In today’s age, technology has flooded our lives with content. Caught in the mire are modern musicians who champion an art form more widely distributed than any other throughout human history. And we, more often than not, overlook the music created by unfamiliar faces because it’s challenging. We’d rather have an easy listen, a known quantity to skim through while we think about something else.
Hearing is easy, but listening is difficult. Welcome to “Why We Like It,” where we rebuke the trends in favor of thoughtful analysis and underknown sounds.
“Rise Above” — Renee Stormz
Renee Stormz - Rise Above (prod by. Superbeats)
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How We Found It
Landing in our SubmitHub inbox is Renee Stormz, a Mancunian wordsmith with a love for blending sharp lyricism with bouncy instrumentals. “Rise Above” is the first single Stormz has dropped since her 2020 collaboration album with Altosounds called Ore Mi.
Why We Like It
Sometimes all you need is one song to understand who an artist is and what their goals are, with “Rise Above,” Renee Stormz gives us a snapshot of her having found her artistic persona. I see Stormz on this track as a scientist post-epiphany, presenting her findings through her newly-built, unique prism of wit, braggadocio and rhythm.
Stormz confronts you with flexes in “Rise Above,” but by doing so weaves her story of self-healing. Her greatness is on display because it feels like she has just discovered it herself. Stormz brags not to create a feeling of supremacy but to facilitate self-love after a seemingly long period of pain, she steps into a more confident pair of shoes and basks in her strengths. As soon as she starts rapping on the track, her intent, artistic vision, talent and personal journey become apparent.
Screaming, over the sound of my pain / Like a banshee thrown on the flames / Praying for the rain / Wash away the scent that came” – Renee Stormz, “Rise Above”
Stormz feels fresh off a revelation, her energy is high and she is determined to move on from the former versions of herself who were stuck in cycles of pain. “Rise Above” serves as a landmark for Renee Stormz’s personal development but is also an invitation for the listener to follow, exemplified by the hook, “Find a you that you love / And always rise above.” This song is a lesson, not only in growth but in musicianship. Stormz finds healing, confidence and gives the listener a chance to grow, all while never breaking the pace she starts with. She plants her feet and dictates the rhythm of the song, showing us an artist ready to take all into her stride.
From Renee Stormz
We learn from our parents and society to wear so many masks, because there’s this innate desire to be accepted by our family and peers. We are indoctrinated so much we lose that pure version of us. So on my journey, I won’t lie, I’ve had a closet of masks that I created or were given to me from childhood. To find myself, uncensored, unencumbered and totally connected to self a big part of my journey has been the rejection of specific masks that have forced on us.” – Renne Stormz for CentralSauce
More From Renee Stormz
“Ore Mi” is the one and only full-length project from Renee Stormz and is worth checking out ahead of the next. To keep tabs on when that next album is dropping, be sure to follow Renee on Instagram @reneestormz.
More to Discover
Subscribe to the CentralSauce mailing list so you never miss out on the freshest sauce. Check out this continuously updated playlist of songs Ryan has added to our Discovery section! Each track or artist has been featured in our “Why We Like It” section, so be sure to check out the page here on the site.
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