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Interview with
BENEDICT

(11th August 2021)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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BENEDICT // Photo credit: Pep Phelan

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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you start writing music?
My whole life! I started writing, singing and playing instruments from the age of 5 years old. It is everything I am.

Which music did you grow up listening to? How has it influenced your current style? 
I grew up listening to the greats!  Bowie, Prince, Queen, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Kate Bush, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Tracey Chapman, Aretha! Just to name a few haha. Growing up in a musical home this set the foundation of my journey in music. I was Influenced by artists that had a  mission, fought for human rights and dreamed big! They never apologised for who they were or living their truth! This has influenced me to always stay true, strong and speak up and out! Music is a powerful instrument to have!

How would you describe your sound? 
Dreamy yet powerful with a message. It aims to draw listeners in and connect with the lyric and the message. There is enough anger and loud screaming in this world. I want to bring all messages gently through my soft vocal yet strong lyrics and music.

Why do you think people resonate with your music?
I have asked my friends and family and their answer is that it is honest and real music! But for the rest of the beautiful humans I get to share my music with – I hope that they resonate with the music because it ignites something in their hearts and speaks their language. I will never stop writing for hope and justice. I will always be honest in my music. I hope that is what my audience connect with and feel safe in.

Your new single “WAKE UP” has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution. 
When I was in lockdown last year I was watching the news and hearing and seeing so much suffering around the world. I felt a deep need to speak out on these issues. From BLM movement, Covid 19, LGBTQIA plus attacks and deaths, wars, government issues, USA riots and Women’s Rights. What breaks my heart is the constant division. We are all human! So wake up! I was talking to my friend Chrissi Deralas on zoom and discussing my drive to write a new song. After a long chat I had the words pour out and the music come to me. The song was born in 10minutes with the assistance of Chrissi’s magical co-writing skills.

Do you have any more new music in the works?
Well I do have 50 tracks written for my project and am planning to do an album at some point. I currently am in the works of recording a new single. Super excited to release this one! 

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Do you have any shows/tours coming up? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
My next show is at The Toff In Town on the 9th September in Melbourne. My single launch for ‘Wake Up’. Super excited about this one. I will be on stage with an 8 piece band. I plan to make it a powerhouse show!

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
Prince! His skill, his artform and his talent- beyond.

What’s next for you in the near future? 
I have just kicked off my new independent music label and I am in the middle of signing some amazing artists. I started Tomboi Records for Women and LGBTQIA plus people in music. A label that represents some of the best around. I am so excited to be launching my project and other talented humans under Tomboi.

What are your longer-term aspirations? 
To start a ripple in the industry. To bring awareness and new music and light. I hope to be able to bring my music to the world on a top platform and then assist other artists to do the same.

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? 
OMG! EVERYTHING! The connection, the rawness, the energy. To share something so intimate and powerful with other incredible souls. It is an honour and blessing to be on stage. I am in love with performing.

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Too many – sorry!
Artist – Too many to count
Movie – Avatar
Place to visit – Italy
Venue to play – So far – The Toff in Town
Food – Love oysters
Drink – Nothing better than waking up and getting my almond flat white!
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) I have quite a few tattoos but my next one I want something to connect to my viking history. Viking symbols.

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THU 9 SEP
THE TOFF IN TOWN | VIC | 18+
TICKETS

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Follow BENEDICT
Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

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Listen: WAKE UP : HERE

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Press Release 23rd July 2021 (below) HERE

BENEDICT
announces arresting
new single & video
‘WAKE UP’

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AMNPLIFY – DB