Renon Pushes the Limits of Pop Perfection With "(WAY) TOO FAR"

If pop had a black swan, her name would be Renon. The Montreal alt-pop artist isn’t just making music; she’s building a cinematic world that feels equal parts gothic, glamorous, and gut-wrenching. Her latest project (WAY) TOO FAR is a full-circle moment that expands her 2024 EP TOO FAR into something more personal, more deliberate, and more unfiltered.

TOO FAR told the story of a party girl’s downfall, each song unraveling into chaos. (WAY) TOO FAR doesn’t erase that narrative but reframes it. The new tracks “Go To Sleep” and “Priorities,” written by Renon and produced by Josh Cunningham, mark her evolution as both a songwriter and storyteller.

“Go To Sleep” glides with silky harmonies and a hypnotic bassline. It’s soft and seductive, yet heavy with the weight of denial, touching on escapism and the urge to quiet racing thoughts. Then comes “Priorities,” a synth-soaked confessional that puts Renon’s powerhouse vocals front and center. The song captures the moment of realization that something has to give, closing the project with an unexpected and satisfying twist.

Renon’s background as a trained jazz musician is written all over these songs. Her phrasing is intricate, her melodies unpredictable, and her transitions seamless. She doesn’t follow pop formulas; she reinterprets them with a sense of purpose. Every song feels cinematic, like a late-night film scored by heartbreak and glitter.

After performing twice at Osheaga Festival and making waves across London, Toronto, and Montreal, Renon’s ascent feels inevitable. (WAY) TOO FAR captures an artist who has lived, learned, and chosen to channel it all into art. It’s confident without arrogance, vulnerable without self-pity, and refreshingly original.

Renon isn’t asking for attention; she’s commanding it.

What inspired you to revisit and expand the story of TOO FAR one year later?

I had some songs written that fit into the world of TOO FAR that I loved, but I knew wouldn’t fit into my future release plans. So, because TOO FAR was a very special part of my career, I wanted to give it the goodbye it deserves with these bonus tracks. 

How has your jazz training shaped the way you approach pop production and melody?

I’m very aware that my music is not jazz, but the education I received in jazz definitely changed the way I approach melody and chord choices. I love adding moments in my pop songs that are not typical pop progressions and go outside the key. When I get to add those moments, that's when my songs start to feel more authentic to me. 

“Priorities” feels like a turning point emotionally. What was happening in your life when you wrote it?

I had just come down from almost a year of consistent partying and drinking and was reflecting on the choices I made during that time. I really got myself into a cycle of making the same bad decisions, and I realized at a certain point I wasn’t going out to have fun anymore; I was going out to distract myself from other things happening in my life.  This song was me finally being honest with myself about the changes I needed to make. 

After performing at Osheaga twice, how do you feel your live shows have evolved?

Preparing for a show like Osheaga made me focus on my performance skills so much more. I trained for months to get my voice in great shape, and I practiced my set almost every day. It also made me build a stronger set with transitions, choreography, and new arrangements, which is something I will do at every show now. It just made me step up in terms of professionalism overall. 

Your aesthetic is so distinct, from pink-and-black visuals to gothic pop tones. How do you merge your image with your emotional truth in the music?

I love the idea of having this popstar persona mixed with alternative/vulnerable music. My brand is so authentic to me but exaggerated to the fullest, from the outfits, makeup, lyrics, and production. I want my music to always be true to myself while also being able to dance on stage in campy pink & black gothic fits and still be taken seriously as an artist and songwriter.