Benjamin Yellowitz returns with his latest track Erase You, out now via BYz Records.
Erase You is a diverse track both in it’s influences and style. The result is a dark, atmospheric offering that removes Yellowitz from the usual singer songwriter format.
The track is a not your usual break-up song, with Yellowitz stating that it’s “actually the song after the break-up song.” He goes on to describe the meaning behind the song, saying that “it’s about doing new things, becoming a different person.” A talented musician and producer, Yellowitz played multiple instruments on the record, including the vocals, guitar, bass, keys, as well as parts of the percussion.
In this interview feature, we speak with Benjamin about influences, the latest project, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and the video for Erase You below.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I started performing under this name about 3-4 years ago. Previously I was going down the standard acoustic singer/songwriter route but found it too narrow.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
My songs are mostly about my own experiences, but I love people watching, especially in all the different cities on tour. This project is super fun, meeting new people, seeing new places, challenging myself creatively keeps me going!! I grew up on bluesy singer/songwriters like Tracy Chapman and John Martyn, but I clash this with dark production influences like The Weeknd, James Blake and Bon Iver.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I aim to write/produce a new creative sound that incorporates more genres. Particularly blues and RnB, whilst creating awesome grooves and catchy choruses.
What was the last song you listened to?
Bad Blood by NAO, I can’t get enough of this track. I even did a recent Instagram cover of it. Interesting lyrics, heavy groove, and insane production. Go listen to it (and my version please)!!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Hmmm, out of the three, Vinyl, it forces you to sit and listen on a nice Hi-Fi, you notice so, so much more from music that way.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify, I’ve been registered for about 7 years. It’s been the main way I listen to music, and what a great way of finding new acts too!
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
The music world is incorporated into a music visual platform now, which is an awesome challenge! I love making new videos for each song. It can be pretty costly though!
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I tour all the time, in fact, I am calming down a bit in 2018 to focus on writing/recording. I tour across UK and Europe regularly, please follow me on SongKick or BandsInTown! We stream a song from most shows on Instagram or Facebook.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Add me on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify, I’m always updating all three. message me, I love hearing from listeners!
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
I must make a huge shout out to Jonny Breakwell, Echopark Creative, Sylvia Kertu Muona and Alejandro Ali for their magic on Erase You in the recording studio and video production/performance! Massively talented people and super inspiring!
