Renforshort, for whom the most exciting phase of the creative process is writing and recording music, is progressing in leaps and bounds in her career. Since releasing her debut EP teenage angst in 2020, the artist has undergone a significant transformation in which she has not stopped exploring different ideas, sounds and formulas with which to connect with her faithful listeners never losing her essence. Having been fortunate enough to collaborate with other artists who have helped her to expand her creative vision, as she tells us in this interview, she has recently revealed her new single new Bebe, her contribution to the BOSE x NME C23 project which also featured a litany of great names.
You’ve just released your new single, Bebe, your contribution to the BOSE x NME C23 project which also featured names such as King Princess and 070 Shake. How do you feel?
I feel a troubling amount of imposter syndrome (laughs). These are artists that I’ve looked up to and admired for years. It’s one of those pinch-me moments, it feels so surreal. I’m just honoured to be accompanied by such talent, therefore I feel amazing!
How has the feedback been on this latest release so far?
The feedback has been great. I wasn't sure how people would react to this song being structurally unconventional and to me it veers a little more left than most of my other songs. Turns out, people actually really liked it, I think that was super cool to see and kind of a relief (laughs).
I've read that your great ideas usually come to your mind when you're lying in bed or taking a shower, right? Was it the same with Bebe?
Yes, that's definitely true! A lot of my songwriting inspiration tends to come to me when I'm in a more relaxed or vulnerable state, like when I'm lying in bed or taking a shower. It's almost like my brain is able to switch off and let the creative ideas flow more freely.
In the case of Bebe, I can definitely say that some of the initial ideas for the song did come to me when I was in that sort of relaxed state, topic-wise. The song is about feeling like you're stuck in a cycle, and it's almost like I was able to tap into that emotion more fully when I was in a more introspective and contemplative mindset. But, of course, songwriting is a process and it takes a lot of work to turn those initial ideas into a finished product. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it!
Do you think that creativity can be trained, or is it a natural quality that some people have from birth?
I believe that creativity is a skill that can be developed and honed over time. While some people may have a natural inclination towards creative thinking, I don't think that it's something that's limited to just a select few. I believe that with practice and dedication, anyone can learn to think more creatively and come up with innovative ideas. Of course, everyone's process is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. But I do think that anyone can learn to be more creative if they're willing to put in the time and effort. It's all about staying open-minded, staying curious, and never being afraid to take a chance.
And if we delve into creativity, was art present in your inner circle when you were a child?
As a child, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by art on a regular basis. My family believed in the value of consuming and learning about different forms of art, which meant frequent visits to the Art Gallery of Ontario. We would often revisit the same exhibits and great Canadian paintings, and I learned that no matter how many times you looked at a particular piece of art, there was always something new to appreciate and uncover. This experience has greatly influenced how I approach and consume art in all its forms today. Whether it's music, visual art, film, or literature, I always approach each piece with an eye for detail and a willingness to discover new nuances and interpretations.
What was the first album you loop-play, the one that awaken your passion for music?
The first album I loop played would have been Jake Bugg's self-titled. The project made so much sense to me when I was 10 years old and does to this day. Everything about that project really affirmed my desire to create. The cohesion and overall message really resonated with me and I wanted to make something that would impact people the way that project did for me.
And what artists and singles can we find now on your favourite Spotify list?
I listen to everything, it's constantly changing. A lot of Velvet Underground, and also this French artist Laurie Darmon I think is really good, been listening to a lot of their stuff.
You released your debut EP teenage angst in 2020. Since then we have overcome a global pandemic and you have grown a lot professionally, do you feel you’ve changed a lot or not?
Looking back on my journey since the release of my debut EP teenage angst in 2020, I definitely feel like I've undergone a significant transformation. The past year and a half have been filled with unexpected challenges and changes that have forced me to grow in ways I never thought possible. I've been able to explore new sounds and ideas in my music, which has allowed me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. I've also been fortunate enough to collaborate with other artists who have helped me to expand my creative vision. But beyond my music, I've also grown a lot as a person. The pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone, and I've had to navigate the challenges of isolation and uncertainty like everyone else. Through it all, I've learned the importance of self-care and being kind to myself, even when things get tough. Reflecting on my journey so far, I feel grateful for all of the experiences that have brought me to where I am today. I'm excited to see what the future holds and to continue growing both as an artist and as a person.
Has your view of the music industry been transformed now that you've seen it from the inside? Is there something that has upset you or saddened you about how this sector works?
This argument could be made about every industry. However, I've definitely experienced things that have upset me and things that are so fucking cool about it. At times the magic is taken away when you start introducing backends and numbers. To me though, being able to do this and make music as my career is so special that I find I just look past what may not seem so magical about it.
Your single fuck, i luv my friends became a real hit amassing more than sixteen million streams on Spotify. Why do you think listeners liked it so much, did you expect it to be so successful?
Seeing the success of fuck, i luv my friends has been a humbling and inspiring experience for me. I'm so grateful for all of the support from my fans and for the opportunity to create and share my music with the world. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next.
You have been named an Equal Ambassador for April by Spotify Canada, who have praised your empowering movements for gender equality. What does this mean for you?
Being named an Equal Ambassador for April by Spotify Canada is an incredible honour. Gender equality is something that's very important to me, and I'm grateful to be recognised for my efforts in promoting it.
And what is the phase that you enjoy the most in the entire creative process? And the least?
The most enjoyable phase of the creative process is when I'm actually writing and recording the music. There's something very cathartic and exhilarating about being in the studio and bringing a song to life. It's where I feel the most free and creative. On the other hand, the phase that I enjoy the least is probably the business side of things. As an artist, there are a lot of logistics and details to handle in terms of releases, tours, and promotion, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. But I know it's all part of the process, and I have a great team around me to help with all of those things.
Is there anything you can tell us about your upcoming releases and short-term plans?
I’m just writing, I have some songs that I'm so in love with, I think some of the best I've made! I'm really excited to share them with the world.
And any dream to fulfil?
Helping as many people and animals as I can.
