So pleased you have found Ren. I think he may have single handedly restored my faith that good music is not just behind us. His back catalogue is simply put mind blowing and not an average track to be found. Not to mention his live performances with a band he is a part of and various collaborations. His new stuff only gets better
@@helenespaulding7562 I was trhinking about her the other day and how we need to get back to her. Yoiu are right, shes so good. I think we have content up to Nov at the moment but will spin around 4 shaw
"Truth in a blender, the deceitful pretender......." Ren is still in treatment and has a GoFundMe account to help pay medical bills......the pig is a butcher, Ren's comment on the mental health system......the discordant guitar and vocals represent the chaos Ren feels, as do the blinking lights.....Thank you for posting this and thanks to @AndaraBledin for the Ren bio....."Bardcore"
I am a 64yr old grandmother, I was blown away by this artist I am Australian. I have not been so excited about an artist since the 70’s I never really liked rap or Hiphop and I am a fan, I cant get enough of his work!
From a local busker to now smashing the granny out of the internet is a wonderful thing to see. Buckle up George, this is not a rabbit hole, it is a warren.
Thank you for doing Ren boys...I haven't seen anyone this influential since Bowie. Not even signed and has a reach via social media most artists could only wish for! The boy speaks to the masses, can only imagine what this young bloke has in store for us in the future. I honestly got the same feeling watching this as I did when seeing the Colliseum in Rome for the first time, when gazing up at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican for the first time, when laying eyes on the Mona Lisa in the Louvre for the first time... this is art that will be remembered for eons. Cheers guys, loved the reaction, much love from skippy land. X
Sic Boi is a good follow up to this. But then as others have mentioned The Tale of Jenny and Screech (FULL VERSION) trilogy is a masterclass in storytelling and worth everyone’s time. And yeah, if you check the view counts, he’s trending globally.
Gentlemen, this genius drama and true story has garnered 10 Million views in 3 months, I have not heard one song that isn't brilliant including his remixes. 1/2 the world has gone mad for Ren. We adore him.
Ren seems to be reaching across borders [not just British]... but also across generations: both young & old are touched by his wisdom. He speaks to the human condition... & that knows no bounds.
67 year old music lover, not been so exited about an artist for many a year, you’ve got to listen to the full version of Jenny and Screech 13 1/2 minutes of epic proportions with an epic twist right in the last line, miss this at your peril!!!😊
I just discovered Big Push and watched several vids of him and his band busking in Brighton. It was great. He did a reggae cover of I Shot the Sheriff that was so damn good….perfect accent …great band. This was my second time watching this video. The first yime I didn’t connect with it. This time I was gobsmacked. For Tolkien fans out there….his talk with the two sides of himself reminded me so much of the inner struggle of Gollum…. Between his evil side, and Sméagol, the part of him that still had some good in him. I hope Rens “dance” turns out better.
Ren to me , an American transplanted to Australia ,love his music and get what he is saying and can't stop listening to Ren . The bitter sweet is no where near his best and it is absolutely incredible
American here, I adore him and his work. While there is the odd term that I might need to look up- I find his message universal. But then again , I’ve traveled and lived outside the USA
I’m American and I was Wowed! Absolutely wowed! He an amazing musician and his lyrics are beyond his years. I’m not a rap fan but I’m now a life long fan of Ren’s. Much ✌️❤️ to everyone
At last, I have been waiting to hear what you think of this fantastic young artist. I have become addicted to his music. He is so gifted and creates music across a number of genres. Good live music can’t be beaten.
I believe his huge popularity with 10 million views in 4 months is definitely due to the positive reaction of Americans. Every reactor I follow in the US has reacted to Hi Ren.
