Ren - Hi Ren - You Guys Asked For It!! Aussie Producer Reacts
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- Опубліковано 13 лют 2023
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Falling In Reverse - Watch The World Burn Reaction
Ren Hi ren
I love how he leaves the song on an unresolved chord… because the story is never over, the dance goes on…
Absolutely!! Ren never seems to be finished. 😂
Yes that’s why he pauses for that brief moment before he turns to take his guitar off. This song is beyond the realms…
Great, you're the first person to mention this. It's why one instinctively knows the song can't be over when he stops playing guitar. It's a brilliant addition (or subtraction 😘) by Ren, that seems to go right over most peoples heads. Thanks again 🎉
"The voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope". Probably the strongest line I've heard in years.
I hope everyone can hear that voice, no matter where they are on their rope.
Hey man, thanks for the video!
I've been going through a bunch of these reactions to Hi Ren from different channels and picking up bits and pieces of detail as reactors and commentators point them out; there was a comment you made that I'd like to (try to) expound on, since I likely wouldn't have connected the dots if you hadn't pointed that out. Apologies for the wall of text, hopefully it's worth it.
You mentioned after the hope character stood up about how it was there that it was the first time he looked straight into the camera and connects directly with the audience - after he stands... almost but not quite.
For the majority of the video as his two sides are playing off each other and building on each others energy, positive and negative as they push back on each other and they both come back more vehemently each time, he's looking almost exclusively left, right, or down. That is, either at his other self, his guitar, or nothing (also notice he tends to look at his hands as he plays mostly when he's in the positive, somewhat anxious "light" character). This is Ren's internal struggle. We the audience watch on, separate.
After the "light" Ren tries to suppress "dark" Ren once and for all, fails, and dark Ren takes control back - he's no longer looking exclusively at his other side. As he says "I am the snake in Eden" his head flips from side-on to head-on with the center camera. Not looking at it yet, but *toward* it. Next the shot switches to the right side camera which shows him looking head on at where the front camera would be, but not at our viewpoint. It jumps next to the left side camera as he raises his right arm and looks across the frame *almost* but not quite across center frame to settle on his hand, then back towards the center-front camera position. From there we switch to that center-front viewpoint again, but far enough away that it's tough to tell if he's looking into the camera or merely towards it, and anyway his face is shrouded in shadow as the camera dolly-zooms in. Next, before we get close enough to really clearly see his eyes we switch to right-side view and he again looks towards, across and up from what would be the new center frame. Then center-front camera as he looks forwards but above the active camera. Then left side as he's again staring dead on forward towards the camera we're *not* looking through. This sort of *almost* but not quite looking right at the audience continues throughout this section as dark Ren escalates and claims himself to be essentially primordial immortal pure evil.
That whole section serves to subtly and progressively strip away whatever feeling of separation from the scene the audience feels while unsettling us. Pulling us in, breaking that fourth wall subconsciously and adding to that whole general unsettling feeling of that entire section. Jack Nicholson's character in The Shining does something similar. Throughout the entirety of the movie Nicholson looks directly into the camera for just a few frames before looking away. He's the only character who does, he does it repeatedly across the film, never more than once per shot, and it's never addressed. Its as if both Nicholson and dark Ren are acknowledging the audience is there without deigning to address them. You're not safe from what's going on in the shot, you, the audience are part of it.
In the next sequence, Ren as Hope raises his head towards the camera and says "Just as sure as the night has dawn", his eyes lock dead on to the active camera as he utters "dawn". There's no evasion, no subtle look near the camera, he looks right at us as if to say "I see you. I'm addressing you as well". Throughout the sequence with Ren as Hope, he looks straight ahead and level but doesn't look directly back into center frame of the active camera until after he stands and he utters "...floor. And I go by many names also...". From here, he's locked onto the camera for the majority of the shots. As if to say, I see you, I'm speaking to you, I know you. The camera is also handheld for the majority of the shots after he stands. Where before we had a cinematic experience from a tripod; the *shot* at least was fairly stable, clinical, a view into this scene from afar - now it's more real, more personal as he stares at the audience and says that he won't be defeated. He's looking straight at the audience as he says "You know how I know that I'll prosper? Because I stand here beside you today" Speaking to his dark side and the audience in equal measure. Standing beside *us* as well. A filmmaker points out in another reaction I watched that these closeup handheld shots are performed physically close up, with a wide lens. It serves to still show a lot of the background but brings the audience closer in to the subject. Less room to breathe. Closer. More personal.
