Indie singer-songwriter Ren Richards has closed out February with the release of her newest single, “Problem Child,” a track that covers the complicated middle-ground between love, resentment, and the deep desire to move forward after personal struggle.
Originally from Florida, Richards began by fronting a popular metal band in her hometown before moving to Tennessee to further her solo career. She is a self-taught guitarist that blends confessional storytelling with the bite of rock.
Acting as a bridge from where she’s been to where’s she’s going musically, Richards’ latest tune outlines the grit of healing, pain of distance, and journey of building respect within yourself, while also offering a catchy energy. The artist explores boundaries within childhood trauma through her lyricism with lines such as, “I give up / Feeling small for you / I’m not your problem child.”
This track is both personal and relatable for listeners. Heavy drums and guitar create a build that allows for the chorus to feel like a release. Richards’ message of vulnerability is likely inspired by her many influences, and the way that they have paved the way for her artistry in years before. PJ Harvey, Fiona Apple, Garbage and Veruca Salt, and Avril Lavigne are the musical role models that she has looked to as a rising star in the industry thus far.
Creating “Problem Child” allowed Richards to work alongside some seasoned veterans and gain further experience in defining her evolving sound. Nashville producers Blake Mohler and Wes Harllee were able to work their magic on this raw, rock release, then the torch was passed to the team over at Oceanna Films to create a video that truly displays the sentiment of the release.
Richards is currently working on new songs for what will be her next EP, likely slated for later this year.
