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Rence Maintains His Independence in an Industry Full of Clones

Epic Records artist Rence wearing ONS Clothing

What does the concept of originality truly mean today? Does it even exist? Because the truth is, when you actually observe the culture that surrounds us, what you notice is an entire legion of followers eager to wear the same thing, be seen at the same places, and follow the same trends, all in search of the same “likes.” Call it clout-chasing or whatever the current terminology is, but it’s the present state of affairs.

Rence, a new multi-talented NYC artist signed to Epic Records understands the pitfalls of this sea of sameness, and his response to that is creating his own wave. He’s a young and dedicated triple threat—singer, songwriter, and producer—and he has a noteworthy summer smash “Expensive” with Noah Cyrus. The smoldering, slow-burning track is sure to take his name to new heights. We recently caught up with Rence in Brooklyn to discuss the major plans in store for is surging career.

You’re originally from Seattle but started your music career in New York. Do you feel like an urban transplant? Do think moving here helped inspire you?

Oh gosh, moving to New York kicked my ass. My first big switch was actually from Washington, DC to Seattle when I was 12. Since then I have been so grateful for all Seattle contributed to my sense of self. So many of my values were introduced to me there. But New York gets you moving for real. Try and sit still in New York. Good luck. New York kicked me into gear; it forced me to work full time on top of school, both of which made music that thing I was always dying to do and just couldn’t get enough of. I’m so thankful I’ve maintained that attitude even after school is wrapping up.

Epic Records artist Rence wearing ONS Clothing

Epic Records artist Rence wearing ONS Clothing

 

It sounds like you were able to produce music before becoming an artist yourself. How did that set you up for knowing how to craft a song as an artist? 

I think the reasons behind why I first started producing are what set me up the best for the records I’m making today. And that reasoning was, “I want to start producing because I love it, I love doing it.” Maintaining that love and passion as the driving force for doing anything is so potent and powerful—now it’s behind full songs.

Your music is a pretty unique blend of pop, R&B, and what we’d call Indie electro sounds. How’d you arrive at this mix of influences?

The internet! No, but really, haha. I feel like I was a part of a very special wave of music lovers that got to experience both physical albums and then (and sort of simultaneously) free music online (into streaming etc.). That means the highest exposure to a vast array of artists really with little standing in between listening across different genres. Years of T-Pain, Sade, and John Mayer is how we got here [laughs].

Epic Records artist Rence wearing ONS Clothing

 So your song “Baby Blue” hit pretty hard for you, but I’m sure you’re hungry to drop some new material. What have you got coming up next?

So grateful for all “Baby Blue” has done for me so far. But yes! Now for so much new music. I just released “Expensive” with Noah Cyrus, a song I hold so close. Feels so good that I finally get to listen to it with other people after like a year of working on it. But the future is releasing all of the songs i’ve been working on that I love. So exciting.

Epic Records artist Rence wearing ONS Clothing

You live in New York, but travel often to LA for work. Which city do you prefer for making music and being creative?

Hmmm. I love coming to LA with an agenda. Like, we land on Monday, have sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, meetings and seeing people here and here, and we’re out on Sunday sort of thing. But the more time I spend in LA ,the closer I get with friends and places, so maybe it’s the future for me? For now I’m a New York, boy. I need my deli. 

 Lastly, what does the perfect summer song sound like to you? Has someone made it already or will you have to make it for yourself? 

 Is it way too annoying to say my song “Expensive?” I think I’ll just say it. Only because I really made it with summer on the brain.


Be sure to follow Rence’s moves here.

If you liked this story, check out more in our Urban Transplants issue.


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