Now he puts his guitar down, long since having stripped any audience separation away on a subconscious level, now speaking directly and exclusively to the audience about his own internal struggle, and as he finishes it all he states "I must remember, WE must remember that we are human beings". Driving that nail of connection firmly in, including us EXPLICITLY. WE. We are human beings. He says this immediately after defining the separation between humans, angels, demons, and gods as being the "eternal dance", which immediately before that he defined as his struggles with mental health. His struggle with the light and dark inside himself. Without actually speaking the words, he says to us the audience: "I see you. I know you struggle. It's okay. It's going to be okay. We're all human. We all struggle. You're not alone". He and the videographer have been progressively working towards disarming the audience, and the message is that much more powerful because of it. From the moment he speaks his first "Hi Ren", he's put himself and his self doubt on display for all to see, bearing his soul to us. Here we are at the end, feeling equally transparent, as if we've been looking into a mirror the whole time as the mirror stares back somehow. Incredible.
Not just two separate characters but even two different melodies. "Dark Ren" has a percussive sound and "Light Ren" has a much more soothing melody. Done live, that means that he was literally switching not only his voice but the melody back and forth. Add into that, that his timing, for the most part, was spot on between the two. Without giving away anything, in "The Tale of Jenny & Screech", you'll not only see him walking, playing and singing, but staying in time as well. It's been said that he attended "Music School" in Bath, England (not sure if it was "grade school" or University). It's also been said that his mom was a "vocal coach" which explains his intro and outro "singing". Ren is a Poet, a Singer, a Rapper, a Musician (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, piano, drums, etc.), a Composer, a Songwriter, an Actor.......an Artist.
Yeah. An artist in every sense of the word.
i havnt got near a piona or guitar, but the falsetto melody has light and side too. First half - D DDDDD AAAAAAA Bb ETC
Second halh D Eb D Eb etc
More devilish
@@marktyler3381 yeah that melody is insane! Such an interesting choice. I realised during editing that I hadn't discussed it.
The 3 part tale is very clever when listened to in the right way (Jenny, Screech and then Violets tale). He has some really good other pieces of art too. Chalk Outlines is another piece of genius. He really is a rabbit hole of musical interest with his work going back years before he went viral with Hi Ren. I haven't felt so connected to music for years and that was due to being in a bad place. Love this
As far as I can tell, his alter is in minors; his “real” self all in major notes. Makes the alter more sinister.
What this lad is going through with his personal health makes this even more amazing than it is. I wish him all the very best & wish him good health.
FYI:
Ren is Welsh, lives in Brighton. Currently in Canada receiving treatment for his Lyme disease which he crowd funded to provide.
He spent 7 years dealing with wrong diagnosis and struggling mostly in a bed. He’s unsigned (even if he was signing with Sony when the disease hit him), completely independent and self produced, he’s the author of everything in his creations and his performances are quite always live (hi Ren definitely is).
He basked for years specially in Brighton.
His genre of music is called Bardcore (as in Shakespeare) there is over 10 years of Rene music on UA-cam covering many musical styles. Ren is super talented. Plays several instruments, sings and raps. Welcome to the rabbit hole!
I've watched this a hundred times and it gets me every time. It's a story of endurance and resilience, of perseverance and triumph. I think there are good things ahead for Ren. You might enjoy his trilogy of the Tale of Jenny and Screech, And Violet's Tale (in that order). Fyi, he was diagnosed with Lyme disease, finally after many years of misdiagnoses. The symptoms he has suffered sound quite daunting.
Yeah. The way I understand it is that Lyme disease is a squirrelly illness. Many doctors don't believe it's a thing, especially in some countries. Ask anyone who suffers from it and they'll tell you it's about as real as it gets. What a defeating illness.
I feel the same - after dozens and dozens of times I still well up. So powerful, so emotional
Between listening to the main video multiple time I am constantly looking for reactions its amazing seeing someone watch it for the first time!!
Done live.. in one take.
@@cerinicholls6143 I've read that they recorded 4 and he picked the 3rd. What we see is however live and within a single take. Mindblowing.
