R&B singer-songwriter Sinéad Harnett has made history by becoming the first artist ever to record and mix a track entirely within a car. In a unique and innovative project, Harnett re-recorded her hit single “Thinking Less” using the all-new Renault 5 E-Tech electric vehicle as her music studio.
Harnett, known for her collaborations with artists like Disclosure and Kaytranada, took advantage of the quiet, cocoon-like interior of the Renault 5 E-Tech to transform the vehicle into an unconventional recording space. The car’s silent cabin – even when switched on – allowed the artist to record with ease, without the usual distractions or background noise that would typically be present in a traditional studio.
The innovative process took place within minutes of stepping into the car. Harnett set up her microphone using the Renault 5’s baguette holder – a playful nod to the vehicle’s French heritage – and used the car’s digital display to perfect the rhythm sections of the track. The result is a soulful and entrancing version of “Thinking Less,” with a studio-quality finish, all created and mixed on the go.
“I was so excited to be asked to re-record Thinking Less in the iconic Renault 5 E-Tech,” Harnett said. “I’m obsessed with how the car looks, and its sound system is sick. The fact that the drive is silent means it’s the perfect environment for listening to your favourite tunes. We thought, why not take it a step further and be the first to record and mix a track in it? I’m so pleased with how it’s turned out and I loved driving the car even more.”
The Renault 5 E-Tech electric, a modern reimagining of the iconic Renault 5 that captured the public’s imagination in the 1970s and 1980s, is the latest iteration of the brand’s popular model, now fully electric. Designed to combine retro styling with cutting-edge technology, the vehicle features a sleek, modern interior and exterior, including a central digital display and innovative lighting features. The car’s compact, efficient design makes it ideal for city driving, while its quiet operation made it the perfect recording environment for Harnett.
Adam Wood, Managing Director of Renault UK, praised the collaboration, calling it the ideal way to showcase the car’s capabilities. “The Renault 5 E-Tech electric is a game-changer, fusing incredible technology with feel-good design and bright pop colours inside and out. We’re confident it will add some French-inspired fun to the UK’s roads when deliveries start next spring. Sinéad’s world-first re-recording and mixing of her hit single is the perfect way to showcase its capabilities.”
The Renault 5 E-Tech, which starts from £22,995 OTR (on the road), is set to hit the UK market in spring 2024. Buyers can secure their place early by purchasing an R-Pass for £150.
Harnett’s innovative collaboration with Renault highlights how technology can inspire creativity in unexpected ways, with the Renault 5 E-Tech proving that even a car can be a vehicle for artistic expression. To see the full video of Sinéad re-recording Thinking Less and find more information on the Renault 5 E-Tech electric visit: www.renault.co.uk.