YEESSSS ! So thrilled to see you do a reaction to Ren. His rabbit hole of music is vast, varied and amazing - I have truthfully not found one bad song in it (and there are loads). Tip for Ren is not to try and pigeon hole him - he will constantly surprise. As you are aware, her is a multi instrumentalist, genre bending creative musical genius - many of his songs are live one shot recordings. For my money, he is a generational talent who may well prove to be one of the most important musicians to come out of the UK in decades. He gives a voice to those who go unheard - a real social political communicator who tackles real issues and feelings which resonate with so many people. Even if you don't do any more reactions to him, please go down the rabbit hole privately, it will be wroth both of your times. I'd really urge you to do a "Ren" week but certainly recommend the following reactions if I may : The Tale of Jenny and Screech (Full) - th-cam.com/video/TYAnqQ--KX0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Ren This is a trilogy Money Game Part 1 - th-cam.com/video/0ivQwwgW4OY/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Ren and Money Game Part 2 - th-cam.com/video/YonS9_QJbp8/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Ren Ren & Chinchilla Chalk Outlines (live) - th-cam.com/video/35yALr_opeg/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Ren The Big Push - War Pigs (Black Sabbath medley) - th-cam.com/video/azAD9KE9HKE/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=TheBigPush Don't sleep on him - he is going to be massive.
I am German. Trust me I am amazed as any native speaker from UK or US can be. The inner dialogue on the meaning of one's own work resonates with me as a scientist. Masterpiece not heard or seen for a long time! 🎶🖖
This is a magnificent performance, I keep going back to it after being put on to Ren only a couple of weeks ago; so George, I was like you in not knowing how much I was missing by not being on the Ren train. I know better now. Alex is right, once you drop down the Ren rabbit hole, a whole new world awaits. Alex is correct in saying that listening to Ren only gets better from here and I fully agree with Alex that this is going to be a massive breakout year for this incredibly diverse artist.
Nice reaction boys. The vast majority of folks discovered Ren through Hi Ren. Reactors on most continents have embraced Hi Ren and many more of his tracks plus The Big Push, Chinchilla, Eden Nash and many more of his collabs. Keep burrowing down fellas.
The beauty of Ren's performances is that one never knows what to expect. Hi Ren is a visceral, mind-boggling punch right in the heart, ending with a powerful, resonating, and enduring message of inspiration and hope ❤️🔥 🙏 ❤️🩹 Absolute brilliance!
Some things to know He’s big fan of the reaction community and totally fine with monetisation by reactors for his stuff A agree with other comments that Jenny - screech - violet trilogy is brilliant hits me so hard I actually cried - “bardcore” he calls it - the stuff he’s done with chinchilla is brilliant .. chalk outlines he does a fair bit of hip hop / rap which is obviously not your lads normal cuppa but that being said I love you could easily see the brilliance of the poetry he put with the verve’s bitter sweet symphony- the verve’s bass player liked it so much he sent ren his bass. 2023 or 1960 good music resonates far and wide.. love from Sydney oz keep it up fellas
When I first heard 'HI REN' a few weeks ago, I was totally blown away. I have since listened to it another 50 times at least, obsessively you might say. It is so multilayered that you must listen to it a number of times to peel back those layers, but it resonated within my soul the first time. To me, this is more than a song, it is visually mesmerising, a story told with emotion, a piece of art that belongs in a museum. But that is just the opinion of an Australian bogan lacking any culture.
music transcends boundaries.. I'm from Denmark i i have heard this song about a hundred times and just love it every time... Blown away.. And. Welcome to Rens beautifully twisted universe.
Simon Jones from The Verve sent him a guitar after seeing his rendition Bitter Sweet Symphony. The Big Push's busking performances are insanely good. Medleys with Marley's I Shot The Sheriff, and Sabbath's War Pigs.
yes this is resonating with people all over the world of all ages. I agree the is one of the best, most important pieces of art this century and everyone must see it.
I have not seen that Thames TV intro in decades. Takes me back. As for Ren, he has affected me in such a positive way with my illness with both this song and his wider catalogue of music.
Speaking as an American, I love everything he does even the British-centric material. His love of country doesn't stop him from sharing pointed observations, nor do his critiques of Britain disguise his obvious appreciation of home. Liked and subscribed. I'll see you the next time you cover Ren.
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 10 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 Ren’s songs resonate with people because he addresses struggles that many others face every day. Ren is an independent artist/singer/songwriter/busker from Brighton, UK. He 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-day bard; he calls his music “bardcore.” Ren’s earliest recordings on TH-cam 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.” 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, 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 “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," his new release “Bittersweet symphony (The Verve retake),” and his latest release "The Illest Of Our Time," just to name a few. 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,” “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),” that 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 awesome. On “These Boots Are Made For Walking,” “Praise You” (Fatboy Slim Cover), “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 just released his newest song, “Illest Of Our Time,” on his birthday, March 29.
