Hi mate, I heard this for the first time on Friday... I've been sending it to friends to check out... I have been watching it all weekend... I don't exactly know why, but I'm transfixed by the artistry, and complete surrender you put into this idea. I'm not some young kid who hasn't heard much music. I'm a 54 year old guy, born in Wigan, lived in Australia most of my life, and now live in Arkansas. I've been music obsessive my whole life... and followed that path my whole life, recorded performed and all that stuff. This is a stunning piece of work. You and your camera guy created something brilliant and timeless. It speaks directly to the spiritual war we're in. The balance of seriousness and humour. This is fkng brilliant mate. Congratulations .... I wish I had done this Thanks mate, Mark
We love you Ren. I'm on a bender of seeing people experience this for the first time so I can relive it again and again. I even wrote you an email. I hope you are well, and this finds you to let you know that you already accomplished your goal, you've left a mark on me for sure. I hope the treatment in Canada is helping and you are feeling well. Love from the USA.
That is indeed a beautiful description. And so true. I discovered him with this song about 24 hours ago, listened to everything else, and aside for sleeping I've been unable to do anything else than watching people react to it, it clawed itself so deep in my soul and I'm beyond addicted. I really feel like it's going to change music forever, in the era of social media and rising mental health awareness, we ALL need this.
Most perfect description I've heard! @Lady Darkness I'm all of about 24hrs ahead of you and still diving deep. Don't think we'll been getting off this ride anytime soon either. 😊
And for any atheists out there I love ya it's not a god or devil thing think of it a light and dark as he says or positive and negative....it all works regardless of your philosophy of life IMO
Here is a little bit about his background, in case you don't know already. I gathered it from an old newspaper interview and Ren's livestreams and posts where he discussed his condition. His full name is Ren Eryn Gill. Ren pursued a career in music from an early age. In 2009, while studying music performance at Bath Spa University, he began to experience health issues and was struggling to attend his lectures. In 2010, he was signed by Sony Records and was working on an album when his health deteriorated to the point where he was unable to continue and subsequently dropped by Sony. His illness often kept him in bed for up to 23 hours daily. Ren was initially diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome. 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, and joints. Ren eventually underwent stem cell therapy in the United States, which improved his health, but it has not been a cure. He is currently in Canada for more treatments, including surgeries, and will have to be there for at least six months. Ren's Canadian doctor discovered that Ren also developed a condition called Mast Cell Activation Disorder, which has affected the myelin sheath in his brain, thyroid, adrenals, and bones. Ren stated: "It's a lot to wrap my head around having to be away from friends, family, and a successful career, and almost feels like a total juxtaposition to the fact that my music is blowing up right now and spreading to all corners of the world, but that's life, we take the good with the bad." Let's keep supporting Ren and not pull a "Sony" on him as he undergoes his treatment. Check out his channel, 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 this generation, and his work is needed in these troubling times. Here is the link to Ren’s GoFundMe page to raise money for his current treatment. www.gofundme.com/f/ren-get-better-from-lyme-disease-and-autoimmunity
I feel in my bones, that all uf us are witnessing something amazing here with the rise of Ren. The support for him is amazing, people relate immensely to his lyrics and they are supporting each other. Feels like he has drawn out the hurt and suffering people who have been in hiding, too scared to speak up. He gives us a voice 🖤🖤🖤
yeah I agree he's the closest thing to some kind of actual musical genius we've had since - I dunno - Dylan? Hate to use that old comparison but seems like he is the 'one' so to speak
I know this might not mean much to some but he is a centrist as well "The truly revolutionary act is to be in the middle and being Empathetic to the person that offends you" -Ren Probably one of my favorite things he has said!
So true I had never opened up about my lifetime autoimmune disease until Ren gave it voice. Had kept real life for me in hiding only speaking of times when my body had allowed me to live about 2/3 years then an illness would kick it all off again no periods of remission since 1991 I feel every word. I thank him for being my scream.
No one has ever described life to me as well as Ren did at the end. That speech alone has helped me to relieve my anxiety to the point I’m not always on edge.
Ren has said that if any reactor’s get a copyright strike, just appeal and it’ll be approved. He *wants* people reacting and sharing his art to help reach wider and newer audiences. And wants to give back to you all by allowing you all to monetize your reaction videos ❤
That's Ren--Now you need to go look up the full version of "Jenny and Screech," it's in three parts, do them all at once in the correct order--"Jenny, Screech, Violet," and wait for your mind to be thoroughly blown. When you're done with that one, look up "Chalk Outlines" and discover a completely different side to his music, then jump on "Sick Boi" for another extreme in a different direction. You think this was good--that's just the introduction--it goes deep.
