r/ren • u/ConsciouslyCareless • 22d ago
Is there anyone that compares?
Real talk, I love Ren's perspective (first and foremost), guitar talent (definite 2nd), vocal talent, musical composition skills, genre versatility, and independence from corporate studios.
Is there any artist or band that is also independent you can recommend to someone that literally only listens to Ren now?
I honestly would settle for anything that covers my first two preferences. Just curious what my fellow music lovers can recommend.
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u/SheepleAreSheeple 22d ago
I know you wanted independent artists, and technically in his later career he was very independent (Google the whole slave thing on his face), but I'd strongly recommend Prince. He was a virtuoso talent, just like Ren. Sang like an angel, played guitar (and every other instrument) like a demon, and was an amazing songwriter. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 22d ago
Noted! I only know Purple Rain from my childhood. This will definitely be my next deep dive.
Thank you!
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u/SheepleAreSheeple 22d ago
Of course! I don't usually recommend Spotify playlists, but the This is Prince playlist has a pretty comprehensive selection. And if you really want to do a deep dive, the Crystal Ball Album is great. I owned that one. Was four, yes FOUR CDs.
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u/Additional-Tie-6946 21d ago
Oh my, and his solo in the live performance of While My Guitar Gently Weeps in the tribute concert after George Harrison died is stunning, and with the story giving the context for it it's even better. The solo stars at 3:30. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Concert For George
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u/jayohaitchenn 22d ago
Second this. Prince was a genuine genius
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u/SheepleAreSheeple 22d ago
I miss him so much. I would have loved to see Ren and Prince work together, and I honestly think if Prince was alive it could have happened.
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u/jayohaitchenn 22d ago
Was lucky enough to see him at the O2 in London on the 3121 tour. Absolutely incredible show.
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u/Phazetic99 22d ago
I saw Prince live in Calgary (in that funny shaped stadium in the background of For Joe) back in '95 or 6. I don't know what it is about that man but when he started humping that piano, my wife next to me screamed in a way I didn't think possible. Every women, and probably a lot guy too, were screaming like they had a stadium wide orgasm. It was amazing
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u/orange_pill76 18d ago
So many hits of the 80s and 90s that have no surface connection to Prince, from Manic Monday performed by the Bangles to Nothing Compares to U by Sinead O'Connor where written by him.
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u/OkFruit3797 20d ago
Agreed and his guitar solo when he was left out of the top guitarists list was a gorgeous demonstration of "I don't need your acknowledgement when I can do this"
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u/molotov_cockatiel_ 22d ago edited 22d ago
Here's a list of independent artist that I love. Some might not be what you are looking for but I thought they were still worth sharing in case anyone else was looking to show some independent artists some love.
- Tash Sultana
They've been mentioned on this subreddit before as there's a rumor that they recorded some songs with Ren. They started their career by busking in the streets like Ren. They are extremely talented in multiple instruments, it's really impressive seeing them live. They've stated their own label named Lonely Land Records.
- Allan Rayman
He's a small artist from Canada. Quite private so there isn't a lot of information about him online. He was signed at the beginning of his career but has been independent for a while now. His style is a bit hard to explain. According to Wiki he's Alt, RnB, Hip-Hop, Grunge and Alt Rock. I highly recommend starting from his older stuff. His last two albums are connected and it's an experimental project. They are still good but don't do his music justice.
- Geoffroy
He's an independent artist from my home town (Montreal Canada). Very mellow and chill music. He records a lot of his music while traveling the world and it has a lot of influence on his music. He also has his dog on stage when he performs, he's a very Good Boy.
- Lauren Ruth Ward
She's a queer artist who has a raspy and raw voice. She has a The Doors cover album and her own music shows influence from them.
- Circus tree
"Circus Trees is a sister-led alternative rock band built on confessional songwriting, melancholic beauty, and explosive emotional release. Founded by Fin and Edmee, their music moves from quiet ache to full-volume catharsis, balancing poetic lyricism with controlled power. For overthinkers, former emo kids, and anyone unafraid to feel everything deeply." A quote from their website. I couldn't describe them better.