Thank you for putting this together. That is brilliant information and much appreciated. Sorry it took so long to reply but something in it made youtube hide it as inappropriate! (Not sure what).
@@TheThamesmen Thank you for your kind words. I am glad to hear that you found the information of some use. The YT algorithm does not like me for some reason. I have posted this information to every "Hi Ren" reaction I have come across, and YT frequently removes my posts and blocks me from posting comments for several days. It is what it is. Glad to know it finally showed up in the comments.
Remarkable performance. The word-of-mouth on this song has been something else, I keep getting asked if I've seen this. It really seems to have tapped into something for a lot of people. Nice work.
Here is some additional information on Ren's story that I gathered from old newspaper interviews, articles, and Ren's livestreams and posts where he discussed his condition. Ren Erin Gill is a British musician/independent artist; born in Wales on March 29, 1990; he eventually moved to Brighton. 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. 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. 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 currently in Calgary, Canada for more treatments, including surgeries, and will have to be there for at least six months (Summer of 2023) undergoing IV and other interventions five days a week. Ren recently underwent wisdom tooth removal and cavitation surgery. In addition, his Canadian doctor discovered that Ren also developed a condition called Mast Cell Activation Disorder, which has affected the myelin sheath in his brain, his thyroid, adrenals as well as his bones/joints. Now, Ren is receiving additional treatments for this previously undiagnosed condition. 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. 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. Someone has finally created a Wikipedia page for Ren, so there is additional information available. 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
Beautiful reaction. Thanks for letting me drop by to witness it. He is a true talent and very inspirational. I think it resonates with everyone on their own level, but generally the same. I've seen what seems like hundreds of reactions and they are varied, but I don't think it matters about culture, but my husband 's primary language is German and he can't keep up with the speed of Ren on this one, so it was lost on him. Sadly.
Been waiting for this, Ren is astounding no matter where you live, believe me. ' Sick Boi', 'Chalk Outlines', I'm not gonna make a list, everyone knows, but my god, he is something else. I think he is still in Canada, at some high end clinic, getting (at last) treatment that might actually help. He's been posting updates of his treatment, which doesn't look fun, but he's incredibly positive. I am just in awe of this amazing young person, so happy you did this. ❤
glad you found ren and yes im from america and i absloutely adore all of his music!!!!! he is very smart and super talented im glad he is finally getting the audience he deserves!!!
The full tale of Jenny & Screech is another cultural dark masterpiece......All his different songs and collaborations are great , just wait for his duets with Chinchilla , the Big Push & more....
I'm from the US and this is the first song I heard from Ren as well and then went down the rabbit hole to lol. Everything you've said in this video is EXACTLY how I felt and what I thought. He's amazing...a genius!!! Can't get enough.
I'm 53 and have a record collection that's frankly ridiculous, but Ren is right up there with some of the most talented performers I've heard. Nice guy too, according to my nephews who've met him.
Guys, really enjoyed your reaction...... how about you forget about you dive down the Ren rabbit hole , the most relevant and creative artist of ‘right now’. Also Chinchilla, with whole he has done some duets, her new single Fingers ( live version) is dazzling, it will blow you away, as much as Clapton, promise ! 😀❤
That was amazing. He is a genius in his music and understanding of life. I am not a fan of rap but his message drew me into the performance. His message is one that could guide people with struggling in their life this is a message that should be heard as a map to help you travel through life.
As a fellow Brit I can say that all Ren's references to his hometown and this daft island hit very differently. It endears you to him beautifully and he's such an incredible musician around it that you just need to absorb everything he's done. I'd recommend the weightier tracks like Chalk Outlines (where you get to hear Chinchilla too, and she's also phenomenal) and Sick Boi, for some more gut punches. Hell Tale of Jenny and Screech is a looong track but well worth. The one shots and rap retakes are more fun and just a great show of his talent with words, my particular favourite is Losing It just because I have a penchant for that sweet EDM with his rapping, it's so good, but yeah anything he does is great.
