving for Canada to undergo specialized medical care and surgeries for his multiple health issues. In anticipation of his stay in Canada, Ren prepared some music ahead of time to be released over the next six months that he expects to be gone. He released "Sick Boi" and "Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve retake)," which is another masterful work. Ren released his song, "Illest Of Our Time," on his birthday, March 29. His recent release, "Animal Flow," is out now in two versions, a full-production music video and a live, one-take acoustic version. Ren's release, "Su!cIde," recently premiered, and it was hard to watch to the point that I was not able to watch or listen to it again. I was not even able to watch a single reaction to it. It is a sad, haunting, gut-wrenching tribute to Ren's friend Joe who took his own life. Ren’s follow-up to “Su!cIde,” "For Joe," is also sad and emotional, but strangely enough, it has had a healing effect on me and has given me a sense of closure. Even the lyrics that "gutted" me in "Su!cIde" impacted me differently this time around.

Ren is currently talking with Netflix to create a show based off his music and storytelling. Cant wait for that if they ok it

Ma'am, I LOVE your shirt. Hi Ren: I cried, I wept. I was in shock. It was the most gut wrenchingly beautiful thing I've ever seen. THIS is what IS happening. Spit the raw truth. No more "dance baby dance" songs. I couldn't speak for an hour. THEN I couldn't SHUT UP about him! It's not a KIND of music....it's all of them used as Michelangelo used paint, and Shakespeare wrote the rap. An I'm 63. I am no longer a victim, but a student. I was this many years old before Ren pointed this out to me.

A very emotional reaction! Ren fans follow reactors for many reasons, but 1 reason is Ren has asked us to show the love. His belief that "A rising tide raises all ships" Helps us know that we are all connected. That we should be better, we should be kind. Thank you! Its amazing to me CNN news pointed to this song saying it promoted suicide. View his post "love you CNN"

this song went from 750.000 views to 15m views in just 2 months... and now Ren has hit 1m subscribers next level genius writing the next chapter in the story that has had chapters done by Bowie, Jimi, Trent, Tom Waits... strap in as the adventure continues 😎🤘 Respect & Peace ☘

Never apologize for crying to Ren. There's a lot more of those tears going to come if you jump down the rabbit hole. They are healing tears. He has some really fun songs too, but Ren isn't scared of bringing on the dark topics that he has dealt with. There are so many songs I could recommend, but it's hard to go wrong in his backlog, and I guess the old bore can guide you, but be sure to watch the 'Tale of Jenny and Sreech' in the full version so you're sure they're in the right order.

I love that I can see that she gets it....I've tried to get friends and even my therapist to watch this to try and understand what's going on. They don't get it, but I can see by your true reaction that you do. That means so much and helps me know I'm not alone. Thank you so much! I don't mean to be a big downer, it's not like that, it's just been a long journey and I truely appreciate seeing someone else that "gets it".

Such a powerful message to the world " Hope " , I have seriously watched this 100's and 100's of times and yet I enjoyed this as much as the first reaction. I loved the format, I initially fast forwarded to 10.48 , then thought NO so started at the beginning and so pleased I did as I found it really interesting. Jenny and Screech will show another powerful message and society. He is The Big Push and is amazing as well.

Loved your conversation and reaction to my favourite artist ever and I am 60. He is so full of music and it is his therapy which seems to get shared with his friends fans and even detractors. His chronic illness seems to have made him wise in life and kind. Being a student and not just a victim. Accepting limitations and finding ways to turn them into something great whenever possible. Not to say he doesnt mess up and have bad days. I find his songs often inspiring and a reminder to look to enjoy the dance whilst listening with the heart. We should all be kind to ourselves. Its amazing how the parts of the interweb connected with Ren have in my experience been safe fun encouraging places to visit and connect. Once in a lifetime artist and human too! Love to you three for your honesty and uniqueness 💛♥️💖🎶

I have never felt so connected to a song before, REN's music touches people and makes the taboo of Mental health feel less shameful. My depression and anxieties always make me feel isolated, never had someone sing how I actually felt before. You need to go down this rabbit hole, you will never want to turn back.

