Check out our interview with talented Toronto dark-pop artist Wrené.
With the release of her latest single, “Unravel”, Wrené bares her soul in a stripped-down, yet weighty vocal performance. Inspired by a relationship that left Wrené tragically unfulfilled, the track tells a story of unrequited love that is both thoughtful and raw.
“To ‘Unravel’ is to let go of the tension that keeps us bound in our anxiety. In my particular circumstance, I felt that I was deeply entangled in a love that wasn’t being reciprocated. I fell for somebody who could not reach the same depth of passion and I became very lonely and dishonest within the relationship. I had emotional needs that could not be tended to, and this filled me with shame. Once I left, I still held onto a lot of these insecurities. In order to free myself from the entanglement I was in, I needed to express myself honestly – then came this song.” – Wrené
The song depicts the heartbreak that comes with strained relationships, the ones that only seem to take and never give. Wrené’s emotional despair comes through in her mellow vocals, which are set to an ambient instrumental and beat. The resonant sound of “Unravel” comes as a collaborative effort: Wrené created the music and lyrics herself while Joash Mendoza produced and Bernie Cisternas mixed the track.
Follow Wrené @iamwrene
Hi Wrené, please tell us a little about you?
Thank you for the feature! I’m Wrené, and I am an avant-garde singer and producer from Toronto!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
I am passionate, rebellious, and wonky.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I am still in the fetus stage of my career, but I became involved in releasing music through my own exploration and experimentation. I have been very fortunate to come across close friends who have mentored, and encouraged me to take risks and share my music.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
My sound: Dramatic, Ethereal… Wonky.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I am influenced by artists such as Bjork, David Bowie, and Thom Yorke. I choose to make music because it allows me to live and embrace my truth.
Do you play any instrument?
I play the MacBook… and sometimes guitar!
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time. I’ll jump when the phone rings, or when toast comes out of the toaster, but I’m never afraid to perform!
Tell us about your new single “Unravel?”
‘Unravel’ features minimal electronic production revolving around a dramatic vocal performance. It is a story of unrequited love, and intentionally left ‘imperfect’ as to highlight the nuances within the narrative. My co-producer and I wanted to marry honesty with simplicity and forthrightness.
What’s the story behind this song?
This song was written and recorded in the aftermath of a very turbulent relationship. It is a recollection of everything that I had kept hidden in order to try to preserve what little love had not been abolished. This song was the only way that I could tend to my emotional truth without being denied, blamed and persecuted. It is my only defense against being completely invalidated by someone who I loved very deeply.
I hope that the takeaway from this is to validate yourself, and not to bury pain felt on account of somebody else.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I’ve recently been inspired by merging orchestral instruments with electronic elements- this is what’s to come next! I’m also curious about delving into heavier music and how I could incorporate these sounds into my songs.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
There is nothing that isn’t rewarding about creating music! Being able to use your imagination everyday and express yourself freely is most empowering. It inspires me how much there is to learn and discover with each project. I hope to be around for a long time so I can continue to evolve well into my old age!
What’s next for Wrené in 2021?
I would like to branch out and find others to collaborate with! I am interested in people from all walks of life. I have hopes that organizing a live show will be possible.
What is your favorite song? And why?
I have many favourite songs, but I have to mention ‘Empire Ants’ by Gorillaz. Those synths with the guitar are so dreamy!
Any loves other than music?
I love visual art and film!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I have often fantasized about resurrecting David Bowie so that we could party. I have often fantasized about David Bowie in general.
Best advice ever given?
“It doesn’t matter how you get there as long as it sounds good to you!”
How’s a typical day in your life?
Apart from writing, playing or recording, I try my best to have one small adventure everyday. I can be quite spontaneous and I love to explore.
Name one your strengths?
I like to think that I have a knack for making sense of very abstract things.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
The perfect Sunday is taking the time to pamper yourself and fuel your creativity. Spending time with a sweetheart comes in at a close second. 😉
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
‘Eriatarka’ by the Mars Volta -on full blast with the windows down. Yeah baby.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is sitting down in the middle of the woods with absolutely nothing, and with nobody around- and thinking to yourself, “I’ve made it! I’m in great company and have everything I need.”
Do you support any charities?
Absolutely! I regularly donate to the Sickkids foundation as well as the Canadian Cancer Society in honor of my close relatives. I also support SOYToronto- a community development program for LGBT youth.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Dark chocolate.
And your favorite cheat food?
Milk chocolate!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
If he or she denied my request to bring me a box of assorted chocolates.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t know where the future will take me, but I hope to have acquired many more skills as an artist.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I would describe my fashion sense as having lots of texture! I’m not afraid to show skin either- your skin is always stylish!
What do you think of Social Media?
I have a love/hate relationship with social media. In a lot of ways it can help us connect, raise awareness, and influence positive change. In other ways, it can contribute to the spread of misinformation as well as a distorted self-perception. In my opinion, Social Media is best used moderately and with the purpose of using your platform respectively and responsibly.
Where we can follow you?
You can find me on Spotify as well as on Instagram! My handle is @iamwrene. I also have a Youtube Channel.
Quote: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”- Forrest Gump
Movie: Spirited Away
Travel Destination: Budapest, Hungary
Sports Team: Toronto Rock
Photo Credit: John Bregar