I've watched like 30 reaction videos to this ad I think your take on the message is spot on. You can see in some of these reactions where people can appreciate the art and say it was cool, but then you can see particularly in the ending monologue who has been through the storm. I'm on my way out of it at the moment and its a long process but that spoken word piece has had a big impact on me. I've been telling those involved in my treatment that I've been battling mental health issues for 5 years. And that's how I perceived it. It was exhausting to keep up with what I saw as a fight. But his words about how its not a battle to win, its a pendulum and that you need to soften, has completely lifted a load off my shoulders. I'm learning to soften. I'm learning to go with the flow of the dance and gently guide it in the direction I hope to go. He has a VLOG that he uploaded to youtube before releasing this song. It was from when he was 17 and right in the thick of it. It's one of the hardest things I've ever watched. To know that he took that and produced what is probably one of the most powerful pieces of art I'll see in my lifetime is insane. A credit to that eternal will of his.
Glad to hear you're doing better mate. Often times in life great art can be a beacon that can guide you through the fog. Keep on swinging for the fences.
Kindness and compassion go a long way, especially when there is no cure in sight. Life is hard enough without being tough on yourself. The love and forgiveness that you extend to other people should also be turned inwards. By letting go of the pressure to fix everything you can breathe and take time to appreciate the world as it is.
Traditionally the Bard was a travelling storyteller, telling tales and singing songs, for food and lodgings! Hence the music style Bardcore
I think your reaction video is the most astute out of the 20 or so I have seen to this. To put it in perspective, before this video, I have never watched a reaction video because I have never cared about anyone else's opinion on youtube, but this masterpiece just wants you to watch it over and over again and seek other peoples opinion of it.
It's interesting to hear someone actually mention his *movement* in this song, for once. Something I find especially interesting is the way he portrays the two sides at the start of the song; "Temptation" Ren is leaning forwards, showing aggression, while "Hope" Ren is leaning back, and pulling his legs up almost defensively. If you place them side-by-side, so that they're facing eachother, it looks like one is recoiling in fear as the aggression tries to intimidate; It's very well done, but most people - myself included - seem not to notice it on first watch.
Man. Loved your reaction and insight. As a 58 yo vet struggling with PTSD and depression Ren really resonates. Don't think I've been equally captivated by a song/performance since I was 13 ( When Sultans of swing was released in 77). Subbed and thx.
Having been through the storm...now in the eye of the storm, it is easier to understand his meaning for sure. I am in the eye because there is no cure for me, simply pushing forward every day knowing I will not give up.
Stay strong Ally! I don't know what you're struggling with, and honestly probably can't relate, but if I had any advice it would be try not to fixate on your illness 100% of the time. Try to save some space for appreciating the little things and finding room for adventure and passion, even if it seems trivial at the time. At the end of the day, all we are are memories.
❤️
💜
6 months later, I hope you're staying strong 🙏 sending all the positive vibes your way.
His finger pickings remind me a lot of how I once heard Mark Knopfler describe his method.
Oh yeah! He does kinda play like that!
If you look into Rens back story he has spent a lot of year suffering with some really difficult illnesses that ended up damaging parts of his brain. As someone who also has similar chronic illnesses which leaves me bedbound and house bound this touched my soul deeply. You are right that when you have nothing to do you end up very introspective. It was beautiful and I appreciated your reaction ☺️
Wow. If you don’t like genres, you will LOVE Ren. He plays with them.
I can already see that he exists on the fringes. Very cool!
Don't like genres either and yes I love Ren. Bardcore is my new thing. cheers.
@@PrymalChaos Jenny Screech and Violet's Tale will drive you wild. Just listen to the video where they're back to back. Don't play them out of order!
@@PrymalChaos ren and chinchilla. Chalk outlines
Very well said
You will really enjoy going down the Ren rabbit hole. Genre bending is his thing, in addition to musical and lyrical genius.
I'm excited to check out more now!
Came because of Ren and the masterpiece that is Hi Ren, Stayed because of the Aussie accent. One of the better reactions to this song ive watched..
Ren is so important to me/people that struggle with mental health I have never in my life had someone that explains things so well plus his voice an skill are amazing
I hope you listened to the whole thing without breaks, because the way Ren amps up the pacing, his voice intensifies, the flickering lights (dark Ren + integrated Ren at the end), camera angles… god this kid is such a bloody genius. I get chills every time.
Ren still struggles, yet still creates. He’s an independent. Intriguing.
As ssomeone who's going through almost the same thing as him, how he does it blows my mind. I could never reach that level with this condition. I can barely leave my bed, yet he's out there peforming, singing, and doing what he loves, letting nothing and no one stand in his way.