Exactly! 'Hi Ren' as well as being his personal story, it is also all about the human experience which is why everyone relates to it. I love watching these reactions because it's the nearest I can get to listening to it for the first time. Thanks guys.

Chalk Outlines is another great one that speaks more about his struggles, more it's a singing song.

I’ve seen countless reactions to this song, and I still get emotional seeing it. This is probably the single greatest piece of art I’ve ever seen.

I always say Ren makes music for adults and I think he is so good at it because he's actually served his apprenticeship, not only in music but in life aswel. He isn't some bubbled kid that thinks they know it all n thinks they have the right to tell "normal" everyday working people people what they should think or believe.

Ren has released the emotions bottled up in so many. Acceptance of what is. Great reaction. REN just hit 1 millon subs yesterday in 6 months. Ren is multi talented hope you will hear more and learn his story. THANK CHAOTIC FOR REN....

What a great reaction; I love the addition of the baby Ren material!

I was hoping so much for you guys to react to Ren ❤ Super excited, also shout out to Chaotic! 🙏🏻 P.S.: I was crying too, like I always do when listening to “Hi Ren”

This is art of transcendent beauty and an *important* song. Artists often struggle with imposter syndrome. There’s a movie starring Olivia Munn called “Violet” that rings of this and was a transformative experience for me… just as this song also resonates. As a person who’s never been able to escape imposter syndrome and negative self-talk, *realizing* that I can exert the strength that destructive voice questions-strength that I *know* I have-was sooo important. It takes time to push past the negativity-to make your own voice stronger, but if anyone out there is struggling with this, please please please *know* that you can do it. *Know* that I believe in you… but you don’t need me to-just like you don’t need the shroud of doubt that feels first of protection and then as a prison. You are *stronger* than that voice. You are stronger than you can *possibly* know… until you push back with softness or aggression-your choice.

An absolutely phenomenal response to this song. I was sucked down the Ren rabbit hole weeks ago and I love watching reactions. Jenny and Screech trilogy is a must!

Oh so glad to see you guys being turned on to this man's music. Everything he does is different than the others. You will enjoy this journey.

You may not know this yet but you're favorite rap song is probably by Ren. Have a great experience with his awesome rap song LOSING IT. It does not get old. It's a lot of fun too. Btw, this is one of the MOST satisfying first reactions I've watched in a while. I've seen over 200. 😢 Your video was well edited and gave extra video I had not seen from Ren. Thank you. It is very satisfying to watch someone tear with me when it's their first time and my 200th. It's just so powerful It's hard not to emotionally each time.😢

Considering that Ren blew up with rxERS about 6 months ago surprised new still to some, so know this the three deepest rabbitholes on the rxERS community is Pink Floyd, Nightwish, and Ren...his rap, music, busking with The Big Push, Raggae, and what he calls "Bardcore" surprises every time.

oh snap, Ren will make you cry a lot happy to join you for the ride!

I tear up every time I hear this song. 😢

Ren the welsh bard, wales is the land of poetry and song ❤

Very much enjoyed your reactions and break down of this masterpiece. Ren is on a whole other level then most. I believe he has tapped into the god consciousness to help humanity connect in ways we so desperately need.

Awesome job to everyone involved! Very in-depth commentary about a great performer, love Ren!

within temptation - wireless (visualizer)

Ren and rhyming. Ren is a master at utilizing his accent and the spoken word to generate rhymes that if an American were to pronounce they would not rhyme. Only he can do it; I have never heard another.

Great reaction and introduction. Because the beat is so catchy and the start of it has so much flexing, I think it's easy to miss that the last part of "Illest of Our Time" is about Ren's brain damage and ends on a quite sad note. Great song!

BTS renegade here!!!! I think i just watched you both fall in love with ren. just like millions of others. ren has a large catalog, each song great AND different!! have fun going down the ren rabbit hole. ren hit 1mil subs on youtube. check out his new 2 day old drop "Murderer"--FIRE!!!!!!!!

Sam and Ren are freaking brilliant, it's an amazing age for these types of artists to get exposure across the world

You might consider reacting to his songs Freckled Angel, Su*c*de, and For Joe. All are in honor of the memory of his friend Joe Hughes, and expresses how much Joe's memory nont only has influenced Ren, but how it has made him stronger.

