A Brisbane singer-songwriter specialising in future pop, contemporary R&B jams, Benji has been busy in 2022 releasing two singles already.
Last month he dropped 'Away' (a song about sustainable self-esteem), while last week he shared 'In Again' (that's about modern love dramas)."Thanks for the love on the new song. I love getting your messages, you guys are fam," Benji posted to his Instagram.
"I'm sitting on some bangers atm; this year's just gonna keep getting better, I swear. Love you all."
A style that draws on digital-age poeticism with futuristic trap beats melded to acoustic instrumentation, Benji is a young artist not afraid to dig inside his feels to draw out the best emotional response.
Who is... I'm Benji, and I'm in my feels. My friends think I'm the heartbreak sadboi because that's all I write about, but I have other qualities. I love coffee and boardgames. Is this sounding a bit like a tinder profile?
I sound like... I'm having a good time. No, I sound probably a bit like Jaden thematically. The Kid Laroi, MGK are very much in a space I like right now. Some very generous people have compared me to Harry Styles and I wholeheartedly agree, even if they're wrong.
My first gig was... Out the front of my ex's house. And unsuccessful.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... The decision was unanimous across the group, for sure. Although we were originally called The Ticklish Tigers. After we realised it was only a one-man band we went for something more personal.
In the studio I usually... Just hit record. There's no rules. I find most of the time the music just takes control and it's like I'm not even there anymore; it's one of the most therapeutic experiences.
Sometimes if I go in with an idea it comes out different than I imagined, which isn't a bad thing. The most important thing is to try and finish the song concept in one session. It gets so much harder after that.
If I could tour with anyone... Joji because he seems like the funniest, most chill dude and makes the most interesting music.
Social media is... A tricky one. I definitely see how people can get trapped with it. I'm a lot happier when I spend time away from it, but it's a good way to get music discovered so it's necessary. And also a good place for banter.
My favourite app at the moment is... FaceTime, I love chatting to my friends and family, and I love to see their ugly faces too.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I jumped down a flight of stairs completely sober simply because someone reckoned I wouldn't; and have not been walking properly since.
Life on the road can be... Filled with ups and downs, but the real road is the friends we make along the way.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Chocolate mousse and patterned/ confusing surfaces that make you go 'huh, that's interesting'.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Running out of chocolate mousse and interesting patterned surfaces to look at.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... Danny DeVito. He's been a bit of a theme in my music. I don't want to go into detail about it here, but to get a better understanding stream Benji on most streaming services.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Kyoto or Tokyo. Japan was my favourite place to visit. My family there showed me what it was like to live there and if I could I would. Such a cool lifestyle, although I'm not sure I have the work ethic to maintain.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... My brother, Norm Macdonald and Dorothy the Dinosaur. I just think Norm would have a great perspective on Dorothy, and I'd want my brother to see it all unfold with me.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I would gather you around the lounge/ couch that doubles as our dining area and prepare some sweet, home delivered food.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Is this a real question? Dogs are the best thing in the world. Cats are fine. My dogs come before a relationship.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Lego, with instructions.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... This morning. Big advocate for exercise and have you ever had a SAUNA? That sh.t's my new jam.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Real jobs.
Do you have any phobias... Running out of chocolate mousse and interesting, patterned/ confusing surfaces to look at.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? 'Jackass', although maybe not. Those guys are committed.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I would pick my fourth best friend and stage a coup, a long con where I convince them that they are the best friend and bring them close enough to reveal their deepest darkest secrets.
Even be best man or maid of honour at their wedding. Only to reveal that we are not in fact as close as they thought; we are just fourth best friends.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Anywhere that serves ramen, so long as it's Hane Sushi or Niku Ramen.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Johnny Bravo. Just so suave.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Emily In Paris'. What kept me hooked was the will they/ won't they?! Very captivating.