What Americans fail to get very often is REN’s wicked sense of humor and the complex musical metaphors in the opening and closing vocals. Thanks for your reaction and enjoyed your comedic spirit.
Very late to the party but glad that you guys finally made it. So, of the many Ren tracks floating around the net at the moment I would suggest that you check out the more conventional but no less amazing ‘Chalk Outlines’ which is a duet with an equally talented young songstress Chinchilla and then the Modern Shakespearean tragedy which is the trilogy of tales about Jenny, Screech and Violet. That one is brutal but brilliant! Finally for a bit of fun and a reggae fix check out ‘I shot the sheriff’ with his band the big push.
If you want to see him truly sing like an angel watch "Chalk Outlines" by Ren & Chinchilla LIVE (he uses a hallways for natural reverb) it's about self deletion, depression, addiction and over prescription or "How to Be Me" by Ren & Chinchilla LIVE, it's about a friend of Ren who self deleted himself on the bridge where they sing.
I don’t believe you can put him in a particular genre. He is brilliant at playing multiple instruments - writing- performing-singing-rapping- creating beats- videos- mixing - producing- having a message- telling stories His collabs with Chinchilla ( haunting) and Sam Tompkins ( soulful) are not rap. But he sure can rap.
So glad you boys have discovered Ren. I can only agree with others, please do the full version of the tale of Jenny and Screech. I have heard him described as a modern day bard. The more I watch, the more impressed I am
When you get time guys have a look at chalk outlines live ren x chinchilla it's absolutely beautiful many thanks love and respect from the UK 👍👍👍👍👍👍🌟😀😀 amazing channel 👍
Nice to have a british reaction - half the US reactors beep out the f**cks - which makes for quite a LOT of beeping in one part of the song😂
So pleased you have found Ren. I think he may have single handedly restored my faith that good music is not just behind us. His back catalogue is simply put mind blowing and not an average track to be found. Not to mention his live performances with a band he is a part of and various collaborations. His new stuff only gets better
So true. Single handed helped me believe in new music.
@@TheThamesmen I think I might be discovering what it means to be a fanboy. God help me!
REN
Different level 🔥
Highly recommended
Also
NF
rocks 👍😁🤘
@@TheThamesmen what about Aurora? You seemed to like her
@@helenespaulding7562 I was trhinking about her the other day and how we need to get back to her. Yoiu are right, shes so good. I think we have content up to Nov at the moment but will spin around 4 shaw
"Truth in a blender, the deceitful pretender......." Ren is still in treatment and has a GoFundMe account to help pay medical bills......the pig is a butcher, Ren's comment on the mental health system......the discordant guitar and vocals represent the chaos Ren feels, as do the blinking lights.....Thank you for posting this and thanks to @AndaraBledin for the Ren bio....."Bardcore"
F@ck the wheel just do ren 😂
I am a 64yr old grandmother, I was blown away by this artist I am Australian. I have not been so excited about an artist since the 70’s I never really liked rap or Hiphop and I am a fan, I cant get enough of his work!
Best 9 minute therapy session ever..
I'm in Australia. Trust me, it resonates downunder! Brought me to tears on numerous occasions
Sweet - You WAIT
@@TheThamesmen what am I waiting for?
I'm not saying I now know what it would be like to see Simon Pegg and Nick Frost react to Ren but....
😂
From a local busker to now smashing the granny out of the internet is a wonderful thing to see. Buckle up George, this is not a rabbit hole, it is a warren.
He is not just a british phenomenon - reactions come from all over the world, all ages, lovers of all styles of music...
Don't forget to see him sing too. His vocals are spectacular. I recommend all the stuff with Chinchilla and the Big Push!
Thank you for doing Ren boys...I haven't seen anyone this influential since Bowie. Not even signed and has a reach via social media most artists could only wish for! The boy speaks to the masses, can only imagine what this young bloke has in store for us in the future. I honestly got the same feeling watching this as I did when seeing the Colliseum in Rome for the first time, when gazing up at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican for the first time, when laying eyes on the Mona Lisa in the Louvre for the first time... this is art that will be remembered for eons. Cheers guys, loved the reaction, much love from skippy land. X
Sic Boi is a good follow up to this. But then as others have mentioned The Tale of Jenny and Screech (FULL VERSION) trilogy is a masterclass in storytelling and worth everyone’s time. And yeah, if you check the view counts, he’s trending globally.