He does all his own beats, writes his songs, produces them...he is a jack of all trades! If you want to hear his rapping, Hunger is bad ass. The Tale of Jenny and Screech (full) shows his story telling talent...and musical talent. He's just bad ass.
This is something special. Not once has there ever been a new song I loved so much that I waited for someone else to request it. But I knew someone would request you do this. Your reaction was PRICELESS. Duality, this was about duality, finding the balance between your shadow and your light. Since I fought my anxiety that first time I went to see H Mack. I have slowly started to realize it's a balance. We all win and we all lose. No ones perfect. What drives ppl with anxiety so crazy is we try and control everything and make a plan B, C, and D. Catastrophizing... we end up willing our fears into existence. Great reaction, Nick.
"Willing our fears into existence". What a great way of putting it. For me fear is often linked to failure and the way it makes me feel. So I don't try to win because I'm too afraid to lose. Don't try to push against the world because I'm afraid of it pushing back. Don't try to be visible because I'm afraid of how people will see me. I know all that is just the internal dark voice speaking but it has been powerful. "It was never really a battle for me to win" hit me so hard. The realisation after all these years that I, that people, win not by always winning all our battles but by keeping on fighting them.
Ren was misdiagnosed for many years he had Lymes but was told it was in his head,so wrongly drugged . Ren has other music films, Sick Boi, the Trilogy Jenny & Screech, money ,chalk outlines and a long career with a band The Big Push it’s a decade long career to check out.
@@philsilverthorn Could not have dais it any better, and I couldn't agree more. If you try and remain invisible those walls you've built up around you close in and the space you feel free in becomes smaller and smaller. One of my favorite quotes is by Albert Camus "Life is to be lived to the point of tears.", that's what I shoot for everyday. Somedays I do, somedays I don't... but life is in the trying.
Turtle!!!!!! Mez loves you haven't spoke to you for a while, give radar a cuddle for me. I've been stuck on this song, I'm playing it at therapy in 2 hours because it effects me so much
And what a beautiful comment, I'm 67 and this was profound, encapsulating mental health in a song highlighting the struggles that many of all ages suffer . Ren will make it so much easier for people to talk about without shame or fear. He is platforming all the taboo subjects that will lead to deeper conversations.
If you check out Jonathan Hiller's (Filmmaker Reacts) reaction to Hi Ren, in the comments you'll see Samuel Perry-Falvey who filmed it, clarify how they did it. A combination of 2 takes with edits obviously, with sound recorded live.
@@hmo_mackey Hey thanks for dropping that. I found it and if I am understanding him correctly, the musical performance is all “one take” and the closeup at the end soliloquy is a separate take.
Loved your reaction. Pretty please with sugar on top... take the ride down the rabbit hole. tale of jenny & screech full version 13+ mins long of A 3 Part story. you will not regret it. Ty
Make sure after this, you do Jenny’s Tale, Screech’s Tale then the trilogy finale, Violets Tale. Try not to deviate from that order. It’ll make sense. He’s a master at his craft, both musically, instrumentally but also theatrically. Not only does HE narrate the story by both singing and talking, he uses his incredibly masterful guitar playing as a secondary narrator. He’s incredibly unique and very engaging. Enjoy the trip!
@@Jamie-cr8nb agree but goes beyond the ears. He’s just so clever in the way he’s able to subliminally immerse you into each ‘story’. His brilliance is definitely undeniable.
Ren was signed to Sony when they saw him busking but shortly after became very ill bed ridden up to 23 hours a day in excruciating pain and Sony dropped him! He then spent many years being miss diagnosed and treated for conditions before finally being diagnosed correctly with lymes disease. He was given stem cell treatment which helped but permanent damage had been done to his immune system and neurological function he is currently in Canada for further treatment. Fingers crossed all goes well for him there. ❤
Maybe in a strange fd up way its better that he got dropped. Labels are always trying to control artists and ren needs all the freedom he needs to do him.
Ren is different than anyone I have ever seen! You can’t put him in a box. What Genre? He’s a genius. He’s a wonderful guitarist, a singer, a rapper, a storyteller, and an actor! With just a guitar and him, I’ve NEVER seen an artist like this, EVER! He sucks you into the story because his acting and you can picture the struggle and how you can relate. Then you start to feel things from a man and a guitar! He’s got all of my love and support! Very good reaction!!