I'm gonna survive so that I too one day can live up to my potential. He has inispired me like no one else ever has.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a song that has connected and been shared around and talked about by so many people, just brilliant
I love this kid. He’s struggled with so much darkness and he has come out of that dark tunnel a thousand miles per hour. Very proud of him. Not many people could get through what he’s endured as unscathed as he has. I’ve probably watched this video with reactions thirty times and 99.9% of the reactions are like yours. Wonder and amazement to speechlessness. Everyone has this internal struggle to different degrees and how we deal with it is individual. This kid is creative to the nth degree. I wish him all the best. He deserves it.. ❤️
In my roughly two years of doing this, discovering new artists, none have been as important as Ren. He is just different.
When I saw Hi Ren, I was blown away, but K still had that feeling that it was probably a fluke, or a cool gimmick, but he will likely descend back into mediocrity with subsequent material. Honestly I wouldn’t have even been upset! But since then Ren has proved time and time again that he is a sorcerer, somehow always taking it past the limit and destroying expectations.
Artists like him are a once in a generation type thing.
@PrymalChaos Money Game 1, 2 and especially 3 are must sees. Suicide sticks in your head. He had a very close friend who left him this way. Ren is an enjoyable rabbit hole to descend into..
You absolutely get it. Even very early on in your reaction, you were tuned in to what he was trying to convey. I agree with you in that I hate genres. In so many reactions that I watch, the reactors spend half the time trying to figure out what genre it is rather than just appreciating the music for what it is. Awesome reaction.
Really great reaction and comment, and I have seen a lot of these by now... subscribed.
Even by modern, highly-produced UA-cam videos’ standards, this video stands in its own. It’s tough to find the words to describe the genius in that performance. The sophisticated lyrics, the intricate guitar work, the raw creativity involves is mind-blowing. I cry regularly watching this video. Not because of Rens story, the subject it tackles or how it makes me feel. It’s that his genius makes me feel inadequate. I could never, ever create something like as amazing as this.
You don't have to be a musician or create music to relate to this. This is a human struggle and can be applied to anything in life.
Yeah, imposter syndrome (which is the contemporary name for self doubt) doesn't only affect the creatives of this world, everyone suffers to some degree.
This is true. I experienced this back in the days when I wrote poetry but the same experience occurs when we make decisions. Start to question if you made the right decision and you start to go through the process of what if this or that happens and so on.
React to jennys tale, screech tale and violets tale a triology by Ren... You'll blow your mind. Ren is a producer, multi instrumentalists, songwriter, genius lyricist, everything you want Ren got it!
I didn't realize this until after I had watched (quite) a few Ren reactions is that the "She sells seashells by the seashore" is a reference to his song "Money Game Part 2." Recommend you check that out (you don't need to watch Part 1 to enjoy part 2, but its worth watching also)
I have watched dozens and dozens of reactions to this song. Yours is one of my favorites… besides being what I believe is an honest, real, and visceral reaction, I believe you feel what he’s singing about.
I’m no musician, so I don’t have any of your background. But I believe deeply that this song speaks not only to musicians (deeply), but also speaks to the common man. His message strikes chords with all. We all have these internal fights… albeit not always artistic. It’s still always our eternal battle.
Ren is simply a genius musically, since you have now taken the red pill and your eyes are open, Ren's world is an incredible catalog of art. Yes, this is live. Ren is the one take king. This was his 4th take and he nailed it. The Tales of Jenny and Screech (Full Version) is another live one take anthology.
Chalk Outlines Ren + Chinchilla would be a great second review. It really highlights his amazing singing voice, but like this, it has a deep message, the lyrics will hit you hard, one line after another, and each line has a hook! People will suggest the trilogy of Jenny, Screech & Violet, which you absolutely should listen to, but as a second review, I feel Chalk Outlines would be a great second introduction to REN.
Added!
I second this comment. 100%
I found the live version so amazing. For the To be me song I do like the original video.
This!
The part where he stands up hits very differently if you know his backstory.
He suffer rom Lyme disease and autoimmune disorders and has been bedridden for years thanks to his ailments, so the moment he stands up and talk about Hope hits so much harder when ya know this.
It sure felt heavy in the moment. Even without the context.
I feel like the main message I take away is about hope and mercy. He says he goes "by many names also, some people know me as Hope. Some people know me as the voice that you hear when you loosen the noose on the rope." That's Mercy. A beautiful message about how the darkness is always there, within us and out in the world because we are human and we have both the light and the dark. We need to have both hope and mercy for not only others but ourselves as well.