This is the real Grammy song!!!
Gentlemen, this genius drama and true story has garnered 10 Million views in 3 months, I have not heard one song that isn't brilliant including his remixes. 1/2 the world has gone mad for Ren. We adore him.
I think, Ren X Chinchilla - How To Be Me, is one the most emotional songs I ever heard. Havnt manage to watch it once yet without tearing up
Ren seems to be reaching across borders [not just British]... but also across generations: both young & old are touched by his wisdom. He speaks to the human condition... & that knows no bounds.
67 year old music lover, not been so exited about an artist for many a year, you’ve got to listen to the full version of Jenny and Screech 13 1/2 minutes of epic proportions with an epic twist right in the last line, miss this at your peril!!!😊
I can’t stop watching this and watching others watch it. His face acting is incredible… the music, the voice , the message……
Nothing like it
I'm from Houston, Tx USA and came across REN and just LOVE all he does as well as his messages that he shares within his lyrics.
So glad you finally reacting to Ren. Please do the Tale of Jenny and Screech (full version). You'll be blown away even more. Thank you.
The dude on the left spent the first half of the reaction playing on his phone.
He resonates cross culturally and cross generationally. He speaks to our times and that is why he resonates so profoundly.❤😂
I just discovered Big Push and watched several vids of him and his band busking in Brighton. It was great. He did a reggae cover of I Shot the Sheriff that was so damn good….perfect accent …great band.
This was my second time watching this video. The first yime I didn’t connect with it. This time I was gobsmacked.
For Tolkien fans out there….his talk with the two sides of himself reminded me so much of the inner struggle of Gollum…. Between his evil side, and Sméagol, the part of him that still had some good in him.
I hope Rens “dance” turns out better.
Someone pointed out that his shadow to the left is darker than his shadow to the right. Every thing about this performance is brilliant.
Masterpiece!!!! Have watched this more times than I can count and it is just as impactful every time!!!!!
Ren to me , an American transplanted to Australia ,love his music and get what he is saying and can't stop listening to Ren .
The bitter sweet is no where near his best and it is absolutely incredible
American here, I adore him and his work. While there is the odd term that I might need to look up- I find his message universal.
But then again , I’ve traveled and lived outside the USA
I've only got 2 things to say about this. HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!
I must have watched this performance 100 times, and still become emotionally vulnerable every time.
I’m American and I was Wowed! Absolutely wowed! He an amazing musician and his lyrics are beyond his years. I’m not a rap fan but I’m now a life long fan of Ren’s. Much ✌️❤️ to everyone
At last, I have been waiting to hear what you think of this fantastic young artist. I have become addicted to his music. He is so gifted and creates music across a number of genres. Good live music can’t be beaten.
I'm from the US and I've listened to this song soooo many times since I first heard it a month ago. It's incredible.
I believe his huge popularity with 10 million views in 4 months is definitely due to the positive reaction of Americans. Every reactor I follow in the US has reacted to Hi Ren.
YEESSSS ! So thrilled to see you do a reaction to Ren. His rabbit hole of music is vast, varied and amazing - I have truthfully not found one bad song in it (and there are loads). Tip for Ren is not to try and pigeon hole him - he will constantly surprise. As you are aware, her is a multi instrumentalist, genre bending creative musical genius - many of his songs are live one shot recordings.
For my money, he is a generational talent who may well prove to be one of the most important musicians to come out of the UK in decades. He gives a voice to those who go unheard - a real social political communicator who tackles real issues and feelings which resonate with so many people.
Even if you don't do any more reactions to him, please go down the rabbit hole privately, it will be wroth both of your times.
I'd really urge you to do a "Ren" week but certainly recommend the following reactions if I may :
The Tale of Jenny and Screech (Full) - th-cam.com/video/TYAnqQ--KX0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Ren This is a trilogy
Money Game Part 1 - th-cam.com/video/0ivQwwgW4OY/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Ren and Money Game Part 2 - th-cam.com/video/YonS9_QJbp8/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Ren
Ren & Chinchilla Chalk Outlines (live) - th-cam.com/video/35yALr_opeg/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Ren
The Big Push - War Pigs (Black Sabbath medley) - th-cam.com/video/azAD9KE9HKE/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=TheBigPush
Don't sleep on him - he is going to be massive.