My first encounter with @RenMakesMusic was via "Hi Ren". It left me mentally, emotionally, even physically, drained - for days. Just imagine for one moment what Ren put himself through to drag this performance out.
Ren is an insanely talented guy who's fiercely independent but still has millions of views on his RU-vid channel. I think he might be a game-changer. His talent as a multi-instrumentalist, rapper, singer, songwriter, storyteller, and performer is unlike anything I've ever seen, and I've been around for a long time. He's also a great person, and it wouldn't be unusual for him to send you his thanks. Other people have mentioned he's currently getting treatment in Canada, and it's expensive. He has a GoFundMe, but it's not my place to post the link. He has the link and his background on the community tab of his RU-vid channel. Maybe you can share it. Oh, yeah...THANKS for the fantastic reaction!
REN is playing live and in one take! He is such a wise young man. He learned from his experiences ( at such a young age ), and has been able to put into words the thoughts that we all entertain from time to time. Some of us find this unfamiliar but the truth is very hard to swallow. REN is real DEEP, man !!! 🔥🎼😮😊🎼🔥 Next…” The Hunger “, by REN.
When I first watched Hi Ren I was already impressed by the lyricism, the honesty and the creativity, but when he opens up his voice toward the end and really belts out in that higher register I was absolutely shocked. I can see you can appreciate a truly skilled vocal artist so I have to recommend you check out Ren X Chinchilla Chalk Outlines Live, and How To Be Me. Both of those really show off Ren's insanely good vocal skills. Honestly, I put his vocal quality right up there with Jeff Buckley, Patrick Watson and even Eddie Vedder, just because there's something extremely unique and powerful in his intonation and delivery. He's got that specific something that really grabs your soul.
My guy is on a whole other level of talent-- type shit to make u question tf you really do with ur life🤔 its always the ones that suffer the most that come into this life hurting that shine the brightest. If you're lucky enough to be in their presence, if only for a second, the impact they leave is eternal. That is Ren.🖤🤍
I love your reaction. So sincere. To be honest I also put a lot of attention to his acting skills. I know he's ill and coping with mental problems too (so he knows what he's talking about) but he's a normal human being and a genius artist. I can't even call this a "song". This is a piece of art (from setting the scene, guitar playing, singing, rapping, changing voice, giving speech). He is a genius, indeed. And you are right, he could get some big role in a movie (great personality and so much talent)
I'm so glad you finally got to this one. Someone else has mentioned that you've seen him before - remember the 2 dudes busking in the street and you were amazed that they could sing so well whilst smoking a cigarette? That was Ren and Sam who you reacted to 3 months back. This was the first track of Ren's I heard and it blew me away too, but personally I'd say your biggest treat is yet to come - you really need to see his trilogy known as 'The Tale of Jenny and Screech'. Just make sure you find the full version that contains all 3 songs in one, so you don't accidentally watch them in the wrong order. Prepare for a storytelling masterclass which will blow your mind at the end. Thanks for a great reaction... again. :)
💖🙏 Not fight but relax and soften through it. 😁 Thanks for your reaction, loved to see how it got you sucked into it and touched you. 😊 Enjoy the ride into the Ren-bit-hole, have a nice Ren-aissance. 😂👌 It will be absolutely Renomenal. 🙈 Very Rencommended. 🙉
I loved your reaction! Ren has a mastery of rap, hip-hop and can even pull off the 80s beaatie boys sound too. You must see Rens' THE HUNGER GENESIS WHAT YOU WANT POWER REN CAN CHANGE UP THE RYTHYM, WHERE THE RHYME takes place (middle of word orline as opposed to the end word/syllable) his vocabulary, articulation, enunciation , eloquence, and delivering this sometimes faster than a machine gun, fluently, fluidly, and comprehensible. Then check out JENNY & SCREECHES TALE (FULL) HOW TO BE ME CHALK OUTLINES there are so many more that are all fantastic. You will find that Ren is not categorizable, he doesn't fit neatly under any category or genre. The most profound thing I heard a reaction videographer say about Ren was. " Ren is a rising tide..... A rising tide lifts ALL the ships with it." I'm sorry I can't remember his name, but that anecdote stuck with me. Looking forward to checking out your other vids! All the best to you & yours Ann
It's our job to be human. It's why we are here, and Ren has discovered that truth and presented it from his own unique experience of life. The reason we have never seen his like before is that he was never needed before. This is gonna be his time, and our time along with him.