All his songs are amazing.. If you like things never done before his "Tale of Jenny and Screech - and violet" is a work of art and Chalk Outlines is just epic and its all live in 1 take without any showbiz magic
The use of the different lighting from each perspective is brilliant 👏
I've never watched a reaction video prior to binge watching every reaction to this video.
Yours has been one of the best, very observant and thoughtful and it allowed be to relive my first time watching Hi Ren.
I think he's a creative genius!
Thank you!
"A message of camaraderie for those who have also been through the storm." So very well-said. I've been interested in seeing who this performance connects with and who it doesn't - definitely with creatives who have had to struggle. But I do think there's a certain kind of heightened emotional sensitivity that some possess, and those people are the ones who will resonate with this song the most. Intelligent, thoughtful reaction, thank you.
Thanks Patti! I appreciate you watching.
Well said. I think for empaths, this hits you in the guts so hard, and you feel it right alongside him. It hurts like hell, but what a dramatic and beautiful story!
Great reaction it felt like you really felt it and understood it 💛 I loved how open and raw this performance is especially talking about mental health!
you will be syrprised by how relatable this song is to everyone and it is one of ' the ' best songs i have heard in a very long time , it is a masterpiece , up there with Eminem and even Jimmy Hendrix . it will become a classic .
All done live in one take (as are many of his videos), impressive with a 9min piece of musical theatre!
Ren has a massive back catalogue and every single one is great. There isn't a single 'filler' among them. I've been following him for years and he has pushed Bowie off my #1 all time greatest artist spot. He's a huge talent. Go explore his other songs... You won't be disappointed
The first time he looks into the camera is for a fleeting moment on the word "dawn"
Longtime Ren Stan here, I can't explain the joy it brings me to see people discover him. 🥰 He has an insanely vast creative range too, so you'll get to discover him time and time again with every new song! (just don't forget to share when you do 😉)
Some tips are Insomnia, Blind Eyed (live) with Sam Tompkins where they're busking in the streets of Brighton, Jenny and Screech's Tale, The Hunger, Chalk Outline with Chinchilla...
...and then take those as your starting point 😅
You forgot money games Pt 1&2….😊
I've watched a few reaction videos to Ren, yours really hit the spot I think. I love watching people connect with Ren for the first time. He's the real deal, and I see that you really got it and understood and even pre-empted some of what was to come. Great insights.
i have absolutely made everyone i felt needed to hear this music listen to this music. if they don't get the message i can't be faulted for trying.
at the end of the day everybody suffer, don't be so rigid, learn to bend. the world isn't out to get YOU in particular.
at least that's how i understand it.
He reminds me of a mate of mine who has savage autoimmune problems. He is in constant pain and was unable to work more than two days in a row. However he is also one of the most cheerful and optimistic people I know! People who know what true suffering is can also be the most inspiring.
People that dont relaye at all to this are either in denial, or are so controllled by their mental illness that they dont realize they are ill. Personally I believe EVERYONE in the world has some form of mental illness.
@@PrymalChaosoh don’t put that on him please. It’s hard enough for people with chronic disease to be their own person , let alone to be inspirational to others, what a burden on top of all he has to cope with.
You need to listen to REN Chalk outlines to know how that feels. Your friend will paint on a bright smile but some days he is just a chalk outline of who he is walking about. That bright smile gets oh so wearying. I too am chronically ill , live with pain and suffering, I too have days when I am just a chalk outline and sometimes that bright smile is really hard to paint on. Don’t make it harder for your friend to have to carry the burden to be inspiring too. I have had people say that to me as well and I really can’t cope with that added burden .
Lots of his videos are done as "1 takes" which really shows the level of preparation and skills this man has because if by some freaky chance that this comes out of him naturally, then we need to strap ourselves in because this man makes raw art and pure genius in how he conveys his message its truly magnetic... absolutely a masterpiece
I love watching reactions to this. It highlights our humanity and the threads and suffering that ties us all together. With the world so divided right now, it’s a breath of fresh air to see such an amazing souls connecting with so many people with all walks of life. Like we all go through this to some extent some people just a little, and some of us are consumed by it, but we can all connect. Love this guy and everything he stands for. He is the change he wants to see in the world and we owe it to him to change with it.
Great Reaction. Appreciate you explaining how Ren plays the guitar. You truly get him. More Ren please!
Ren's message gives me hope. It lets me know that there are still people learning to accept that the best they can do is always good enough, no matter what anyone else thinks.
I knew I was going to enjoy this when you mentioned a pendulum, eminem, and hope long before it was ever referenced in the video. Automatic sub man!