Wow. Many many thanks. Alex.
I am German. Trust me I am amazed as any native speaker from UK or US can be. The inner dialogue on the meaning of one's own work resonates with me as a scientist. Masterpiece not heard or seen for a long time! 🎶🖖
This is a magnificent performance, I keep going back to it after being put on to Ren only a couple of weeks ago; so George, I was like you in not knowing how much I was missing by not being on the Ren train. I know better now.
Alex is right, once you drop down the Ren rabbit hole, a whole new world awaits. Alex is correct in saying that listening to Ren only gets better from here and I fully agree with Alex that this is going to be a massive breakout year for this incredibly diverse artist.
Wonderful!
There's nothing he can't to from rap, singing, rock, reggae everything! And he smashes them all!
Hi is breaking worldwide. Every culture can relate to Ren.
Nice reaction boys. The vast majority of folks discovered Ren through Hi Ren. Reactors on most continents have embraced Hi Ren and many more of his tracks plus The Big Push, Chinchilla, Eden Nash and many more of his collabs. Keep burrowing down fellas.
Thanks for that!
he will be great like he says he already is
The beauty of Ren's performances is that one never knows what to expect. Hi Ren is a visceral, mind-boggling punch right in the heart, ending with a powerful, resonating, and enduring message of inspiration and hope ❤️🔥 🙏 ❤️🩹 Absolute brilliance!
Totally!
Has he won any music awards yet? He should get song of the year for this one
Some things to know
He’s big fan of the reaction community and totally fine with monetisation by reactors for his stuff
A agree with other comments that Jenny - screech - violet trilogy is brilliant hits me so hard I actually cried - “bardcore” he calls it - the stuff he’s done with chinchilla is brilliant .. chalk outlines
he does a fair bit of hip hop / rap which is obviously not your lads normal cuppa but that being said I love you could easily see the brilliance of the poetry he put with the verve’s bitter sweet symphony- the verve’s bass player liked it so much he sent ren his bass.
2023 or 1960 good music resonates far and wide..
love from Sydney oz keep it up fellas
When I first heard 'HI REN' a few weeks ago, I was totally blown away. I have since listened to it another 50 times at least, obsessively you might say. It is so multilayered that you must listen to it a number of times to peel back those layers, but it resonated within my soul the first time. To me, this is more than a song, it is visually mesmerising, a story told with emotion, a piece of art that belongs in a museum.
But that is just the opinion of an Australian bogan lacking any culture.
Jenny and Screech must be your next reaction. It's incredible storytelling
music transcends boundaries.. I'm from Denmark i i have heard this song about a hundred times and just love it every time... Blown away.. And. Welcome to Rens beautifully twisted universe.
Simon Jones from The Verve sent him a guitar after seeing his rendition Bitter Sweet Symphony.
The Big Push's busking performances are insanely good. Medleys with Marley's I Shot The Sheriff, and Sabbath's War Pigs.
Tale of Jenny and Screech (full version) is a great, check it out also Money Game Pt2 👍
That is an amazing performance. It may well be his year, he certainly deserves it.
more Ren please
The Jenny and screech trilogy you will love it. Especially with the British references you were talking about.
Ren has literally changed my life... for the better of course
yes this is resonating with people all over the world of all ages. I agree the is one of the best, most important pieces of art this century and everyone must see it.
We have. We have seen this x times. But happy to watch jet again with you two.
Thats your new Bohemian Rhapsody......
Ooh wow
Nice to see that gentlemen of a similar age to myself reacting to this and being affected in the same way. He’s quite an artist.
Spring chickens like us you mean!
@@TheThamesmen Yes. Not necessarily this spring though…
@@yearbyred8588 😂
I have not seen that Thames TV intro in decades. Takes me back. As for Ren, he has affected me in such a positive way with my illness with both this song and his wider catalogue of music.
Isn’t he just incredible 🖤
Speaking as an American, I love everything he does even the British-centric material. His love of country doesn't stop him from sharing pointed observations, nor do his critiques of Britain disguise his obvious appreciation of home.