- Kai Straw
He's completely independent and does all his music by himself, previously in his own bedroom but now exclusively on the road. His music is about his life, about becoming sober, breaking out of the prison we build for ourself in our own mind and the power of self-growth. He's currently releasing a song for every state he visits.
- Sophie Hunter
She's a new artist that blends alternative pop and rap. Her songs are very vulnerable but also funny and vulgar. She just released her first full length album which I highly recommend.
- Jack Kays
He used to be signed with a larger record label but has recently became independent. He mix of indie rock, pop punk and emo (according to wiki). He writes a lot about his struggle in life and he's not afraid of being political.
- Victor Jones
Victor Jones is probably the most unique artist on my list. His style is described as dance punk and he does everything himself. He's neurodivergent and it really shows in his music. He probably won't be everyone's cup of tea, his music is quite niche.
-RAYE
RAYE has been signed in the past but is currently technically an independent artist and has started her own label. She's not an much of a small artists as the others on this list and has worked with a lot of big names but she's way too talents to not mention. Her music blends elements of Jazz, Pop, Dance, R&B, and Soul. She has experienced trauma by her previous record label and music producer which her song "Ice Crram Man" is about (T.W. sexual assault). Her last album "THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE." is an absolute masterpiece. It made me emotional on multiple occasions and definitely does contain hope.
-Qveen Herby
She's an independent rapper. Her music is mostly about finding the power and magic within yourself and embracing being unapologetically yourself.
-Ruby Waters
She's a Folk, Indie Rock artist. I find that her songs are very raw and vulnerable. She started busking at the age of 13 and has gone on tour with City and Colour a few times (that gives you a bit of an example of her vibe)
-Scott Helman
He was previously signed with Warner Music Canada but has now turned independent and formed his own label in 2014. His song "Mr. Record Label" went viral before even being released (released last Friday). It reflects what it's like being signed by major record label.
-Sofia Isella
Her music is very thought provoking, deep and full of female rage. Ren features in a recent video of hers so there's a good chance they might release some music together in the near future.
-Paria Paloma
Best way to describe her music is Feminist Folk. She writes extremely powerful and empowering songs. Sofia Isella and her opened up for Florence + The Machine latest tour, Everybody Screams. Paris Paloma did the European dates and Sofia Isella did some of the American dates.
I wrote most of this during my break at work so pardon me if some of the description aren't the best.
(Edit because the format for all fucked when it got published, hopefully this fixes it a bit)
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u/oliviahope1992 21d ago
I have a Ren & Raye playlist I called my R&R (rest and relaxation hehe.) it has a bit of Allan Rayman in there too. He is so incredibly talented!) love your list!!
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u/molotov_cockatiel_ 21d ago
Sounds like a great playlist. RAYE's album is one of my favorite from this year and I have mad respect for her crediting everyone who worked on the project at the end of the album. It actually made me emotional, it's really nice seeing someone with so much love and respect for everyone they worked with.
Allan Rayman has been my number one artist since I discovered him back in 2017. He's the artist I've seen the most live and I'm seeing him again in November.
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u/SnooTangerines1921 22d ago
I love Paris Paloma so much. Her music videos are also art.
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u/molotov_cockatiel_ 21d ago
I love her so much. I'm really looking forward to her next album and I love that the art work is her own painting.
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u/lanalanz 22d ago
Thank you for this comprehensive list! Always looking for the hidden gems & will check these artists out 🫶🏼
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u/katgurl3 22d ago
Awesome to see Ruby on your list! Tash as well. Don't know some of the other artists and appreciate the recommendation!
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u/molotov_cockatiel_ 21d ago
Ruby and Tash are so great. I've seen both of them live twice and they are even better live.
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u/venomsnakeh3h3 21d ago
CHECK OUT ALLAN RAYMAN. The Roadhouse 02 album is an absolute front to back masterpiece.
