Q&A: benten Talks New Release, Life on Tour and Growing as an Artist
TAKING OVER THREE FRESH FINDS PLAYLISTS ON SPOTIFY — within a few days, benten is guaranteed to dominate the indie music scene and become your new favorite artist. He’s proven his dedication to his artistry countless times over during the last couple of months. Whether it be online or on a stage, he’s created a refreshing and unique take on the indie music genre and built an energetic community of fans along the way.
Currently based in Chicago, benten consistently demonstrates his ability to blend his favorite genres together and create a smooth mixture of indie and R&B, sprinkled with his personal flair on top. This year alone he’s already added two new songs to his distinct discography, “thru with u” and “aim,” both of which stem from feelings of vulnerability during a past relationship.
From touring with artist Adan Diaz and playing guitar for Nick Wagen to having his own opening set on tour with Mickey Darling, benten is surrounding himself with great friends and even greater musical influences.
Read the interview below as he discusses life on tour, his musical background, and a not so secret unreleased side project.
LUNA: You’re pretty fresh to the indie music scene. What led you to realize that you wanted to pursue music?
BENTEN: I got a guitar as a gift from my grandma one year for Christmas. I started to learn how to play and just kind of progressed from there, if I remember correctly.
LUNA: So sweet. What do you hope to achieve with your music? What is music to you at your core?
BENTEN: I really just want to build a community and a catalog I’m proud of. I want to look back at my stuff and remember the people and places that helped me make it possible.
LUNA: That’s a great way to look at it. To decide you want to pursue music full-time can be a heavy decision — how did you navigate it?
BENTEN: I don’t know if I have yet (laughs). But honestly, I think the most recent tour I was on has really helped to show me what’s possible. My first show in New York was the most surreal moment, but also a great reality check. I want to take everything to a more serious level now.
LUNA: Speaking of tour, how has touring with Mickey Darling been? What has it been like to have your own opening slot?
BENTEN: Tour was incredible. When the pressure gets intense, that’s when you’ll see people’s true colors show. Luckily, I’m traveling with some of the greatest people ever. The Mickey Darling crew is top tier — they conduct themselves so professionally and are very easygoing. Also, the rumors are true: they are the nicest people on Earth. I’ve never played my own shows before, so it’s been a really good learning experience. I’m very thankful to Austin and Skyler for giving me the opportunity to do it!
LUNA: That tour has brought us here together today! It’s great to see you grow as an artist so quickly. What’s your favorite song you’ve released, and why?
BENTEN: Nick Wagen and I have a side project called Macadamia Boys. There’s a song on that project called “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter,” a truly timeless record. The writing process on that one was one of the most intense and grueling experiences of my life. We were locked in the studio for days, just working on three or four lines at a time. I’ve never been through anything like that before.
LUNA: Once this interview comes out, your guys’ fans are going to be begging to hear it. After hearing it myself, I’ll also be waiting patiently for it to be released! (Laughs) In the meantime, fans can listen to your new release, “aim.” What inspired this track?
BENTEN: “Aim” came about during the same time period as “thru with u.” I made them both about a week apart from each other. It’s just about being afraid to completely give yourself to another person. Due to the uncertainty that I had surrounding that relationship, I felt really vulnerable when I allowed myself to feel certain types of feelings. When you love yourself without putting yourself first, you can lose yourself.
LUNA: Agreed. You’ve mentioned before that you share a similar sound to Steve Lacy and Omar Apollo — are there any other artists that have given you musical inspiration?
BENTEN: All of my friends! Also a lot of Brent Faiyaz (laughs).
LUNA: Final question for you: What’s the part you enjoy the most about making music?
BENTEN: Drinking brews with my bros.