Liked and subscribed. I'll see you the next time you cover Ren.
so glad to see you guys reacting to Ren. Its a visceral experience.
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 10 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 Ren’s songs resonate with people because he addresses struggles that many others face every day.
Ren is an independent artist/singer/songwriter/busker from Brighton, UK. He 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-day bard; he calls his music “bardcore.” Ren’s earliest recordings on TH-cam 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.”
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, 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 “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," his new release “Bittersweet symphony (The Verve retake),” and his latest release "The Illest Of Our Time," just to name a few.
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,” “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),” that 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 awesome. On “These Boots Are Made For Walking,” “Praise You” (Fatboy Slim Cover), “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 just released his newest song, “Illest Of Our Time,” on his birthday, March 29.
Thank you for putting this together. That is brilliant information and much appreciated. Sorry it took so long to reply but something in it made youtube hide it as inappropriate! (Not sure what).
@@TheThamesmen Thank you for your kind words. I am glad to hear that you found the information of some use. The YT algorithm does not like me for some reason. I have posted this information to every "Hi Ren" reaction I have come across, and YT frequently removes my posts and blocks me from posting comments for several days. It is what it is. Glad to know it finally showed up in the comments.
Remarkable performance. The word-of-mouth on this song has been something else, I keep getting asked if I've seen this. It really seems to have tapped into something for a lot of people. Nice work.
Here is some additional information on Ren's story that I gathered from old newspaper interviews, articles, and Ren's livestreams and posts where he discussed his condition. Ren Erin Gill is a British musician/independent artist; born in Wales on March 29, 1990; he eventually moved to Brighton. 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. 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.
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 currently in Calgary, Canada for more treatments, including surgeries, and will have to be there for at least six months (Summer of 2023) undergoing IV and other interventions five days a week. Ren recently underwent wisdom tooth removal and cavitation surgery. In addition, his Canadian doctor discovered that Ren also developed a condition called Mast Cell Activation Disorder, which has affected the myelin sheath in his brain, his thyroid, adrenals as well as his bones/joints. Now, Ren is receiving additional treatments for this previously undiagnosed condition.
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. 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. Someone has finally created a Wikipedia page for Ren, so there is additional information available. 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
The entire planet understands him and resonate with his lyrics. 😂😂
And now for something completely different, two men playing one guitar while having an argument.
Beautiful reaction. Thanks for letting me drop by to witness it. He is a true talent and very inspirational.
I think it resonates with everyone on their own level, but generally the same. I've seen what seems like hundreds of reactions and they are varied, but I don't think it matters about culture, but my husband 's primary language is German and he can't keep up with the speed of Ren on this one, so it was lost on him. Sadly.
Been waiting for this, Ren is astounding no matter where you live, believe me. ' Sick Boi', 'Chalk Outlines', I'm not gonna make a list, everyone knows, but my god, he is something else. I think he is still in Canada, at some high end clinic, getting (at last) treatment that might actually help. He's been posting updates of his treatment, which doesn't look fun, but he's incredibly positive. I am just in awe of this amazing young person, so happy you did this. ❤
glad you found ren and yes im from america and i absloutely adore all of his music!!!!! he is very smart and super talented im glad he is finally getting the audience he deserves!!!
Very relatable for me here in NY USA 👍
Good to hear!
You've also got his band, The Big Push, to look forward to. They're incredible
The full tale of Jenny & Screech is another cultural dark masterpiece......All his different songs
and collaborations are great , just wait for his duets with Chinchilla , the Big Push & more....
I'm from the US and this is the first song I heard from Ren as well and then went down the rabbit hole to lol. Everything you've said in this video is EXACTLY how I felt and what I thought. He's amazing...a genius!!! Can't get enough.
This song gives me goosebumps! finding more amazing each time I listen!
Ren❤❤❤❤
Yes!!! Can’t wait to see this!! Welcome to the amazing world of Ren - he can do it all!!
Reminded me of Gollum and Smeagul. Cred to him for revealing his inner torment. Will have to look into more of his stuff. Thanks guys
I'm 53 and have a record collection that's frankly ridiculous, but Ren is right up there with some of the most talented performers I've heard. Nice guy too, according to my nephews who've met him.