Absolutely loved your commentary.
Thank you! Glad you liked it!
Great reaction. You can only hear this once, the next best thing is watching someone else hear it for the first time. Chase the dragon.
Your reactions were impressively predictive, and I could see you could relate to the creative struggle. I see your comment lists shared REN’s actual illness history. Great review
I'm so glad your reaction appeared in my feed as it is one of the best I've seen. Like a lot of people who have discovered Ren through reaction channels, watching it over and over again through the eyes of others is the closest you can get to how you felt the first time! As someone who is not in the least artistic I thought your insights were really interesting. Do you think I'm right in thinking that some of the guitar intro was a bit 'discordant' to introduce the idea of the negative voice early on? I can understand the self-doubt that artists get as it is inevitible to be influenced by those that you have heard before and the lines can become blurred between the subconscious and plagiarism. I'm a big fan of Kate Bush, Kevin Rowland (Dexy's) and the like who make music for themselves and not as 'product' for the masses. I also think the battle with your subconscious is a universal theme and relatable even if you're not a musician or struggling with ill health. I'm in my 60's and have grown up with music from a lot of decades! I struggle to make the effort to listen to new music these days but Ren has taken me back to when I was obsessed with the Jam and eagerly awaited every new release. I've shared Ren with my friends but sadly they don't seem to get it, which is why I write long rambling comments on you tube!
Haha. Yeah I am going through the same thing with introducing Ren to people. They will find him when the time is right.
I think you're right about the intro guitar. It's definitely played aggressively for effect.
I loved what you said about him juggling so Many balls. From what my untrained Eye has come up with he's flawlessly transitioning between characters with their own unique voices, personality, demeanor, instrument playing style, facial expressions, cadence, tone, confidence or lack there of. In my opinion a piece like this, with so many balls in air is just begging for failure. If he comes in a little early or a little late, if he misses the mark at all the entire piece comes crashing down spectacularly. I think the only way he is able to perform it is because it's not a learned and rehearsed piece. It's literally just ren giving himself to the audience. It's a genuine expression of what is inside of him.
Your reaction is by far one of my favorites so far (and I've watched an unhealthy amount of reaction videos to this song lol) Sub earned.
THAT speechlessness is almost unanimous with the Musicians that have seen this.
It's an explosion of Inspiration that his happening in your beautiful mind.
8-)
I'm still speechless. Haha.
This is simply a masterpiece. He combined various arts into this absolutely unique performance.
Great reaction mate. Subbed and hope to catch you checking out Ren’s other stuff. For me he’s the biggest breath of musical fresh air in decades, literally. The incredible one-shot performance tales of Jenny, Screech and Violet (in that order - very important) and his more melodic, sung numbers ‘Chalk Outlines’ and ‘How to be Me’ with Chinchilla are just beautiful. Then there’s the busking! The list goes on…
I'm actually really excited to dive back in.
I wouldn't say I'm out of the storm, but there may be a clear horizon before long. It's a process. Great reaction. 👍
Thanks Jesse. Keep fighting the good fight!
You hit the nail on the head at 8:50 before Ren has even finished. Great insight so early on - impressive. This shows how good the storytelling and thought process behind Rens work...
After seeing this about a week ago I looked at his other stuff expecting to be disappointed cos who has more than one masterpiece unless you're a superstar and world renowned... he's amazing and he will be those things.
That was so cool to watch that curveball hit you right between your eyes!
Best description of what happened so far. 🤘
That long moment of silence after this performance when people get meaning that touches the soul is why I like these reactions.
Can't express how well I felt you identified this song's message and all the performance nuances. Yours is the best essay and reaction I've seen ( and I have seen a few lol ). Hope you consider checking out his 'Jenny, Screech and Violet's Tales' trilogy. Thanks again.
Wow! What a fantastic compliment! Honestly if it was a great reaction it's because Ren brought it out of me. What a fascinating individual.
After a month of watching Ren's reactions i still love it. But i must say yours is one of my favorite! Intelligent with emotions.
You even talk before it is brought up about the pendulum, the hope of the "good side" without being cocky, the "bonus" if people likes your art, etc. and also clearly explained the use of the guitar AND the progression of the "good side" personality! Really interesting
Thank you!
Dozens of times, and it seems to hit harder every single time.
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 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.
