Ren

Ren Erin Gill, professionally known as Ren, is a Welsh musician, songwriter, rapper, producer, and director born on March 29, 1990, in Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales. Raised on the island of Anglesey, Ren’s early passion for music developed when he taught himself to play guitar by slowing down tracks by Jimi Hendrix and John Frusciante. By age 12, he was selling homemade beats on CDs and performing live by 13. His dream of becoming a musician led him to study music performance at Bath Spa University, where he formed the indie hip-hop band Trick The Fox.

In 2010, Ren signed a recording contract with Sony Records but had to pause his career due to serious health issues. After moving back to Wales and spending significant time bedridden, Ren relocated to Brighton in 2013, where he continued writing and recording music from his bedroom. His debut solo album, Freckled Angels, was released in 2016. The album was dedicated to his close friend Joe Hughes, who had tragically died by suicide in 2010. Ren’s personal struggles with health shaped much of his music, as he battled Lyme disease, autoimmune issues, and mental health challenges, including psychosis and PTSD.

Ren’s breakthrough moment came in 2022 with the release of “Hi Ren,” a powerful music video that went viral, garnering millions of views on YouTube. The song and its accompanying video reflected his emotional journey through illness and mental health struggles. “Hi Ren” was honored at various music video awards and paved the way for a series of successful singles, including “Sick Boi,” “Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve Retake),” and “Illest of Our Time.” These releases charted in the United Kingdom’s Trending Music Video Charts on YouTube, earning Ren widespread acclaim for his raw and vulnerable storytelling.

Ren’s second album, Sick Boi, was released in October 2023 and topped the UK charts. The album delves into Ren’s decade-long battle with chronic illness and showcases his unique fusion of hip-hop, indie, and alternative styles. It became a commercial success, debuting at No. 137 on the Billboard 200 and receiving critical praise for its candid portrayal of health struggles. Despite being unable to perform live due to ongoing medical treatment, Ren’s fan base propelled the album’s success, helping it surpass prominent artists like Drake and Troye Sivan.

Ren’s music videos have also garnered attention for their creative direction, with “Money Game Part 3” from Sick Boi winning several awards, including Best Music Video and Best Director at the London Music Video Awards. Throughout his career, Ren has used his platform to raise awareness of mental health issues, particularly through his personal experiences. He has also been actively involved in charity work, including fundraising for the RNLI in memory of his late friend Joe Hughes.

Ren’s work is deeply rooted in his personal battles, and his openness about his struggles with illness and mental health has resonated with a global audience, solidifying his place as a distinctive and influential figure in the music industry.