Ren Erin Gill, also known as Ren, is a Welsh musician with an incredible dynamic vocal range and instrumental skills. Ren has been showcasing his talents and crafting amazing music that hops across various music genres. All of his works contain brilliant messages that address mental health and social issues that connect to many in this day and age.
His Start
Ren was born in Bangor, Wales, in 1990. He was passionate about music from a young age and took an interest in the guitar and writing music. In 2009, when he was busking in his usual spots, his talent drew the attention of a Sony Records music producer. He got to work right away in 2010, creating his album and performing on stage; however, the rising musician’s health took a turn.
The Illness
Ren’s symptoms began in 2009 while building his album, aggressively getting worse until he was breaking down during his performances. He took some leave time to return and recuperate at home, planning on only resting for 3 months. As the weeks progressed, he got worse and ended up bedridden for years.
During that time, he sought doctors who diagnosed him left and right with various mental illnesses. Even with the prescriptions and medications, his health did not improve. Sadly, Ren also had to cope with the loss of one of his best friends to suicide during those trying times. Despite all the tribulations of misdiagnoses, hope came to him in 2016 from a doctor in Brussels. After testing, he was discovered to have had Lyme disease and autoimmunity. Because the Lyme disease was untreated for years, it led to brain damage. Even with the bad news, he was happy to finally have an explanation for his deteriorating health.
Music and Message
Even though Ren had to endure being stuck in bed and looking for doctors, he was still making music. He was able to move forward with the help of his friends, family, and practicing music with the hope of beating his disease. Determined to reclaim the life he thought had slipped away, he self-released Freckled Angels in 2016, which funded an experimental STEM cell treatment. It would be another 6 years before Ren resurfaced again with plenty of health and album updates.
Since his comeback in 2020, Ren has been trailblazing out music with combinations of R&B, alternative, pop, rock, and indie that spreads messages about health awareness. Sick Boi, Money Ties, The Tale of Jenny & Screech, and Violet’s Tale are a few of his amazing works. His words envelop the darkness of chronic illness and the experience of society’s approach to the sick, but he doesn’t let it consume him as a person. His songs emphasize the light that shines in the void and the strength we all have to face our demons. One of his songs, called Hi Ren, showcases his battle with his health issues and how he sees himself through it all.
He has embraced the title of Sick Boi and hopes his story and music can spread and connect with others. The emotion and word play of his songs have resonated with many who have struggled with mental, physical, and emotional issues. Watching him perform on stage and collaborate with other artists in the music industry just goes to show that nothing can hold this Sick Boi down.
