Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter Rena Angel returns with her latest single 'Beauty When I Bleed', crafting a pop-tinged lullaby that’s equal parts haunting and hypnotic. In a style reminiscent of Lana Del Rey’s noir romanticism and Phoebe Bridgers’ unfiltered vulnerability, Rena creates music that is intimate, aching, and wrapped in cinematic glow.
It’s been a breakthrough year for the rising alt-pop artist. Following three acclaimed singles that quietly built a cult following, 'Beauty When I Bleed' closes the chapter with a quiet crescendo. Built on hazy synths and pulsing beats, Rena’s featherlight vocals float just above the surface, delivering lyrics that sting as much as they soothe.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with? There were so many songs that I wanted to sing but couldn’t because I had no one to play for me, so I began to teach myself chords on a keyboard in my basement. Ever since then, I’ve loved to experiment on the piano and spend time singing songs I love.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I used to really love show tunes and musicals.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Born to Die
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Junk by Paul McCartney, Blue Motel Room by Joni Mitchell, Sullen Girl by Fiona Apple.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Sometimes my inspiration comes across in different ways, sometimes I’ll think of a line in my head, other times I’ll get a bit of a melody, and I like to either sit at the piano playing around with chords til I come up with something or just grab a notebook and try to write more before thinking about a melody.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Bobby Vinton, The Beatles, Lana Del Rey, Hope Sandoval, Gracie Abrams, Ritchie Valens.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Lana Del Rey
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Definitely getting to see and hear people’s responses to my work. Whether it’s feedback on a new song or when I’m performing live, there’s a certain feeling that comes up and makes me feel so connected with the people I’m sharing my music with. There’s always a moment with a live audience where I know that I have them all in the same little universe of my song, and that is super rewarding to me.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It’s a lot of work, and being a perfectionist is definitely a big struggle. Wanting every aspect of a song, from cover art, to the production, to the final track to be perfect causes a lot of stress and tension, and really weighs on any artist.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice I’ve been told is probably that there’s no “right time” to start. If it’s something you want to do, then start doing it- no matter how small. If it is something that truly matters to you, then you have to put your all into it.
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Rena Angel's new single 'Beauty When I Bleed' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.