Part of a project to release a new song monthly that began last month with the single '9 Minutes', Australian artist Benjamino's next track tackles the omnipresence of anxiety in modern society.
A life dedicated to music that has seen Benjamino teach five-year-olds their first piano chord to collaborating with world-class musicians, after a decade of writing music for others, in 2020 they decided to focus on their own music.A sound born from the indie soul and alternative R&B palette, Benjamino's music has been featured on community radio across the country as well as MTV Australia. This led to a career moment last November when Benjamino performed to thousands of music fans supporting Coldplay.
'Whataboutism' is the next chapter as Benjamino preps the release of their debut album 'Cucino' later this year; the title paying tribute to their Italian heritage; cucino meaning 'I cook'.
The deep, rich bassline with clicking, metallic beats merge, creating a crisp, clean rhythm, yet the sterility of tones creates a glowering atmosphere, a brooding sense of impending doom.
However, Benjamino's fresh vocals offer a verbal hope, their ethereal timbre providing a slither of light, the lyrics portraying the inner monologue we all have with the internal critic who can intensify those feelings of anxiety.
The chorus is a lifeline back to reality and a reminder that the imagined scenarios we conjure are just that, internal and not a real reflection of the way the world around is.
"I wrote the song after experiencing a number of personal discoveries – mainly gender fluidity and pansexual awakening," Benjamino says.
"Making these discoveries in my late 20s, at a much more progressive time in history, had me questioning my worthiness amongst this community. . . A tendency we all have is to project our greatest fears onto those around us, which is more often than not unfounded."
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (28 March), today scenestr is thrilled to premiere 'Whataboutism'. Enjoy.
"This track was a bit of a watershed for my production style," adds Benjamino. "I began working on this in early 2024, and I was getting into producers like Inflo (Sault, Little Simz) and D'Mile (Victoria Monet, H.E.R.).
"I love the way both of them use lots of organic samples that sound like they belong in film and TV. They create such awe-inspiring moments in a track."
The song's drum sample also has an interesting backstory. "I found the drum sample that opens the track while staying in a dodgy motel for work. Down the hallway there was an argument breaking out between residents, something about keeping the noise down after hours.
"There were lots of banging doors and shouting, so when I found this sample it felt like it was emulating that moment quite well. Safe to say I double checked the lock on my door that night."
Benjamino has a weekly residency at The Old Clare Hotel (Sydney) on Fridays 6-9pm.