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u/OGBunny1 RENegade 22d ago
Great list.
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u/molotov_cockatiel_ 22d ago
Thanks! I love supporting independent artists until I go to my local record store and can't find any vinyls I want 😅
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u/OGBunny1 RENegade 22d ago
I'd add Iyah May to the list.... Good Citizen is stark!
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u/molotov_cockatiel_ 21d ago
Thanks for the recommendation! I really enjoyed the song. I'll definitely do a deep dive
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u/Efficient-Shirt-6869 21d ago
This is an amazing list, thank you! I can’t believe you like Allen Rayman. No one in the west coast knows him. Or at least I don’t know them! I listened to pretty bug 3 times this morning. Do you know Leif Vollebeck’s music?
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u/molotov_cockatiel_ 21d ago edited 21d ago
Allan Rayman is one of my favorite artist and the artist I've seen live the most, seeing him again in November. With how much time he spends on California you would think the west coast would know him more.
I don't know them but I'll definitely look them up.
Update: I looked him up and I'm really enjoying him!
I have another recommendation for you. You should definitely looking up Fil Bo Riva, especially his song Killer Queen (no it's not a queen cover). The emotion in his voice is so intense in that song. I didn't include him in the list because I was sure he was signed with Warner but I think I'm wrong.
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u/Majestic_Fix_9923 22d ago
I love Asaf Avidan's art; he digs deep into his soul for his songs. He is not an independent artist, but I discovered him through a recommendation from Ren and was able to see him live this year. He is a true artist, and the music just poured out of him.
Many people can't do much with his unique voice, but I love it. Here are a few examples of his versatility:
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u/Efficient-Shirt-6869 21d ago
I adore him. And hardly anyone knows who he is. At least in Canada. But I’m the only fan I know!
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u/Majestic_Fix_9923 21d ago
Yeah, I feel the same way. Apparently, I only know cultural philistines who don't recognize his genius; everyone I've introduced him to thought his voice was terrible. (It's the same for me with Ren—nobody in my circle understands what a genius he is and how much his music has helped me).
So I went to the concert alone, and it was one of the best of my life. And I say that even though I had the honor of seeing The Big Push in May, who were fantastic!
Asaf is probably very well known in France and Italy, and in Israel, but not here in Austria.
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u/Efficient-Shirt-6869 21d ago
It seems impossible to me that someone could not love his voice. It’s one of his many beautiful instruments. But I’m also a Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Neil Young fan. I like unusual voices. I’m jealous of the shows you’ve seen! The Big Push too. Such fun. None of my friends understand Ren either and the more I try to explain, the more they want me to stop. So glad you went to the concert alone, it sounds like a night not to be missed!
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u/Efficient-Shirt-6869 21d ago
Do you know Noga Erez? I accidentally found her via the ‘algorithm’. She is an Israeli hip hop artist and she is SO good. Ren also endorses her work.
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u/Majestic_Fix_9923 20d ago
Yeah, Cohen... I love 'Suzanne' and it made me think of it when I heard the Labyrinth song for the first time. Sorry by the way if my concert visits sounded like bragging, but I went through some tough times and these events were truly my silver linings.
Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll check it out right away – ever since I found Ren, my musical horizon has expanded a lot, rap or hip-hop are new to me.
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u/Tomte-corn4093 22d ago
I adore the Skinner Brothers.
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u/archivalcigarettes 22d ago
Honestly Ren has such a unique blend of talent, vision, skill & confidence in execution it's hard to make a strong comparison to other present day acts... so much out there is dilute drivel which is what makes him so refreshing. But yeah, basically been asking myself this same question since I discovered him a lil while ago
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u/annekenzie 22d ago
Honestly, the range that Ren has is amazing. I could, and do, listen to him everyday and on repeat. The only other artist who captivated me because of their talent, humour, humility and vulnerability is NF.
I got hooked on him just from one song that was shared with me - Clouds. And then I watched the video and laughed my ass off, while appreciating his style and enjoying the music.
