Inventive and compelling, Melbourne based multi-hyphenate singer songwriter Benedict has today shared their powerful new single Wake Up, an anthemic call to action that speaks on behalf of all humanity, calling for understanding and peace. With an early premiere on Rolling Stone Australia, “Wake Up” is out today via Tomboi Records, and accompanying the track is a visually stunning and deeply emotive clip, co-directed and choreographed by Benedict, Andy Chappell and Kelly Thomas.
Haunting, passionate, and evocative of the alluring Massive Attack, legendary David Bowie and inimitable Prince, Wake Up is pervasive and truly moving. Produced by Dean Tuza (Stella Donnelly, The Rubens, Mossy) and mixed by legendary NYC-based producer Lee Groves (Madonna, Depeche Mode), soft synth pads create a perfect bed for Benedict’s poignant and nuanced vocal style, while colourful strings swell and propel the track forward, lingering and persuading the listener to pay attention. When confiding in close friend and singer songwriter Chrissie Derales over a zoom call, Wake Up was born in just ten minutes.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Benedict about the latest release, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.
I am from Melbourne, Australia. I create pop/alt music. I write songs and create music purely inspired by heartbreak, love, social observation and justice within our society today. These lived experiences translate deeply into my art… I love to layer my music with dreamy vocals and crisp pulsating melodies. Inspired by the 80s/90s pop music world, it is all synth and big drums for me!
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I started writing songs and playing instruments from the age of 5 years old. My mother is an incredible singer and guitarist. She nurtured me through my musical journey. I motivated to help others. Being a mission heart, I am driven to keep making music to bring truth and hope and light to all peoples! All communities! Music is the universal language. It connects us all on a deeper soul level. We have enough pain and suffering in this world, so if I can bring joy and peace to even one person, I have done my job.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
The other releases were more focused on personal experiences that were happening my own life. Which I feel were still relatable to different people listening!
But!….This release had a strong message and mission to ‘Wake Up’. Wake Up is a people’s anthem. I saw a need to speak out for all peoples, all nations with the shocking things we have witnessed over the last few years, through government issues, wars, COVID-19, Black Lives Matter and injustices for the LGBTGIA+ community and women. We all fight one another, but what is the truth? The truth is that we are all human. If we can come together, break down fear, lies, and fight the division, we will be free.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
There are many challenges in the music industry today and then there are many incredible advantages as well. The challenging part is that we have many different music platforms that do not pay independent artists what they are worth! Years ago, you made a cd or a tape or vinyl and you did shows and sold your music that way! Radio was more efficient in assisting indie artists and the world seemed to appreciate music like it was a new car!
These days – you can access music for free anywhere online. You do not have to pay for it! This devalues indie artists music and creates a monster where artists have become slaves to a machine that doesn’t financially assist them to be able to keep going. A vicious cycle. With this many artists are drowning.
On the other hand – the reach of people you can connect to now and share your music is incredible. Finding massive audiences if released correctly can increase your chances tenfold. As well as the fact that you don’t have to sign to labels these days to be successful if you learn the ways of the industry. It is the best time to ever be an indie artist! So yeah it’s a catch 22. Yes it is a nice feeling to be wanted by a label or manager. But the freedom to be your own boss and run it that way is amazing! Years ago we could not compete with labels as indie artists! Now we have a chance.
What was the last song you listened to?
Just today I listened to a song called Attention by Lion X. It is actually not out yet! But …I will be releasing this artist and track through my new indie label Tomboi Records. An artist that is one of the most profound humans and creatives I have ever known. Think Todrick Hall meets Lil Nas and a slight heavy metal grab to the vocal and beats. Cannot wait to share him with the world.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
There is nothing more magic than a vinyl. It reminds me of my childhood and its all come back! Adore.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify is a great engine when it comes to accessing lots of music and when you understand how the engine works it is brilliant! But from an artist perspective I LOVE Tidal and Apple Music and Bandcamp as they assist in paying artists correctly and better. If we all made that effort to use these online music engines, Artists would be able to live off their music.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
I am on all social platforms and music platforms. Please connect on Instagram/facebook @benedictmusicofficial . I would love to have you as part of my musical family and share my journey with you. Your support means the world.
Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you to all the amazing humans and teams that have endlessly supported me and my project. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. And thank you IMD for having me! X
