Contributing WriterLos Angeles-based producer and vocalist RENESIS has been quietly building one of the most compelling visions within cyberpunk electronic music. With over a million streams, support from scene heavyweights like Lazerpunk and Max Brhon, and performances across North America and Japan, she’s established herself as an artist who builds entire worlds. Her sound merges ethereal vocal textures with thunderous, cinematic production, creating experiences that feel equally suited for intimate headphone sessions and festival main stages.
Her latest release, “Overdrive,” finds RENESIS teaming up with French cyber-bass producer Extra Terra for a high-octane collaboration that pushes both artists to new extremes. Following her Japanese-inspired single “SAKURA,” the track marks another chapter in her evolution while maintaining the atmospheric intensity that defines her artistry. With upcoming collaborations already confirmed with Rogue VHS, MAGNAVOLT, and DRAVEN, 2026 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year for the rising star.
We caught up with RENESIS to discuss the making of “Overdrive,” her creative process, and what’s next as she continues shaping the future of cyberpunk electronic music.
1 – “Overdrive” shifts into more aggressive territory than “SAKURA.” Was collaborating with Extra Terra the catalyst, or was this evolution already happening?
I see SAKURA and OVERDRIVE as worlds of their own, and while both are cinematic and high-energy, I definitely think SAKURA hits harder. Collaborating with Extra Terra made sense because we both approach music through emotion and intensity, but that heavy-hitting energy has always been part of my sound, long before we worked together.
2 – What is it specifically about Extra Terra’s production style that resonates with you? Did working together live up to your expectations?
The first time I heard Extra Terra’s music, I was instantly drawn to it because it aligned so closely with my own sound. From the emotion and cinematic elements to the high energy and depth of the production, everything just clicked. That connection made working together feel like a perfect fit. It definitely lived up to my expectations!
3 – Your sound blends beauty with chaos; ethereal vocals meeting thunderous bass. How do you maintain that balance?
I’m always creating from a place of balance between beauty and chaos, light and darkness. One side only exists because of the other, and that space in between is where the emotion feels most real to me.
As for the vocals, they live in that same space and are deeply influenced by my emotions and life experiences. I’m a very emotional person, and I think that comes through in both my sound and my voice.
4 – You’ve performed across the U.S., Canada, and Japan. How does performing in different markets influence your creative direction?
Performing in different countries has really influenced how I approach my music and my live sets. Every audience reacts differently, and experiencing those differences pushes me creatively. Some crowds respond more to raw energy, others to atmosphere and emotion, and learning how to balance that has shaped the way I build my sound.
Japan, in particular, had a big impact on me. Premiering my track SAKURA live at FuelFest Japan was definitely one of the best experiences of my life so far!
5 – With collaborations coming up with Rogue VHS, MAGNAVOLT, DRAVEN and more, 2026 looks massive. How do you choose who to collaborate with?
It really comes down to how their music makes me feel. If I feel like our worlds can coexist and our sounds merge naturally, that’s when a collaboration feels right. The strongest collaborations are driven by emotion and energy, not just names on a track.
6 – You’ve accumulated over a million streams and earned support from major names like Lazerpunk and Max Brhon. How has that industry support impacted your career?
Industry support has given me a strong sense of momentum. Knowing that respected artists are backing my work makes me feel more confident in taking creative risks and expanding my sound. It’s a reminder that the impact of my music extends far beyond streams and metrics.
7 – The cyberpunk aesthetic is a microcosm of visuals, storytelling, and world-building. Do you see yourself as a producer first, or as someone building an entire universe?
I think of myself as a world builder first, and sound is the way I bring those worlds to life. I want my music to give people somewhere to escape to, even if it’s just for a few minutes. More than anything, I want to awaken emotion, to make listeners feel something real, and to take them on a journey where they can lose themselves and connect with the world behind the sound.
8 – If you could give your past self one piece of advice about navigating the electronic music scene, what would it be?
I’d tell myself to always stay true to who I am and to my vision. Keep doing your thing and don’t chase trends. Be bold, take risks and take chances. Keep pushing forward even when it feels slow. Remember that building genuine connections with people is also a big part of growing as an artist.
It’s definitely a long grind, but if you stay consistent and you put your heart and soul to it, it will pay off one day. Trust the process!
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