Locals Lounge: Behind the music with Blue Ren

Each month we spotlight a local regional Victorian musician, songwriter or band killing it in our scene.

In the Locals Lounge we have Blue Ren. One of the artists under Ballarat’s Be Hear/Now program, Blue Ren is building her career with big names.

Who is Blue Ren?

I am a Ballarat based singer/songwriter. My sound is shaped by the emotive storytelling of iconic folk and alt-country artists like Jewel and Counting Crows. My contemporary influences include The Lumineers and dark folk sensation Paris Paloma. I generally play as a trio with band mates Ash MacLean on pedal steel/electric guitar and Sarah Cameron on flute.

 

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Keep connected to your live music scene here.

How long have you been playing music?

I grew up in a small country town in Western Victoria with a population of a thousand. I was singing before I could talk. I would look out the window and create a song about what I could see. I have a 4-year-old who does the exact same thing so I think it is just innately part of us. I learnt piano at a young age and saxophone in high school, however singing was my passion. I picked up the guitar at 16 and taught myself the basics. We started a girl band in around year 9 and our English teacher who was into music and production helped us to record an album. This is where my songwriting passion developed. 

After a tricky period of life in 2020 including an unwell child and a marriage breakdown, I began writing music as a way of processing my emotions. Blue Ren (Blue because of my blue emotions and Ren from my name Renee) was birthed and by baby steps has grown into the trio that we have today- with Sarah one of my best mates who played in the original folk trio and with Ash- a new member who brings his wisdom of music knowledge with a Bachelor of Music.

How did you discover your passion for music?

When I was 16 my best friend and I started a band with our English teacher playing the guitar and we would travel around to the local country pubs to sing covers like Sheryl Crow and Paul Kelly. When I left for Uni in Geelong to study Occupational Therapy, music really took a back burner, but I was heavily into artists like Missy Higgins, Kate Miller-Heidke and Florence and the Machine. Once I started working in Ballarat in 2009 for the local health service, I naturally gravitated towards 2 other women who were musician’s- guitarist and flute player- we started to play for fun and that then escalated into our folk trio band where we would play our 3-hour set for over 15 years at a local pub. I had a real passion for performing but I had no confidence in my ability to do it professionally. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago, I started to work in the palliative care setting with people at the end of their lives. I witnessed young people who didn’t have the opportunity to live out their dreams. This really changed my perspective on life, and I began to think, what was stopping me from living out my own. They really gave me the courage to start, and I am so thankful to this experience in literally changing my life direction.

What has been your biggest career milestone?

Tom Harrington was the biggest support to kickstart my music career. Supporting him was the first live gig I did as “Blue Ren” and I appreciate him taking the risk on me! This lead to supporting Adam Newling (one of my absolute favourites) which was pretty special. I was lucky enough to have been selected to be part of the Be Hear Now music development program run by the City of Ballarat. I was given the opportunity to work with Aria Award winning singer/songwriter Lior. This was definitely a highlight of my career. I have a big support act coming up in Nov but I can’t share quite yet who that will be for, but it is very exciting and at a venue I am dying to play at!

 

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Give us a deep dive into your discography.

I have currently released 4 songs from a 7 track EP that will be released later this year.

6 tracks were recorded with Adelaide producer Israel Amoy and the latest single ‘Tell Me Your Story’ was recorded by Ballarat Local Sam Boon at Sunny South Studios Ballarat. The EP includes some very personal songs about a “situationship” which were written as a way to process my emotions during this time; I never thought I would share them with the world. But here we are! They tackle themes of self-worth, heartache, longing, and vulnerability. I guess I learnt that all human emotions are valid, even the messy ones and maybe there are others out there that will resonate with the songs.

What’s the story behind ‘Tell Me Your Story’?

The inspiration behind ‘Tell Me Your Story’ came from an unexpected conversation — an Uber ride, where Blue Ren simply asked her driver to share his story. What followed was a powerful, moving exchange that stayed with her. Combined with her personal experiences and work as an Occupational Therapist supporting people at the end of life, the song emerged as a heartfelt meditation on human connection and self-acceptance.

“Because we’ve been taught to rip the pages out,

to shy away from truth and doubt.

So scream it out, it’s all you can do,

Because darling that’s what makes you, you.”

With her signature lyrical honesty and raw vulnerability, Blue Ren delivers a track that resonates deeply. ‘Tell Me Your Story’ is both a personal revelation and a universal truth — a reminder that everyone has a story worth telling, even the parts we’re taught to hide.

 

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What does a typical day look like creating music?

My songs always come through to me at the weirdest of times- doing the groceries, driving or having a shower haha. I never sit down to plan to write a song- they just come through to me when they are ready. I trust this process. I then tend to work with my mentor James McGuffie who is a producer and artist based in Castlemaine. In his gorgeous light filled nature-based studio we get to work on improving the guitar parts and arrangements. Ash and Sarah then add their own finishing touches. It’s a lovely process and it gives me so much joy! I think this is when you know you are on the right path.

What is the gateway song for new fans to listen to to introduce your sound?

My latest single ‘Tell Me Your Story’ is definitely a good place to start. It really captures the progression of my sound as Blue Ren and where I would like to take my music in the future.

How has being based in regional Victoria elevated your music practice? What kind of support have you received?

The Be Hear Now Program has been a huge support! Funded by the City of Ballarat we had 5 master classes with industry professionals on topics including a booking gigs/festivals, music business, live performance, home recording and social media. We were then funded to work with an industry mentor. I was lucky enough to work with Lior! And also funding to record a song which is a huge help financially!

Also local venues like Kank Wolverangs Records has been really supportive of me and allowing me to perform in their record store which is such a vibe! They also create a monthly video (WOLVISION) on their YouTube channel which they have also supported my music.

What does the rest of 2025 look like for you?

We are in full swing of rehearsals in preparation for some upcoming gigs. We have a single release show at Kilderkin Distillery in Ballarat on the 28 September. Also have a big support act coming up (can’t tell you just yet who that is for) and lots of festival applications in. So fingers and toes crossed for some of these! Once the EP is released later this year, I would love to do a regional tour and get my music out there. Would love to see you all!

Who is your biggest music crush of 2025? Why?

I am loving Daisy Kilmore- I saw her play a song at the Damien Rice concert in Bendigo and she was phenomenal. Her voice is just beautiful, and I love her 70’s vibes which I resonate with deeply! I am heading to winter sounds in Clunes to see her perform tomorrow for the first time. I am super excited!

We have an amazing arts scene here in Ballarat that is creative and welcoming! We need your support to keep our art alive.

Would love to see you at a live gig or a local event.

Much love Blue Ren.