He is also a master as the one take live performance ..the Tales of Jenny screech and violet is a must all done live and in that order ..mind blowing stuff
Raw pain. Raw vulnerability. Raw honesty. Raw courage. Yes, THIS is what living with Psychosis is like on the inside. Aside from his undoubted and multiple talents, I think Ren has achieved, with one song, what 50+ years of 'community education to destigmatize mental health issues' has utterly failed to do. We're engaged, identify, empathise and CARE. This deserves MULTIPLE Awards.
I love when a reactor not only enjoys the video, but gets it!! I mean, really gets it!!!!!! I watched several reactions to this guy, and you by far are the best one!!!!!! I was so utterly mesmerized by this whole thing!!!! This dude needs yo be protected!! We do not need to lose him!!!!
The entire performance evokes emotions I didn’t even know I had, but the spoken word got me the most. As someone who is almost 41, I was diagnosed at age 12 with autoimmune illnesses that have come extremely close to killing me much too often (Crohn’s and lupus) and since MAJOR surgeries 5 years ago, I’ve been the healthiest I’ve been in my entire adulthood, as I’ve gotten older I realize I can’t ‘beat’ my illnesses and I’ve been forced to find ways to deal with the valleys of my mental health at times without meds as meds made me far worse (some people have that reaction).
The best new artist I've come across in literally decades. As you dig into his back catalogue you will find, as I do, that he has the fullest set of skills, and he does it all at a high level, with all those skills beautifully integrated. My daughter told me she's been following him for years... Is there anybody else out there as good as this ? It just goes to show that there's still fantastic music and art being made all the time. And the message ? I've seen this about 50 times and it's still giving me chills.
If you check out (if you haven't already) Jonathan Hiller's (Filmmaker Reacts) reaction to Hi Ren, in the comments you'll see Samuel Perry-Falvey who filmed it, clarify how they did the video for Hi Ren. Live yes, not in one take like many other of their collaborations but a masterpiece in any case.
I just realized that I never watched your first Ren reaction - what a delight to go back and watch this, knowing how your relationship with Ren will grow. Beautiful reaction, of course.
Ren is so special. He's been put through the ringer enough for multiple lifetimes, and he has found a way to not only persevere, but use his crucible to create art that only he could.
My entire family is musical, we all sing, play guitar, bass, drums, piano, write songs, and I am totally binging on Ren lately. I just can really appreciate how talented he is. Personally, I love Ren & Sam Tompkin’s live street busking covers of Earned it/Man’s World/Falling… Ren is seriously multitasking with his talents in that one 🤯 and I love also REN’s band The Big Push with their street busking covers of Wade in the Water/Nina Simone/Trouble So Hard 🙌🙌🙌
Awesome reaction! If you want to see his storytelling at its finest, check out Ren’s trilogy “The Tale of Jenny & Screech (full)”. It’s a 3 part tale. If you’d like to see his rapping abilities, check out “The Hunger”.
You Saw a video with Ren and Sam Thompkis sing in the street ( busking) in the UK . You kept say I can't believe he smoking. Ren was the guy on the guitar and singing with him . Maybe this will jog your memory.
My feeling is that Ren’s greatest gift is his ability to open so many people up to so many different types of music. It’s too easy today to remain in a bubble and become closed to anything outside of a very narrow set of genres. His live performances with The Big Push are ridiculously good.
Hi Ren. You've struggled with a medical illness..but in that we can see ourselves as humans who regardless of medical reasons or mental struggles..struggle with our own self doubts and the fight between hopelessness and hope. What we listen to in our brain, the devil who wants us to believe we have no hope or God who is hope. Thank you for this beautiful song.
You reacted to one of Rens songs a couple months back. Maybe it was Sam Tompkins you were reacting to, as he went viral then, but he was with Ren. I commented on that video for you to react to this, glad you got here in the end 👌
You have reacted to him before he was busking in London with Sam Tompkins. You were very impressed with both singers, it was a great reaction! As was this!
We are witnessing what is going to be the most important voice we have heard in decades. Rens work is pure art. His talent is endless. I really hope you have reacted to the tale of jenny and screech, full version
Great reaction. I saw Ren reply in one of the reactions on this track. He said that should reactors get a copyright issue, then they should appeal it. He has spoken with his distributors and they have agreed not to follow through. The appeal will be successful. This will allow the reactor to monetize their reactions. I know this is only hear-say but it’s also a fact.