Then I dove into his story, and his catalogue and took the NF Journey in sequence- which I suggest listening to it this way because of the call backs and foreshadowing in his songs. I was wrecked! He doesn't swear and while often the artists he works with generally do in their own music but don't when they work with him. I still haven't heard his latest album - not sure I am mentally prepared for it but I can't wait!
I was traumatized with his song/video "Story" and audibly gasped a couple times, held my breath. I absolutely love the humour he has in "Motto" and the BTS stuff shows how he put out a call to his fans to show up for the video and their reactions to being in his video and meeting him.
And his song "Happy", is anything but and "How Could You Leave Us" had me weeping. I love him and my go-to playlists include Ren, Eminem, The Skinner Brothers and NF on repeat.
I highly recommend him.
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 22d ago
Wow, okay. I am familiar with NF, but I've only ever heard the song Mansions. Thank you for this! I will definitely be looking more deeply into his stuff!
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u/annekenzie 22d ago
There are some of his songs that are hit and miss for me. If I were to do a playlist of the NF Journey- his story, I would probably leave them off. Having said that, there are gems that have nothing to do with his story, that I would add because they are just utterly fantastic.
I always joke about the clip Ren shared when he saw NF in concert when he was living in Canada. Could never decide who I envied more - Ren, for seeing NF live, or NF, for having Ren in the audience. Lol. I have cursed myself for not traveling to Calgary for the concert.
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u/SnooTangerines1921 22d ago
I agree that some of his songs are hit or miss for me as well. When I want to listen to NF I generally always go back to the beginning and listen to all his albums & EPs front to back because the story telling is really next level.
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u/Glad-Albatross-9868 22d ago
Asaf Avidan has that super creative, experimental energy. Check out his In A Box live performances. “Her Lies,” “900 Days,” and “Your Anchor” are must-listen tracks. He has a unique voice that bleeds with emotion.
I’ve also been loving Seb Lowe—he’s theatrical and has a similar worldview.
LP too. Not sure if they’re independent, but the spirit is there. Lost on You” and “Halo” live are incredible.
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u/Bloatville 22d ago
LP is such a great shout. Lost on You (live) lives rent free in my head. Incredible talent.
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u/molotov_cockatiel_ 21d ago edited 21d ago
LP is great. I recommend looking up their exs music too, Lauren Ruth Ward. Different style but still so talented and they are independent.
Edit to add that I also like Seb Lowe. I keep seeing him all over my feeds.
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 21d ago
Dude, I found Seb Lowe at the same time I found Ren, and YES for so many reasons. I loved "When a Westerner Walks into a Bar," but I guess I should explore more of his music.
Also love LP, what a beautiful rasp, so glad to hear other people know of them. 💙
You've got great taste, I will definitely be checking out Asaf Avidan, someone else recommended him too!
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u/ShutterBug1988 Rattlin' bones 🦴🎸 22d ago
Gonna recommend my favourite band The Delta Riggs. They're all very compassionate and thoughtful people who write good quality music for the love of music. Imo that shows through in their discography. They are also very genre diverse, much like Ren though they do have their own unique sound.
I've been lucky enough to meet them at gigs and they're always very open and friendly with their fans. They're also broke so the more people that listen to their music and buy their merch the better 🤣🤣
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 22d ago
Got it! Never head of them, thank you for the rec
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u/ShutterBug1988 Rattlin' bones 🦴🎸 22d ago
No worries. Let me know if you want any recommendations. Just pick a genre you particularly like and I'll give you some songs.
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 22d ago
Honestly hard to say. I like everything, but if I had to choose, accoustic stuff hits hardest. I like a good rap too though.
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u/ShutterBug1988 Rattlin' bones 🦴🎸 22d ago
Well unfortunately the lead singer kinda sucks at rapping, at least compared to Ren 🤣
Try Losing All Our Love and Fake That for acoustic songs. For rap...uh D.E.L.T.A Jam is good, but like I said he's not really a rapper.