You‘re right … it‘s the year of REN … the Music Timeline starts at the beginning 😉 you 2 were amazing as always 👋
Yes! Thank you!
Guys, really enjoyed your reaction...... how about you forget about you dive down the Ren rabbit hole , the most relevant and creative artist of ‘right now’. Also Chinchilla, with whole he has done some duets, her new single Fingers ( live version) is dazzling, it will blow you away, as much as Clapton, promise ! 😀❤
One being in UK a lot of times could see and understand what Ren related to in Bittersweet symphony but I think you British can feel it also.
🤓🇸🇪
Ren has a video on TH-cam of him reacting to people reacting to him. The world shares your sentiments.
That was amazing. He is a genius in his music and understanding of life. I am not a fan of rap but his message drew me into the performance. His message is one that could guide people with struggling in their life this is a message that should be heard as a map to help you travel through life.
Well said. Thank you
The entire world is Renlating!
Ha!
Never seen the two of you so mesmerized before, especially for nine minutes!
Great reaction.
✌️💖🎼
As a fellow Brit I can say that all Ren's references to his hometown and this daft island hit very differently. It endears you to him beautifully and he's such an incredible musician around it that you just need to absorb everything he's done. I'd recommend the weightier tracks like Chalk Outlines (where you get to hear Chinchilla too, and she's also phenomenal) and Sick Boi, for some more gut punches. Hell Tale of Jenny and Screech is a looong track but well worth.
The one shots and rap retakes are more fun and just a great show of his talent with words, my particular favourite is Losing It just because I have a penchant for that sweet EDM with his rapping, it's so good, but yeah anything he does is great.
YES!! REN is brilliant. Thank`s guys!
We agree!
Ren and Justin Hawkins are about to break the internet. Be ready,
Justin’s Podcast right? Or on youtube? Any details on release info?
Ive been wanting and waiting for you lads to do this, commenting before watching, cant wait to see your reactions and your minds blown ❤
It's like a revelation that you found Ren. I hope there will be many more songs from him. Greetings from Germany
American reactors are loving him!
Fucking genius!
Thanks guys!
Wow indeed!
What Americans fail to get very often is REN’s wicked sense of humor and the complex musical metaphors in the opening and closing vocals. Thanks for your reaction and enjoyed your comedic spirit.
Performance art
It really is!
Very late to the party but glad that you guys finally made it. So, of the many Ren tracks floating around the net at the moment I would suggest that you check out the more conventional but no less amazing ‘Chalk Outlines’ which is a duet with an equally talented young songstress Chinchilla and then the Modern Shakespearean tragedy which is the trilogy of tales about Jenny, Screech and Violet. That one is brutal but brilliant! Finally for a bit of fun and a reggae fix check out ‘I shot the sheriff’ with his band the big push.
If you want to see him truly sing like an angel watch "Chalk Outlines" by Ren & Chinchilla LIVE (he uses a hallways for natural reverb) it's about self deletion, depression, addiction and over prescription or "How to Be Me" by Ren & Chinchilla LIVE, it's about a friend of Ren who self deleted himself on the bridge where they sing.
I don’t believe you can put him in a particular genre.
He is brilliant at playing multiple instruments - writing- performing-singing-rapping- creating beats- videos- mixing - producing- having a message- telling stories
His collabs with Chinchilla ( haunting) and Sam Tompkins ( soulful) are not rap.
But he sure can rap.
So glad to see your great reaction to Ren! Thank you very much. I love Ren! Love this brilliant song.
No problem 😊
@@TheThamesmen 😊
My favorite song from him is his cover of Englishman in New York with his band The Big Push. His singing is amazing
So glad you boys have discovered Ren. I can only agree with others, please do the full version of the tale of Jenny and Screech. I have heard him described as a modern day bard. The more I watch, the more impressed I am
So much nostalgia with that intro.:)
Hi guys great reaction welcome to ren you are in for some fantastic suprises and treats love and respect from the UK 👍👍👍👍👍👍🌟😀😀 amazing channel 👍
Thank you so much 😁
When you get time guys have a look at chalk outlines live ren x chinchilla it's absolutely beautiful many thanks love and respect from the UK 👍👍👍👍👍👍🌟😀😀 amazing channel 👍