The “Tales” Trilogy
Of key importance in the art of storytelling, is the ability to captive the audience through the telling. To tell the story in such a way as to pull audience into a place where they become emotionally invested. Where the words have a visceral, real world impact.
Ren accomplished that with “Hi Ren”. If you’ve made it this far, then you likely understand what I mean,… but in my personal opinion, it isn’t even the best example of his storytelling ability. I consider his “Tales” trilogy to be that.
Ren’s “Tales” trilogy is raw. These aren’t fairy tales. These are tales rooted in unfortunate realities. The type we don’t like to talk about. The realities that can sometimes leave that “gut punch” feeling that lingers for far too long.
When he wrote the first of the tales, “The Tale of Jenny”, it was inspired by, and loosely based on, a newspaper article he had read. Based in reality. The second tale, “The Tale of Screech” is Ren’s conception of the other side of Jenny’s tale. The third tale, “Violet’s Tale”, was written several years later and was also conceived entirely by Ren. It’s a BRILLIANT finale.
The “Tales” trilogy is storytelling at it’s finest. Enthralling performance art. Ren calls it “BardCore”.
Shakespeare would be proud.
Also worthy of note, each video is shot in a single take. These are live performances. No cuts. That in itself is impressive.
Now, I proudly present to you something that is both captivating and shocking at the same time. PREPARE YOURSELF.
The Tales of Jenny, Screech, and Violet.
Expect the unexpected.
“… a girl named Jenny… and a boy named Screech.”
Did you watch it?…
Need a few minutes?
I understand.
MONEY GAME
Ren has several other song series along with his “Tales” trilogy.
“I Love this music” is another. (4 songs) A lighter, fun homage, but for another excellent example of Ren’s storytelling prowess, look no further than his “Money Game” trilogy. Specifically the final entry.
Some might perceive the series as being anti-capitalist… and they wouldn’t be entirely wrong. Given the circumstances Ren has suffered through the inherent greed inundating the medical system, it’s not difficult to understand why he might feel that way. However, Ren has spoken about this. He is not anti-capitalism, he recognizes the benefits of such a system, but has also been exposed to, and suffered from the worst aspects of that system. Acutely aware of the abuse in the system, he wants a better one. He doesn’t believe (from what I’ve learned up to this point), that there is one yet. I agree.
Ren’s “Money Game” series is a cautionary tale.
“Sell guns, sell stocks, sell diamonds, sell rocks,
sell water to a fish, sell the time to a clock.”
-Money Game 2
The first entry, like most of Ren’s videos, is again a “one take”, though this one took well over 100 attempts to get. It’s a bit experimental and obviously so, but it also offers great insight into the development of Ren as an artist and performer from that point until now. The contrast between “Money Game” and “Money Game 3” is stark in the best possible way. “Money Game 2” is a catchy little lesson in economics through fun wordplay, sandwiched between two performance art pieces. “Money Game 3” is the only of the trilogy that was released after the success of “Hi Ren” and the “Sick Boi” album, accounting for the upgrade in production value.
The video for “Money Game 3” garnered Ren numerous awards, including Best Director/Music Video. Ren wrote, composed, arranged, and performed the song, while Ren and long time collaborator, Samuel Perry-Falvey directed the video.
Other awards-
Best Music Video, Best Director, and Best Concept at London Music Video Awards in December 2023.
Best Music Video, Best Director Music Video, and an Honourable Mention for Best Cinematography at the 2024 International Music Video Awards, and won Best Music Video in 2024 at the ÉCU The European Independent Film Festival.
It was also chosen for the British Arrows Y24 Shortlist in the categories of Music Video Director and Music Video Producer.
Ready for another story?
Presenting the Grand Finale of the “Money Game” trilogy, and Grand it is.
As always, ENJOY.
Parts 1 & 2 for those interested in the entire trilogy.