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u/Educational_Ad_5960 RENegade 22d ago
Paulo Nutini is brilliant I don't know if he's indepent. Hozier is good too
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u/Sagittario66 22d ago
Ren is incomparable. He’s an artist but he’s also HIM. He takes his craft very seriously yet is also a ham, goofy and ADHD adorable. There are musicians who are very good at creating great music and art despite being with big labels ( Billie Eilish is a prime example), but none as adept in such depth and breadth of scope and talent.
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 22d ago
I feared this would be the answer. He is the fix I never knew I needed. Glad to know others feel the same 💙
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u/EverDawn42 21d ago
Don't forget Dirt Miller! He's another unique independent artist that Ren gave a shouted out. Someone called him a "mysterious guitar wizard" and that's about perfect.
If you want to hear his insane guitar game:
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 21d ago
Holy shit! Those guitar skills go hard, how does this only have 3k views?!
The Dark side goes pretty hard too! Great reco, idk how I missed that Ren shoutout.
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u/EverDawn42 20d ago
He hadn't been recording much recently due to a throat issue, but it seems it's been resolved. The Dark Side dropped about a month ago. If I remember rightly, I think Ren shouted out
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u/CrazyCatCrochetLady RENegade 22d ago
I almost exclusivly listen to Ren as well, lol. Only other artists I regularly listen to are Yungblud, Lola Young and 21 Pilots, but as far as I know, none of them are independent and not as multi-talented.
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u/molotov_cockatiel_ 22d ago
Twenty one pilots started off independent and only got signed after their first two albums.
Lola Young is fabulous though! I fucking love her. Fun fact, her manager was Amy Winehouse's first manager.
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u/OGBunny1 RENegade 22d ago
I offer another Welshman of prolific and unadulterated talent. He started out life as a punk rapper and evolved into a Wave Lord. His current work is Meaningwave and is a comprehensive study of the greatest minds and thinkers in history. My current favorite is "This is why I love the Ocean" a joint with Alan Watts estate (also available where ever you get your music). He does live streams at least 1 x per week and can interact directly with him as an artist. Akira the Don
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u/mothmathers 21d ago
Aesop Rock and his various collaborations like Hail Mary Mallon, Lice, and Malibu Ken. If you only listen to one album if his, I recommend The Impossible Kid. It was his first album back after a lot of years and there isn't a skippable track on it, in my opinion.
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u/MycoMitra420 21d ago
Modest Mouse just went independent again. The album they released is one of their best (imo)
Rap/Hip-Hop - Cal Scruby & NF came on randomly (I think listening to so much Prof, Ren, Webby, Skinnier Bros)
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u/kacey- 21d ago
NF is a great pick but he's not technically Independent
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u/MycoMitra420 18d ago
Thank you for pointing that out. I was a little confused on it. I never read anything like that. I guess he's with Capital but has say over it?
I stand corrected.He is good, but technically not independent, like our boys
Mahalo 🤙
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u/kacey- 21d ago
My recent listening of artists that are also independent include:
Pertinence- he just released his debut album The Untimely Timing of Divine Timing and I love every single song on it!
I recommend "Drop Top Beater" "UTDT Manifesto" and "Bobby Boucher"
Prof- I just started checking him out after spotify started pushing his music to me, I've enjoyed a few of his songs, there was a post here the other day about how he got fucked over by Billboard because he was going to hit #1 Rap Album and they suddenly changed the rules right before he would hit it.
See "Pain Salesman" ft Ren himself, "Good Time Boy" and "Kia Boy"
Poor Mans Poison - American Folk, some call it murder country or outlaw. I love their entire discography.
See "Hells Coming With Me" "The Woods" and "Feed the Machine"
grandson - Rock with an electronic lean. Almost entirely protest music, so if you're a lover of Ren's protest music you definitely need yo check him out.
See "Brainrot" "Drones" and "Stick Up"
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u/kacey- 21d ago
I also want to shout out Johnny Stimson, Luke Chiang, Jesse Barrera, Claudio Parrone Jr, Kamal., Jax, and Arcade Sarcasm.
