*ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED* congratulations! You have discovered new ren friend sam tompkins 😊 lots of other collabs and busking with ren, and some beautiful solo stuff 🥹💜💜

I just saw Sam live in Seattle last night at a super small venue and he was so good. Goosebumps all night. He played a new song that he wrote about his dad who passed that he hasn't released. I can't wait for everyone to hear it! Can't wait for you to do Blind Eyed by him and Ren.

What I love about this performance Is that it is just  two friends playing music together having a good time. It’s not about having a polished performance, It’s just them on the street corner. Having a great time jamming And being amazing at it!

The wheelbarrow in the background is how they transport their equipment.

Ren paid his dues on those streets from the age of 15, fearlessly entertaining those who would listen.  Ren discovered Sam singing acapella on the streets and invited him to use his mic and played for him. Sam was only 16.  Sam has become famous in the UK in his own right. You should check out his solo work.

Fantastic reaction!!! I knew you would appreciate Sam’s voice. They pair so well together. Ren is a great collaborator - he makes sure his partner truly shines.

Sam’s career took off before Ren’s did and there was no jealousy, only love and appreciation. Blind Eyed, the song they wrote together, restored Ren’s hopes that he would still be able to pursue his dreams. Ren thought the years he lost due to his illness closed that door. Little did he know!!

So the Ren x Sam duo is magical on so many levels. They love each other like brothers 💕

To me Sams voice is near perfection but Rens voice is captivating.

I can’t wait for you to hear the Ren and Sam song “blind eyed” - the music crowns version is the best  performance sound wise. It’s soooo good!!

It fills me with some hope to see those two boys sitting right in front of 'the stage', listening to raw, real music, looking up to Ren and Sam as heroes.

That was me 50 years ago. Music isn't dead, it's just waiting to be rediscovered!

I have been obsessed with Ren since I first saw Hi Ren about 1.75 years ago and am still awed by his talent for so many things. Even beyond his performing arts, which is beyond compare, I am awed at the way he is managing his career including the most creative Album promotion I’ve ever seen, all while battling disease and coping with ADHD, etc.
And beyond his transparency, you know he’s a special human being simply by observing the love, loyalty and care of his friends, and longevity of both their friendships and working relationships. His and their whole story would make for a great, heartwarming miniseries.
The way in which Sam T. and Ren met is a sweet story in itself. Someone even caught a little video of the first time they met and played together. Sam had been busking with no mic or  accompaniment. Ren spotted him and offered the use of his mic, amp and accompaniment on guitar. In the video, you can watch little 16 yo Sam’s confidence building while 23 yo Ren sits behind him in his humble way just following Sam’s lead as a crowd began to form. Sam said he made more that day than ever before and was inspired to learn guitar.

Sam is another Ren Friend who's solo work is well worth exploring. His song Lose It All is my favorite, but Time Will Fly is high up on the list as well.
Ren and Sam created an original song together called Blind Eyed that took off online, and after that whenever they'd post where they're be busking, big crowds like this would show up. The MC Sessions version of Blind Eyed is by far the best for sound quality (but the other numerous versions are great for other reasons). HIGHLY recommend you check it out!

Ren rolled up on Sam singing in Brighton on his own, no mic, no amp. Ren offered his mic and amp and a friendship was born. Sam has opened for Justin Bieber and some other acts. The Ren Sam dynamic duo is a joy to behold. Blind Eyed is a treat. Can't wait until you uncover that one.

You're smile kind of says it all . See you in 92 minutes ❤

Sam Thompkins signed a record deal with Island Records. He's currently on tour.

If you hadn’t already realise when first encountering Chinchilla, Ren is a magnet for other talented artist. Understandable though. Who wouldn’t want to work with Ren if good enough to get the opportunity? Not only is Ren incredibly skilled in multiple ways, but he has a great ability to let others shine by complimenting what they do. No ego, just music.

Sam definitely has that buttery smooth RnB voice. Personally though I prefer the raw and emotional qualities in Ren’s voice with all the perfect imperfections as well as the playfulness. Also his range is just stupid 😂 Ren breathes music. He not only lives for music, but is alive because music saved him. As he is now using it to save others ❤

Anyway I am still eagerly waiting for you to get to Crutch feat. Bibi for a different side of him 🐰🕳️

I love Sam and Ren together. I happen to think them performing Blinds Eyed(the "Music Crowns" sessions version) is one of the best songs ever. There is  also a studio version with a video, but it sounds like a totally different song. There is ALSO a video of Blind Eyed performed by "Ren and Sam Tompkins vs Angry Car Park Attendant" that is both amazing and hilarious. While both are great versions, they have NOTHING on the Music Crowns version. So damn good.

Just when you think you've seen all sides of Ren...you realize he's a dodecahedron.

I love your commentary on Ren's musicianship. So many reactors focus just on the vocals or the lyrics and just completely miss the nuance in the instrumental or beat.

Sam is absolutely amazing. Not necessarily my type of music, but his voice is just beyond. Keep listening to a Ren, and you will keep finding new artists to love.