All 3 of you have done a beautiful reaction. Thank you, subbed. Ren is our welsh golden nugget, a blessing to the world

If you like harmonies, try Big Push, Swan Song

What a beautiful reaction! I feel like watching people react to "Hi Ren" is good for the soul. You can always tell the instant that someone goes from analysis mode to captivated.

ThAnk you for wonderful reaction to Ren 👍 he's the one to watch no regrets to falling down this endless rabbit hole it's a roller coaster with faulty brakes so hold on tight 🐰🕳️🔥✌️♥️

Great reaction. Welcome to a journey down the ren rabbit hole ❤

I have spent my life sad, feeling like I missed out on the Beatniks, born too late. Glad it's making a comeback!

"he´s a good writer" dude, you have no idea :D

great reaction! Ren is a creative old soul!

The Big Push - busking live 'I shot the Sheriff!!'

Subbed!!!! This was an amazing reaction and been a Renegade for a year or so. The way Ren not only sings and plays his music, but he does also more than share his personal stories. He tells our stories. The thousands of stories of people in despair, confusion, self-doubt, illness, being misguided and more can be represented by his writing.

Man. Ren took this poor lady to church. Bless you sister.

When you wreck your mascara, you know it's a good 'un.

RENaissance. I hope you do more REN. I’d love to follow more of ur REN reactions.

Wonderful reaction, thank you. I'm a huge Ren fan: for his creativity, his story-telling, his integrity, his music. Liked/subscribed - your reaction was quality.

Emotional reaction. We have all been there. I am surprised to not see a lot of Ren on your channel; he has so many amazing genres and videos you are really missing out on. Definitely will sub if I see more Ren. 😊 He allows content creators to monetize videos as well. I thought I might see a playlist but none showing.

That was an amazing reaction, Ren is king of the one take live video. Listen to chalkoutlines that is such a gorgeous song

you should do Ren Jenny & Screech full video

NO worries, I cried the first 173 times I saw Hi Ren. I teared up with you. Try Ren's 'Suicide' next. Oh and bring a big ass box of tissue.

In the UK you are exposed to all kinds of music. In the charts. Heavy metal reggae ska, county, pop new romantic. All can be in the charts at the same time. He references lots of music, even from Django Reinhardt, to Eminem This is the mix we hear and draw influence from. The best of all genre's

You did awsome thankyou

Thank you sistah.. lol you gave me another chance to tear up watching hi Ren ...for the 100 time lol

Ren is still quite ill. Lyme disease creates irreversible damage if it isn't caught in the beginning. Stem cell therapy has helped. He has Mast Cell Disorder, PTSD, and severe food allergies due to his compromised system. He is currently in neurological therapy trying to counteract his brain damage and build new neural pathways. His suffering may have paused his commercial success, but he used his bedridden time to read, philosophize, write and practice. His talent is incredible, but his ability to "alchemize" his suffering into art that connects people is extraordinary. *Ren's word. Can't wait to follow your Ren journey if you dive deep. "Humble" is deep, but upbeat. "The Tales of Jenny & Screech" (must watch full version w/3 tales in order) is top-notch storytelling with a sore message. "Sick Boi" stays personal, but is critical of systems. "Illest of Our Time" is a diuble- both braggadocious and personal.

Thank you for doing Ren he is a artist in his own class and right with his different styles of music

I've watched this so so many times, seen lots of reactions. Not once have I FELT it, or the reaction, until watching you, M'Lady. I felt you feeling all of it. Don't know why, it doesn't matter. ❤❤❤

I have watched countless reaction videos and no one has started crying as quickly as I did so I was telling myself it’s because I have such a strong inner critic. You beat me!

Oh my gosh I love this reaction so very much.

Interesting reaction. good stuff. Ren is something of a phenomenon at the moment and not without good reason.

I don’t comment much but I enjoy your vibe. I found your channel chasing Ren reactions but and I’m in. I appreciate your effort.

Ren❤❤❤

seriously one of the best attempts to relay an understanding of psychosis to us 'normies'..

