Renn is a Folk/Americana singer and songwriter, who’s songs “Jezebel” and “King of California” blend flavors of Americana. Soulful and raw, both creatively and in his voice, Renn incorporates an edge to the Americana genre. He can wail on a guitar as well, spending most of his early years focused on that aspect. In his songs, he shows these guitar chops with technical skill and cool effects. According to his bio, he doubted his singing ability and star power at first. Ironically, this seems to have given him his unique style, as he came at his music from a writer’s angle. It would seem he figured his voice out as well; he just needed to find his element as a performer.
As a Belmont student, Renn has a Religious Studies background whose influence adds to his dark flavor. It’s a soulful kind of dark, something like the concepts of retribution or forgiveness. He uses this creatively with an Americana style, and the mixture brings some real substance to the listener.
However, it wasn’t until he decided to leave his roots and travel to the other side of the country that his inspiration turned to gold. Whether it was the journey or the time spent alone, this bold move transformed him as an artist. In California, this young singer and songwriter created his first album “Heartache and a Song”.
“Jezebel” and “King of California”
“Jezebel” is gritty as hell. The first song on his album, it has a raw, stripped down rhythm that pulses, like metal lids smashing against one another. He then comes in with his first line, and is quickly followed by a powerful choir. Then, he comes in with a bluesy electric guitar, just to spark the song to a higher peak before he really gets down. This one is probably his most rock and roll tune, which works well with his flavor.
“King of California” is more like a dreamy kind of Americana. Something that kind of reminds you of a long road trip. The guitars have a surf-rock vibe that complement the darker sides of the song. Renn is good at bringing you there with his writing, while adding creative elements to the background instrumentals. Some have even referenced his style to Sturgill Simpson, who also implements multiple instruments in his music for creative variety. You can expect to hear a collection of strings, steel guitars and more off this album.
Check out his Facebook for more news on this upcoming artist. While you’re at it, check out these songs and buy the album here!
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