Inspired by some of the very best folk and alt folk musicians of recent times – John Martyn, Dick Gaughan, James Taylor, The Staves and Foy Vance – singer-songwriter Conor Owen launches his exciting new musical venture: Ren.
Ren’s music is defined by a yearning to explore, experience and familiarise the unknown. This in part comes from his diverse upbringing from an Irish Mother, a Liverpudlian Father and being born in to the East End of London(before it was gentrified!).
So really, Ren is a Scouse tinker with a cockney accent. All in all, a very loveable rogue.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Ren about the new project, influences, challenges in the digital age and more.
Q&A with links and streams available below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptAYxkgwpwc
Where are you from and what style of music do you create?
I’m from a small city called Peterborough near the midlands in England but I live in Newcastle at the moment. I create music that I feel is reminiscent of the classic guitar based singer songwriters of the late 60’s and 70’s, or at leaf that’s the vibe I try to channel. My music also has some elements of traditional Irish and Scottish folk thrown in the mix too.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
My parents encouraged me to play an instrument when I was younger because they didn’t have the opportunity to when they were young. I started on the trumpet when I was 10 but then moved on to the guitar when I was 13 and sound it suited me more.
The dream of being able to do a tour around the U.S playing my own music keeps me motivated to stay the course.
Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to your creativity?
Some of my musical influences are musicians like Van Morrison, John Martyn, Bob Dyland etc…the classic singer songwriters. Some of my more modern influences would be singer songwriters like Glen Hansard, Foy Vance, Josh Ritter.
The poet, Ted Hughes, is quite an influence at the moment too.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
My last release ‘My Heart Belongs to Ireland’ was about a specific place and the lyrics are for more descriptive of scenery and real events. This single is different lyrically because I’m trying to capture a feeling rather than a place so it uses language in a very different way. Musically it’s very different too. The structure isn’t a typical verse chorus yadayadyada…The song is really in two halves with the song coming to its musical climax at the end of the first half.
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
It’s a huge challenge to get noticed as an Indie musician in the digital age. The amount of music out there is staggering and we’re all fighting for attention! I also think the digital age has stopped people from going out and taking a punt on seeing a live act based on a review or personal recommendation. Nowadays people have already made a decision on whether they want to see you play live or not from watching youtube videos (of live performances) or streamed online sessions. There’s nothing like seeing music live and getting people to get out and come to shows, I think is becoming more challenging because of the digital age.
On the flip side I have discovered some amazing acts by checking out blogs and clicking through ads that pop up on my FB page. One of my favourite online discoveries has been ‘The Bros Landreth’. Such a great band.
How do you feel about streaming services? Any romantic attachments to the physical formats: vinyl, 8-track, cassettes, CDs?
I do like streaming services as a way to discover new music. All of the clever algorithms that they have to suggest artists that you might like is pretty cool. I do still have an attachment to vinyls but I mostly prefer picking out cheap second hand vinyls from charity shops or boot sales rather than buying new vinyls for £20. I’m poor, don’t you know!
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
You can find me on Facebook at :www.facebook.com/renofficialmusic
Instagram : @renofficialmusic
Twitter: @iamrenofficial or, my website www.renofficialmusic.com
Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks for having me and keep up the marvelous work with the blog!
https://soundcloud.com/ren_official_music/the-coast