I’m a new sub , just watched you with hi Ren . The has incredible skill . I’m a50 yr old who loves metal and hard rock ! This kids got somethin’
Thank you for covering Hi Ren. This may be my favorite reaction to this song. Keep up the good work, mate 😊
Your comment about him finding balance so early in the song is great, you really picked up on his two sides. I have not watched your full reaction yet, but cannot wait to hear your thoughts on his closing words.
Spoiler. They're heavy words. 👍
Your reaction to the trilogy was so good I've come to watch this one! There is so much gold in Ren, I hope you continue in his back catalogue... rap, ballards, storytelling.. he can do it all
Yes sir, this was do e live. Makes it that much better don't ya think lol. Great reaction mate. Keep up the great work and getting this music out there
Thanks so much for this reaction Prymal! I knew you would have a deep understanding of what is going on here, and I really appreciate your thoughtful analysis. I'm in the process of exploring his catalogue. The word I've been using to describe this video to my friends I'm sharing it with is Spectacular.
My pleasure!! What a unique experience!
"It's a message of comraderie for those who have been through the storm." Damn that was insightful as well.
When you said its a message of camaraderie for those who have weathered the storm... Yes...
All his art is live and done in one take. he is extrodinary. he classes his music as Bard Core. Ren has spent ten years of his liofe very unwell. He was mis-diagnosed, and put on trippy drugs, ending in psycosis. A few years ago they discovered he has Lymes disease. So he know this struggle, this dance with innner demons. His music is what got him through all of tihs. he has lived lock down for a decade. he is a lyrical genius
I've been trying to talk to people on their reactions to rent on this specific song. It's folk music. There's a beginning, a middle and an end, but what he's doing with this actual depiction is exactly what I've been waiting for someone to say performance art. Apparently nobody else seem to go get this, but I'm so thankful and grateful that you use that one term performance art because that's exactly what he's doing. If you watch it over again, he does it in one take😮
Wow! I watch a hell of a lot of Ren reactions I mean I spend my 12 hour night shifts at work watching them (the joy of working in a taxi office alone 😂) and that was genuinely the best reaction to this I have seen! Non judgemental, introspective and informative reaction. You really got it! So thank you! 🖤
I’m watching this for like the 10th time. You have become one of my favorite reactors. Yours are the ones I watch over and over. Your reactions are insightful, well thought out and emotional, when appropriate.
That's incredibly flattering! Thank you! However I suspect that it's Ren that's doing all the heavy lifting. ❤️
You had me at the words self doubt, and deviant art! You got it. New sub! Looking forward to checking out your other Ren reactions. No matter how many times I see this (and it is many many times) my breath still catches when he stands up.
Yep. Every time.
Ren has been doing the rounds and watching everyone’s reactions to his music and I can’t wait for him to see this one. 😊😊😊
love your reaction! you hit it on the nail brother, hugs all around
Don’t think I’ve seen you this concentrated before.
It was an intense experience!
You spoke so eloquently about the message and about what it means to be an artist. Ren, is going to touch so many lives with his art. Thanks for giving a voice to those of us who speak through our art.
There is always something unique you can bring to a piece, your SELF.
Ren is (was) a street performer / busker. The Big Push and several projects with his friends. He is used to performing and singing at the same time. He is a performer.
Well put, sir. I've been binging reactions to Hi Ren for the last two days now. This piece and your conclusions reverberate deeply, and I see how I have been seeking the same insight in others who recognize this journey, this storm. I too cried out to an empty room in my teens, and like Ren promised to eradicate the evil. It's late in my life now, but I have been struggling, reading, writing, thinking, crying during many years. But the first time I heard Hi Ren and the words about the internal exchange of light and darkness being a dance, not a war, made something become very soft and still and silent inside my chest. I too suffered from auto-immune reactions, and it didn't dawn on me until yesterday how the shadow is a part of myself, so in struggling against it I created the auto-immune reaction for myself. The body and mind fighting itself. As a suicide in slow motion in a way. The level of healing I perceive today has not come through any therapists or medical interventions. It came from the fronts, from the inside of someone having fought the same battle and could tell it as it is, without sugar-coating or trying to downplay what happened. I think that is the enormity of Hi Ren. From all the millions of views, I presume that others have found some kind of consolation too.
I also recognize the words toward the end about being made to be tested and twisted, broken and beat. Life is pretty counter-intuitive, many times producing desired results from things we deem as bad or evil. As if we will never grow up and become if we are not severely pressured and hammered, like a chunk of coal being pressed into a diamond, or a lump of iron being beaten into a beautiful and strong sword. It's not the storm that is bad, but us being cowards not daring to set the proper sail, apparently.
