Jeremy Renner: From Homemade Instruments to Songwriter

Jeremy Renner is well-known as an actor, but his passion for music began long before his acting career took off. At the age of 12, Renner fashioned his own instruments from cardboard and played concerts for which he would charge his sister and her friends to listen. Renner not only immersed himself in acting but also in music, mastering instruments like the guitar, drums, and piano.

Early Musical Endeavors

Before becoming a Hollywood star, Renner was part of a rock band called Sons of Ben, where he performed alongside members of the band Tonic. They played acoustically around Hollywood and were known for their edgy sound reminiscent of the Eagles.

Soundtrack Contributions

Renner has showcased his vocal talent in several movies, performing songs on their soundtracks. He sang George Thorogood & the Destroyers’ ‘I Drink Alone’ for the thriller North Country, as well as covering ‘American Pie’ and ‘Good Ole Rebel’ in other film projects.

Music Videos and Singles

Not stopping at soundtracks, Renner has appeared in music videos and collaborated with artists like P!nk and Brother Sal. He even joined forces with DJ Sam Feldt on the 2018 single ‘Heaven (Don’t Have a Name)’. Renner has used his original songs in ad campaigns, notably a Jeep commercial, and released his own singles like ‘Main Attraction’.

Debut EP and Personal Releases

Riding on the momentum, Renner launched his debut EP titled The Medicine, and followed with a second EP Live For Now. His music often reflects his personal life, dedicating songs to his daughter and expressing his emotions through lyrics.

A Songbook of His Own

Rounding out his musical accomplishments, Renner writes and co-writes his own music. Below are five standout songs that he has penned:

'Nomad' (2019) - A track from the animated film Arctic Dogs.

'Main Attraction' (2019) - The leading single from his debut EP, used in a Jeep ad campaign.

'Best Part of Me' (2020) - A heartfelt tribute to his daughter, Ava Berlin.

'Live For Now' (2020) - The namesake track of his second EP, encouraging resilience.

'Wait' (2024) - A song released after Renner's recovery from a serious accident, dedicated to his daughter.

Through his songs, Renner shares parts of his life story, conveying messages of love, struggle, and living in the moment. Despite encountering setbacks along the way, like his snowplow accident, Renner’s commitment to music has never wavered. With such a diverse career in entertainment, Renner's musical talents continue to inspire and unite his fans.

actor, musician, songwriter