Each Measure Feature: Ren Shelter

FEATURE

Ren Shelter is an ambitious artist hailing from Italy. Born on the cusp of the new millennium, this unique emerging singer-songwriter brings an updated edge to the emo indie rock generation. Not a smoky love ballad or a forlorn ode of misunderstanding, instead Shelter’s subject of this latest song is diving deep into the past of his father. It’s a touching homage to the hardships of the generations before and the acknowledgement of their deserving of love and renown, the glory suitable for anyone with a “superhero life.”

This song is an interesting blend of instrumentation, offsetting the spaciousness of affected vocals with the studio intimacy of the acoustic guitar and organ keys. It’s that combination that signals an artist that has taken the time to play with the ingredients and find a product that is purely original. Ren himself has played the guitar since childhood, fittingly taught by his own father. It was only in that ever-elusive period of Covid-19-induced quarantine that he gingerly stepped into singing, uncovering his musical identity, and, from the whole isolated situation, what I imagine perhaps confronting his broader sense of self.

It seems this new artist has broken through a lot of that initial timidity, and not just in that deep, alluring stare from the cover of a few of his singles. Ren talks about creating more than just music, stretching to the heights of cinematic experience conveyed in his craft. His confidence is radiant, speaking of himself as an artist “who knows who they are, knows the industry, and is ready to connect with people in a real way.” 

This latest (and only his third!) single exudes that same confidence bursting beyond its first tender moments of reminiscing. Shelter's wilting vocals slide around the gnarly guitar riffs as everything climbs to a wailing crescendo. That cinematic effect is definitely coming into play, and I’m totally here for it. This isn’t just an artist who wants to be seen; this is an artist that wants to move, yell, and indulge in all the catharsis and theatricality that music allows. With only just a taste, I’m curious to see how his songs come together in a full album concept. What extended experience will he bring us in the future? We are waiting, Ren Shelter.

KEEP UP WITH REN SHELTER BELOW: