We can still be surprised
If you thought culture couldn't still throw up great things, check this out...
I’ve shied away from cultural commentary in recent years, owing to me becoming an out-of-touch old bastard, but in January I discovered something new and phenomenal.
I’ve two videos for you here, from a young British guy called Ren. He’s a gifted singer, a rapper, a talented guitarist, a characterful actor, a poet and a performer.
What follows is less a music video than a genius piece of performance art. A searing self-portrait, in one take, recorded live, encompassing self-reflection, the duality of man, biblical myth and the vicissitudes of living in this world.
I never normally pay any attention to reaction videos, but this video has set YouTube on fire. There are dozens of reactions. Most of them are a bit meh, but there are a few that I think are worth a look as they helped me unpack what I’d just seen.
There’s a therapist, a voice coach, a rapper, a guitarist and a cinematographer.
Next is something else altogether. Ren as a modern day bard, telling a story in three acts: Jenny’s Tale, Screech’s Tale and Violet’s Tale. It’s an experience.
You’re going to want to stick around for the twist in the tail.
While these are three videos welded together to tell the story, each is one-take and recorded live. The way he moves through the scenery and brings the acoustics and fabric of the environment into the service of his story-telling is epic and the stories are heart-breaking, even for someone as dead-inside as I am.
I think he used the same camera guy in the above video and in this, and he does a phenomenal job of capturing the performance.
Honestly, I’ve watched both of these videos dozens of times since I found them in January. Everything about them both just delights me. He’s a seriously talented guy.
Unfortunately, the illness Ren spoke about in his “Hi Ren” video is very real. He has Lyme’s Disease, and he’s currently in Canada seeking long overdue treatment after 8+ years of misdiagnosis and medical neglect.
When he was a kid he was offered the ticket by one of the big record companies, who then snatched it away again because his illness meant he couldn’t meet the commitments they’d require of him.
So, I wouldn’t normally do this but, for this condition, he’s not getting the financial or medical support of our ‘wonderful’ welfare system, so he’s had to resort to cyber-begging. I gave him a chunk, because he moved my soul and he’s shown himself worthy. If you feel like doing something too, I guess he would appreciate it.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/ren-get-better-from-lyme-disease-and-autoimmunity
It’s probably money better spent than giving it to an Onlyflange girl.
Peace.
AJ