Meet SheROCKS 2026 Artist: Ren Wright

Ren Wright blends nostalgic soundscapes with the emotional intensity of adulthood, creating music that feels both raw and reflective. In this conversation, we discuss how re-releasing “To Feel Like I Exist” under the RenRiot project marked a pivotal shift—one that allowed greater freedom, distance from self-imposed limitations, and a more expansive artistic identity. By tapping into the inner child while honoring the emotional weight of adulthood, Ren crafts music that feels both intimate and expansive. Check out our Q&A with the artist.

Q: Your sound brings both nostalgia and intensity. What emotions or memories do you tap into when you’re building a new track from scratch?

Ren: I spend a lot of time tapping into my inner child with my creations, which brings about the nostalgic sound. Blending it with my adulthood [experience] and the ability to communicate my emotions brings about the intensity. When I am writing I always ask myself, “what do I need to say?” rather than “What do I want to say?” and that allows me to really tap into the critical feelings and find the direction of the song.  

Q: You write, compose, perform, and produce your own work. Which part of that creative process feels the most essential to your artistic identity, and why?

Ren: Composing feels the most essential to my artistic identity because it is uniquely me. One of my signatures is layering. I often hear melodies within melodies and compose my songs with that in mind.  ‍

‍Q: "To Feel Like I Exist” marked a big moment in carving out your public presence. How has your artistry evolved since releasing that track under RenRiot?

Ren: Re-releasing “To Feel Like I Exist” under RenRiot has been essential for the evolution of my artistry. The initial release under my own name felt entirely too personal, which impacted my ability to express that vulnerably— not just with my [stage] presence, but with my music. Separating my band from my personal identity has been critical for allowing my artistry to evolve because I am not limited by placing artificial boundaries on myself. I no longer question myself and ask, "what does this say about me?”

I just create whatever my heart wants to.

Q: You’ve received nods from artists like Bartees Strange and Lacey Sturm. How have those acknowledgments shaped your confidence or direction as an artist?

Ren: Acknowledgement from artists I admire has deeply shaped my confidence because it reconnects me with where I came from and helps guide me to where I’m headed. When someone who has inspired me with their work recognizes my own, it reminds me that I’m now part of the same creative conversation. It has also grounded me in my artistic identity by reinforcing the importance of staying humble and creating from a genuine place, rather than trying to impress anyone. Ironically, the videos and music I put the least thought into have opened the most doors for me. I believe they stand out because they’re the truest reflection of who I am as an artist, and that authenticity has been the greatest source of my increased confidence in my artistic abilities.

Q: You’ve performed alongside Kaisha Blackstone and spent over a decade freelancing. What lessons from your early years still guide your choices in music today?

Ren: I've learned 2 huge lessons over the years: Go into every opportunity as if it is your last chance (without putting too much pressure on yourself to be perfect), and expose yourself to all types of music. Go into every opportunity prepared and confident, while remaining  polite and ready to learn. These lessons have been crucial for the development of my career. I have been able to step into amazing opportunities, without any public social media presence, for years strictly through word of mouth. This is because I showed up to each opportunity this way. I was able to adapt to each scenario due to my wide range of music taste.

Q: Your work blurs genre lines while still feeling distinctly you. How do you balance experimentation with maintaining a signature sound?

Ren: This is actually something that I am still trying to figure out! I believe that experimentation within itself is a part of my signature sound. I take influences from all of the music that I consume across genres and blend it into my own creations, which allows my signature sound to be just that - my sound.

Q: Your performances shift from acoustic intimacy to full-band energy. What does each setup allow you to express differently?

Ren: Acoustic shows really allow me to focus on my vocal passion and the depth of my lyricism. Full-band performances allow me to express myself as a rockstar/entertainer. It feels so good to transfer the passion between my voice and my stage presence depending on which setup I am performing.

Q: As a multidisciplinary artist, from writing to producing, what creative ritual or mindset helps you stay grounded when you're building something new?

Ren: Journaling, then rewriting, has been key for me when writing and producing. Sometimes the simplest of lyrics stay and pack a big punch. But other times, I am able to get poetic with my lyrics and with the overall production of the song.

Rapid Fire: What’s one sound you’re obsessed with right now,  a chord, texture, or unexpected noise that you can’t stop experimenting with?

Ren: I have been obsessed with harmonic minor chords on the guitar. The melancholy sound has really allowed my songwriting to flow and I have been adding this element to a majority of my new songs.

Q: Looking ahead to the March 2026 SheROCKS showcase, what are you most excited to share or experience as you bring your sound to this stage?

Ren: I am so excited to share myself as a reflection of diversity in the music industry! I am a black, masculine-presenting woman, who is passionate about rock music and girlhood. I wish I knew that there were people like me out in the world when I was a child. I take so much vocal inspiration from both r&b and rock, and I think it is the perfect showcase of my identity. I am overjoyed at the opportunity to showcase that black girls can ROCK!

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