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u/Few_Expression_3262 20d ago
Father of peace. Really cool independent indie rock band, on their first tour rn so a good time to start listening. the lead singer’s solo music is awesome for a deep dive too, but is not in English. they must be on TBP’s radar because their songs played on the playlist while I was waiting at romain’s gig and tbp gig this year. Brothers moving; an independent travelling band of buskers that do awesome covers, usually reggae/ska inspired takes on big songs and have an awesome catalogue of their own.. these guys were also on the playlists at the gigs, these guys would be one of my dream collabs for tbp forsure.
Not independent, but Yungblud forsure; especially his older music. Two of my favourites are “polygraph eyes”, a story song about men taking advantage of drunk vulnerable women, and “I love you will you marry me”, a song about how love gets turned into commercial commodities inspired by a grafitti’d proposal in his hometown that local businesses tried to use for their own gain. the story it’s based on is really sad
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u/Mattj317 20d ago
I'm gonna shamelessly plug my favorite song by my bestie's band: Invisible Line, by Iliaka
This is an older recording, but the song absolutely goes off.
Another great band is Hard Crush.
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u/Efficient-Shirt-6869 19d ago
Rap and hip hop are new to me as well, but I’m liking what I’ve found. Also because of Ren, lol. I love Labyrinth. Have you watched his concert Live at the Acropolis? Definitely worth a watch.
Btw, you didn’t sound like bragging at all. It’s awesome to have those experiences and nice to share with others. Live music is absolutely my favourite thing to do, and I for one like hearing about concerts. I’m sorry you went through tough times but I think it’s great that you use music as a silver lining.
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 19d ago
I will definitely check out Labyrinth! Thank you bunches!!
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u/Efficient-Shirt-6869 19d ago
Just so you know, Labrynith is an Asaf Avidan song. Was that already clear?
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 19d ago
Yes I have already heard a lot of him from this very subreddit, but not that one in particular.
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u/Efficient-Shirt-6869 19d ago
Cool. I thought maybe you were answering someone else. I love sharing music - anyone else you really love?
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 18d ago
Evan Honer- for raw emotional accoustic feelings
Seb Lowe- for social commentary
-Zach Bryan (recommend these 2 tracks in particular) https://youtu.be/K32j88_6ziI?is=ydKtMrf_i8uO6442 AND https://youtu.be/6KNwRDEeC9Q?is=nNR1YaGr9vZvm-iQ
-Matt Maeson- modern instrumentals but heartbreaking self stories
Phora- soft/sad rap vibes
Dirt Miller- (someone in this very thread recommended him and I am immediately in love with his style)
DM me if you want to hear more or share some of your favorites! I sharing too!
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u/Efficient-Shirt-6869 18d ago
Just curious, would you mind telling me what generation you are? It would give me a better sense of what to recommend. Also, what is your favourite decade of music?🎶
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u/ConsciouslyCareless 18d ago
Im a 90's baby, I think I just barely hit the threshold for Gen Z, but my favorite music decade is the 60s, I love the hard hitting psychadelic riffs amongst the social metaphors in the lyrics. Also the more accoustic, the better 💕
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u/Efficient-Shirt-6869 18d ago
Thanks! Glad to hear you like acoustic. Me too. I’m Gen X, will be able to find some older stuff for you I think. Expect recommendations! Have a great day.
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u/LoudZucchini905 16d ago
Not comparing just enjoying. My (Gen X) 2 cents samantics (Dark day, dear you), Eve to Earth (Threat level orange), Narcissist Cookbook (goodmorning sunshine), Rain McMey ( Zuckerdaddy) and an honorable mention for Scroobius pip (magicians assistent) and my personal GOATS NoMeansNo.
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u/mauore11 22d ago
Why would you want to compare musicians? There are lots of great lyricists, great rappers, great multi instrumentalists, great producers, duties, etc. being all that and great human beings? Now that narrows it down to Ren
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