RENASSENSE, a San Francisco-based artist, producer, and DJ, is on a mission to transform life experiences into art through the power of music. Her sound is a mesmerizing blend of vulnerability, connection, and authenticity, weaving together melodies that evoke deep reflection and relatability. With an expertly crafted fusion of melancholic and euphoric elements in melodic techno, she takes listeners on a sonic journey that flows with perpetual motion and fluidity. Drawing inspiration from the sounds of the 80s and 90s, her stage name, a clever play on "Renaissance," represents the revival of that era's musical essence with a modern twist. It also embodies Rena's profound sense of music and the intimate bond she shares with her work, showcasing her dedication to creating a musical experience that is both personal and universal.
RENASSENSE’s latest EP, “Human Experience,” is a captivating creation that pushes the boundaries of electronic music by turning it into an almost philosophical medium. Can beats and synths be used to explore and embody aspects of the human experience? Rena seems to think so, and this “Human Experience” EP proves her right:
“Empathy” The opening notes of the track, featuring delicate melodic strings, create a sense of tenderness and vulnerability, setting the stage for the rhythmic exploration of emotions that follows a “euro” aesthetic. The “lyrics” in the track are actually a snippet of a lecture on empathy by humanist psychologist Carl Rogers. "Fear, or rage, or tenderness, or confusion, or whatever that he or she is experiencing..." These words reach the complexity and diversity of human emotions, inviting listeners to embrace the full spectrum of their own feelings and those of others.
“Lust” is what I like to call a ‘nighttime’ track. One that suggests seduction and the pull of the nightclub, of the sensuous swaying of bodies too close to each other and cocktails running through your veins, calling and inspiring two people to give in to their lust and explore each other thoroughly.
“Creativity” rolls around as the most intellectually stimulating track, again offering exactly what it says on the tin. The track holds a bit of a tense atmosphere, almost like the soundtrack to a spy thriller’s infiltration scene, but this tension is just enough to promote a very strong and immediate state of focus. “There’s beauty in creating something that wasn’t there Before” is the constant call that the track bombards us with, and indeed, if you let this track aid you, you’ll end up making some more beauty in this world.
“Music” starts out with a stripped-down beat, almost as if to remind us of the most essential form of music and its absolute power over us. The track features yet another spoken sample, this time from a 1965 lecture by electronic music trailblazer Delia Derbyshire for a BBC Radiophonic Workshop. By incorporating her voice into the track, pays homage to her influential work and highlights the historical significance of her groundbreaking contributions. This fusion of past and present not only enhances the musical experience but also serves as a reminder of the continuous evolution and impact of music throughout time.
"Pain" may seem like an unusual note to conclude such an introspective EP, and conceptually it could have been more fitting if placed closer to the beginning. However, the undeniable power of pain as a teacher is evident throughout the entire EP, which aims to capture and distill these teaching moments into melodies and beats. The final song utilizes a prominent bassline to convey depth, resonating deeply within your chest, much like emotional pain does. Additionally, it incorporates delicate guitar plucks that join the journey, immersing the listener into a captivating trance soundscape.
This track uses a quote by the legendary Jim Morrison “Pain is something to carry like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain.” Which I believe means that we have to make a friend out of pain, since we’re bound to encounter it everywhere we go. Let pain strengthen us. Let it teach us valuable lessons that we may grow.
Ultimately, RENASSENSE’s “Human Experience” is a testament to the remarkable power of music to capture and convey the depth and complexity of its eponymous. Each track delves into different emotions and aspects of the human condition, inviting listeners to embrace the full spectrum of their feelings. From the tender vulnerability of empathy to the seductive allure of lust, the intellectual stimulation of creativity, and the introspective journey through pain, this collection of songs serves as a transformative and cathartic experience. It reminds us that music has the ability to connect us, evoke emotions, and provide solace in the face of life's challenges, and sometimes it takes little to no words to explore complex concepts, provided you’re as talented as RENASSENSE is.
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