So happy i chose you to take me through Rens magic repertoire with a deeper look. This video totally confirmed that. The song is of course out of this world and this reaction of yours proves it. It's like you saw a ghost, a genius ghost
Heart, Soul, & Emotions. Usually I don't go in for anything of the sort, but this Man captured me, probably because I relate so well to his "inner-demon", as my dominate side, in fact I've known no one else, for so long. He showed me the other side of the coin, and it's only been 1 week since I found him.
We have all been taken in by him. I have watched every single reaction video. I think we all can relate to his words in one way or another. His talent is truly untouchable. His words are spoken in a way we have thought but could never say that made sense. We need Ren, he speaks the words we hide. ❤❤
I was 8 when my dad and uncle started abusing me. I spent the last 27 years in and out of therapy and pills and hospitals. This shit hits home hard. I’ve believed for the longest time it was okay because my dad fell 45 feet off of a utility pole and broke his back and both of his legs when I was only 2 years old. I knew why he was angry but he took away my childhood and any happiness I could ever dream of. I’m now 35 and still dealing with depression, anxiety, and psychosis. It’s not a good thing to deal with but this song has been a coping mechanism. Loved your reaction. Keep on keepin on.
Some songs to check out by REN. Bittersweet Symphony. Sick Boi. The Hunger. Genius. The Tale of Jenny and Screech. All My Life. Foofighters Rap Retake.
Been waiting for you to do this! Such a talented artist who’s work has the ability to change the world for the better. Check out his full catalogue, Chalk Outlines, Blind Eyed ft Angry Carpark Attendant for his singing, Money Game 1 and 2, Sick Boi, The Hunger for his rapping the trilogy of Jenny, Screech and Violet for his creativity. Dude is just an artist through and through… Also his personal story of struggle, illness and what he has done to pursue an incredible music talent is inspiring. Definitely do more reactions on him, you won’t be disappointed.
Love watching these first reactions. Shows our humanity and the threads and suffering that ties us together. With so much division in our world now, this is a breath of fresh air.
Watch his trilogy "the tale of Jenny and screech (full) " for more movie type experience from him. Listen to "the hunger" for his rapping. His whole catalog is amazing.
I've watched loads of your Ren reactions, and I just returned to re-watch the first time you saw Ren... thoroughly enjoyed it having seen you now discover all of his other songs, I've been enjoying the journey brother.
Love watching people discover this video. Proof that quality can be appreciated by lovers of any genre. Thank you for sharing with your subscribers, it's an important message.
Thank you for the reaction. I fell down the Ren rabbit hole a few weeks ago and I've listened to almost everything he has now. This video is part of what I call, Ren's Musical Theater.
Such a great reaction. I am so glad you recognised Ren's creativity, talent and brilliance. It was also a one take video which makes it even more impressive. I have been watching Ren busking live for seven years and it is great that he is finally going global. Another great thing about Hi Ren is it is encouraging other people to discuss their own mental health issues. I suggest you go on a Ren journey. It's an exciting ride! Check out Chalk Outlines (live) and some of his busking videos with The Big Push to hear his beautiful singing voice. Enjoy!
If you check out Jonathan Hiller's (Filmmaker Reacts) reaction to Hi Ren, in the comments you'll see Samuel Perry-Falvey who filmed it, clarify how they did it. A combination of 2 takes with edits obviously, with sound recorded live.
Enjoy ren's rabbit hole. Next: Sick Boi... Trilogy Jenny, Screech n Violet.. Chalk Outline... His latest Bittersweet Symphony rap... His vocals n guitar playing skills are also evident in his busking days ( check him out busking w his band The Big Push: I Shot the Sheriff/ Road to Zion /hip hop)... He's a crazy good lyricist, vocalist..rapper...poet..storyteller. In the trilogy...its Bardcore at its best. He's an amazing talent indeed.
Many, many songs to check out from him: Sick boi, Genesis, The hunger,Chalk outlines with Chinchilla (live), the trilogy of the tales. Many many more ♥️♥️
Transcendent talent. Clever and self-aware. They say there's nothing new under the sun but this? I've been around for 50 years and never seen the like. Although the Joyner Lucas thing a few years back about racism was similar and pretty powerful, too.
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. It was a transformative experience for me… just as this song also resonates. As a person who’s never been able to escape negative self-talk, *realizing* that you can exert the strength that destructive voice questions-strength that you *know* you have-is 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.
