Interviews: Renesans

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metalcore band Renesans from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Renesans is described as the culmination of your entire career—what was the moment you knew it was time to bring this project to life?

It really started during COVID in 2020. Like a lot of people, I felt trapped and isolated, and I needed an outlet to be creative and release everything I was feeling internally. Extreme Vocal Institute was also really starting to take off on YouTube and social media, and I needed a way to show what I can do as an artist to demonstrate that everything I teach as a vocal coach works in real life. Renesans became my answer to both, and it really came together when we turned Renesans into a band just a few months before our first EP “Born From the End” dropped in 2024.

2. You’ve worked with major acts like Motionless In White and August Burns Red—how did those experiences shape the sound of Renesans?

I say it all the time, I learn just as much working with all these amazing artists out here as they learn from me. Their experience, knowledge, and passion really show in their work and dedication to their voices, and also in their music. Whether it’s vocal coaching over video call, on tour, or in the studio, I’ve witnessed what it takes to be a truly GREAT band and to not hold myself back as an artist.

3. “Split Brow” marks your debut as a producer and mix engineer—what challenges did you face stepping into that role for the first time?

It’s been an exciting and terrifying first step! After working with and learning from many amazing producers for Renesans like Taylor Larson, Chris Wiseman, and JD DeBliek, and the many top-level producers I’ve worked with when coaching major artists in the studio, I’ve learned SO much about how creative and expressive mixing AND mastering can be. It’s a beautiful thing, and over the last few years, I accidentally fell in love with the art form. Going into Split Brow with it being such a personal song to me, I knew exactly what I wanted it to sound like, and my personal philosophy I’ve built for mixing. The tricky thing was needing to learn MANY new skills and invent my own system in the process! I’ve always been a quick study, and I LOVED the challenge! I’m so proud of how Split Brow sounds, being my first venture, and I’m equally as excited to finish our next songs and to work on music for other artists now, as well as coaching.

4. The band blends early 2000s metalcore with modern influences—what specific elements from that era were most important for you to preserve?

A+ question! I’m from central Massachusetts, so growing up I remember the takeover of Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, Unearth, Converge, The Acacia Strain… too many to count! Going to my first shows and FEELING the energy in the room and on stage, I’ve never felt passion and power come together like that. I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since, which is why my mission statement with Renesans is:

The Return of the Riff!

More Catchy & More Devastating

Passion & Power

Taking all of this to the extremes of heavy and impactful music, coining the phrase Brutal Metalcore felt just right!

5. Your background spans jazz, classical, and theatre—how do those styles influence your approach to heavy music and vocal performance?

In so many ways! I use what I learned from classical, jazz, and musical theater all the time. Vocal patterns, chord progressions, creating memorable moments, working ALL the space on stage as a performer, and so much more go into what I do as a vocalist, artist, and vocal coach every day.

6. You’re known for “extreme vocals”—what makes a scream powerful and sustainable from both a technical and emotional standpoint?

A VERY good and important question, too! Without taking multiple pages, I’ll highlight 2 different crucial points:

Air Pressure Control to help build and keep your screams in place

Knowing exactly what you want to say AND WHY

Screaming is all about balance, and everything starts with your air. Effective breathing to make air pressure with and knowing HOW to guide that air flow makes sure you can dive into distortion with accuracy and care. This lets the EMOTION take the wheel. I say it all the time, we only have the voice to express an idea and to communicate how we’re feeling. We become vocalists because we have something we want or need to say, so knowing exactly what that is and why it’s important to you is the missing link. Combine all of this, and the results can be massive! I help people achieve just that every day, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what I teach in 1-on-1 lessons, our YouTube channel, and our massive online program EVI Now.

7. Renesans aims to appeal to both longtime metal fans and newcomers—how do you strike that balance without compromising intensity?

It goes back to what I learned from that original 2000’s Metalcore wave: let it be real! I write vocals to be equally exciting and honest, and songs with energy that doesn’t stop. No matter if you’ve loved metal your whole life or if you’ve never heard heavy music before, I see how Renesans strikes to the core with everyone that hears us or sees us live. I’ve had so many people tell me we were the first metal show they’ve ever been to, and they fell in love with it because of us. I’ve also had people that’ve loved metal their whole lives tell me our show was the best and most exciting they’ve ever seen, even compared to more major acts and huge festivals. I’m VERY proud of that and to know what we’re doing is working, and gives me many ideas moving forward.

8. The artwork for “Split Brow” was created by Andy Glass—how did that collaboration come about, and how does the visual reflect the track’s themes?

He’s the best! We’ve toured together a lot over the years as I’ve been a vocal coach for We Came as Romans, and we’ve all become real close as friends. From being there for the important life moments, performing together, working on albums together, and even having their vocalist, Dave Stephens, on our song “Grown Cold” we’ve done a lot! Andy is an amazing artist and has a very special eye, and he’s been one of our main artistic creators since the beginning of Renesans being a full band. Our official logo(s), our 8-point star emblem, first merch items, show flyers, and more have all been Andy. He really understands my vision and executes it so well and FAST! He has the same level of care as an artist that he does as a musician, friend, and human being.

I’m fully embracing my 2000’s Metalcore roots now, and I wanted a piece of artwork for Split Brow that felt equally as moody and instantly iconic like my favorite albums growing up. I also wanted a darker vibe that showcases the turmoil and pain I went through during the time in my life I wrote this song about. Andy understood immediately, took the time to speak with me at length about it, and created something so thoughtful and impactful for me personally. I couldn’t think of a better piece or person to represent this really important moment for Renesans and me.

9. Having built a platform like the Extreme Vocal Institute, how does teaching others influence your own artistry?

Apart from what I mentioned earlier, honestly, a lot of it is inspiration. I get to help people have that moment of excitement, getting solid screaming and singing out for the first time. I get to help bands I’ve loved since I was a kid fall in love with vocals all over again. Seeing the look on people's faces in those magic moments when that happens reminds me why I do all of this in the first place as a vocal coach and an artist myself. We’re all doing the same thing, and the thing that makes it special is that we really love and believe in it. That unlocks all the power and drive I need to do what I need to do for myself and to help others achieve their dreams, too.

10. With touring experience alongside bands like Escape The Fate, what have you learned about connecting with audiences in a live setting, and how does that translate into your recorded music?

Every band connects with its audience differently and performs differently, too. From my years as a touring artist myself in the past and from working with and touring with amazing bands, I’ve lived a full crash course on what it is and means to be a performer. My favorite lesson I learned from Renesans touring with our friends in Escape the Fate is really how to let the show be fun. They’re such a great band with so many massively memorable songs, and yet no matter where you see them play, you really feel they are people just like you on stage. No egos or forced pageantry, and yet incredibly captivating and inviting. I definitely have incorporated that realness into what I do with Renesans, and I’m excited to get back on the road more to continue learning and growing as an artist with and through awesome bands like them.

Thank you for having me and for all your very thoughtful questions! Cheers! ~ David Benites

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