Also the new songs you allude to bar Suicide which was added to are before Hi Ren was recorded.

Ren is way beyond the rap genre. He loves word play but his musicianship is exceptional. He is a true student of different music styles and genres. He has a gift of bringing familiar elements from all music styles and giving it his wonderful modern take. The common thread is always his reference to mental health and himself. He pulls deep emotion right out of you which is always surprising, sometimes upsetting,but also healing all at the same time. Ren is on his way to be a great cultural icon.

Love chaotic’s perspective. Thanks so much!!

I look forward to your trip down the Ren Rabbit hole.

I’ve heard that song literally countless times.. u guys made me cry like I did the first time I heard it🫶🏻

Show guys ren follower c u next time ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Great reaction to a genuine GENIUS Liked & subscribed in anticipation of you reacting to more Ren Cheers 👍🍻

How to be me again the live version is amazing.

chalk outlines is one i think you will appreciate, also. the tale trilogy is amazing but probably better after you are a little more familiar with his work. ren is a gift. welcome to the rabbit hole…

Ive seen 100000 reactions to this and i finally got to the point where I only cry at the very end... until i watched this!😭😭 i fekt this the same as you did~ totally overwhelmed & moved to tears! New sub here!😘

Welcome to the Reniverse!

Honestly, you were correct. He actually did rhyme on almost everything in this song. I really hope y'all go into a Ren deep dive. I do agree Jenny & Screech's full version will blow your mind & his guitar playing in that trilogy is ridiculous.

Great reaction! I hope you do another Ren --- and Big Push --- very soon!

Grrat reaction. ✌️👍hits so hard first time around

You are not the only one who was touched by this art piece. I cannot count how many times I have listened to this song and it hits me every time. Watch chalk outlines, how to be me, and the tale of Jenny and Screech. Bring your tissues.

So happy you discovered ren 🙂

Just discovered your podcast. Loved every minute of it! Subbed. Please please go down the Ren rabbit hole!

Damn, half life sistah got the feels instantly!!! Beautiful art created by Ren even if the subject matter is difficult!!!

I cant wait to see more of your Ren reactions ❤

Beautiful reaction. You earned a sub from me. Like “Chaotic OB,” Ren’s music and community has also had a cathartic effect on me since I stumbled across it about 7 months ago. I look forward to following your journey into the RENa’s musical library. To me, he is the most prolific lyricist and versatile, genre-bending artist of our time. BTW, I love the PRIDE shirt. 💔❤️‍🩹❤️

In the poem at the end of Hi Ren her somehow rhymes Goliath and Light. Or it seems like it rhymes somehow.

Today's BOB DYLAN!!!

I've been waiting for you guys to react to this song for so long! did not dissapoint, I knew you would appreciate this one they way it deserves

He is amazing...great reaction guys thank you...welcome to the Ren Rabbit hole..enjoy

I have dealt with mental illness most of my life and it truly seems no one can understand what that feels like unless they have lived it. I first discovered “Hi Ren” about 6 months ago. I felt like someone had put MY feelings in a song. It was liberating! I have seen many reactions to this performance but, I must say, the 3 of you got it. I have not seen any of your other reactions…yet. Consider me a new subscriber and thank for being empathetic an honest! 💖

I'm a 43 yo man and I cannot listen to this without crying. I have nearly her same reaction every time.

Bring the tissues, but the Jenny, screech, and Violet trilogy is a must, also The Hunger, For Joe, Sick Boi, busking with The Big Push doing I Shot the Sheriff/Zion/hip hop...you'll be obsessed as much as you were down the rabbithole with NW

Dam i wasnt expecting this reaction.. you got a old geezer in tears! much love to Ren.❤

That was the most in depth reaction to Hi Ren i have ever seen. And beautiful and emotional at the same time ❤ Loved it. And it's great to see you again, I followed you on your Jinjer journey, and now I feel you're on to the next great one. This time I subscribed immediately (I was just not subscribing to anything the first time around). The first thing you should watch next is Sick Boi because it is a sort of an addition to Hi Ren, filmed in the same room.

I was just thinking about you guys doing this. Can't wait