Came to this on the back of one of your newer reactions to Ren. So glad I did. I have seen so many HiRen reactions and you’re the first to get so many things right very early on in the video.
Great reaction
I think I just really connected with it..
I listen to this now like a prayer whenever I feel doubt about things I want to do or hatred towards myself for no real reason other than my manic depression and it truly helps knowing this war in me is not a struggle I alone face
Really enjoyed your commentary and reaction. Thank you for this.
Great reaction and commentary.
Glad you enjoyed it
'no one's this introspective unless they've got nothing else to do' - how right you are, Ren spent years of his life essentially bed bound so I guess this is the result of that lol
Not many would see what he went through as an opportunity to develop great character and become an amazing artist. He is a rare gift.
@@PrymalChaos He really is, he is obviously incredibly naturally talented but I don't think we can discredit the sheer amount of time and work he's put into honing his gift, while at the same time having to fight his medical and mental health battles. He's someone I really look up to, especially in my own autoimmune flare-ups. Really loved your take on this song, I love seeing people get just as blindsided by ren's work as I was when I first heard this song ❤️
Not only live, but one camera and one shot. There is a lot to unpack. Notice the flickering lights when devilish Ren is present?
You brightened my day a little.
Awesome reaction! Subing to your channel and checking out more of your content! Thanks so much for this reaction!
Yeah, those lyrics are so powerful, and I think everyone can identify with that self-doubt to some extent, plus his guitar and performance are incredible. it really is a unique and amazing song and perfromance.
Been listening to heaps of reactions UA-cams about ‘Hi Ren’ you are the only one of heard noticing the mic and understanding it is done in one take I believe. I’m a visual artist and you are so on the money about our own self doubt and you are right we don’t seem to talk about this in relation to art and creativity. I’ve been through mental and physical illness. This song speaks to me so very deeply. Thank you for your insight 🎉
Thanks Jenny! it was such a wildly original and brilliant concept. Incredibly brave too.
It was a real eye opener for me.
Ren is just amazing on every level. You really must check out the tale of Jenny and screech which is a trilogy, fantastic. It is well worth jumping down the Ren rabbit hole. Thankyou for this reaction 💕
“Hi Ren" is the song that put Ren on everyone's radar since December; it went viral and has garnered more than 5 million views since its debut, but he has been creating great music for more than ten years. Ren’s music videos are generally recorded live, often in a single take, although not necessarily the first take, and from various camera angles. His release, "Sick Boi," is almost another chapter to "Hi Ren." Many of his songs resonate with people because he addresses struggles that many others face every day.
Ren plays multiple instruments (acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, piano, drums), has impressive vocals, is an excellent storyteller, and is quite the philosopher and poet. He is considered by many a modern bard. His trilogy "The Tale of Jenny/Screech/Violet" is haunting and has an unforeseen conclusion. It needs to be watched in the order given, as this is the flow of the storyline. 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. 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, 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’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,” and his latest release, “Bittersweet symphony (The Verve retake).”
His performances with Sam Tompkins (“Blind Eyed,” “Earned it /Mans World / Falling,” “Walking on the moon/No Diggity”), 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," “War Pigs,” the songs "Oh My Woman," “Swan Song,” "War Pigs," "Sweet Little Lady," "It's Alright," "Watch Out," “Dignity,” and so many others are equally impressive.
Ren recently released his 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. As mentioned above, his latest release, “Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve retake),” is another masterful work.
I was going to post Ren's background information but it would seem that someone already copied and pasted my comment verbatim below. Lol.
i was multitasking while watching the video, and when i heard you say "if people like it it's just a bonus" i was vaguely confused for a second, wondering how i'd missed the nearly identical line in the song.
enjoyed your perspective.
That you were able to so powerfully connect the majority of this track to your personal creative insecurities and conflicts, show the staggering relatability of this performance. There are people all over the world, with their own stories, anxieties, depressions, bi polar, insecurity about their relationships, doubts about their parenting skill and a myriad of others. This song speaks to us all, not as a group, but each of us... individually. It tells us... or me, to learn to relax, manage our demons, dance with them, respect them and live our lives with some peace and happiness in our hearts. For me the odes to previous parts of the track, speak to the dance which builds to a crescendo and then stops... and begins again. Great review, and for those of us who cannot share your connection to your artist based view of this track, you open our eyes to the fact that almost everyone can gain something (albeit individual to them) from this track... we are not alone... and its ok. Cheers mate