Articles

Our Exclusive Chat with Benedict

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Before she takes over our Instagram tomorrow, get to know Benedict a little better.

What is the story behind your latest single, “Warzone”?
My single “Warzone” is about many different relationships we have over time. Relationships with partners, friendships, family, government, religion. Learning the paradigms of these things and how they can change very quickly from positive to negative. Trusting and loving when you only receive narcissism and gaslighting in return. Some relationships are warzones that can break us down mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is about the loneliness and pain that you take on then healing from past hurts and breathing your truth. As each human is unique and special it is about stepping out and trusting your heart and your goodness and fighting for your life. To me the most important thing is to become stronger and be your true self no matter what the consequences and live in your full truth as well as love others for their differences and unique selves.

Can we expect an EP or some more singles in the future?
I plan to do another single next and then EP or even album. I have written over fifty songs for my project so I have a lot I want to share! So yes, I am only just getting started!

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I want listeners to find hope and empowerment in my music. I write about real experiences, real issues. I will never sugar coat. All of my songs I write with truth and the deepest passion. I hope the audience can relate and connect to this truth in themselves through the music and lyrics.

How do you feel being Australian shaped you as an artist?
Australia! A beautiful country filled with diversity and opportunity! A land of great music and arts and culture! Being Australian however..what is that? I am a bit of every culture worldwide! Being Australian, further away from the rest of the world yet super connected to everything and everyone as well. It is smaller so you have to work really hard at what you want to do! It is competitive and challenging but if you want it you don’t stop and you strive to be the best at what you do! It has made me thick-skinned that’s for sure! I also feel very much shaped as an artist by the way I was brought up more so! I grew up in a very musical family and was very blessed to have been supported in my creative ventures. From the age of five years old, I wrote my first song. My mother handed me a guitar and started teaching me how to sing and play. From the age of fifteen years old, my father would drive me to all the gigs I organised to play and always encouraged me. There has never been one moment I have not felt supported by them.

When was that eureka moment when you realized music was your calling?
Well ever since I was a small child I knew I wanted to do music. The main eureka moment was when my mother bought me a ticket to go and see Tracy Chapman live in Sydney. I asked her if she was coming, but, she said she wanted me to go and watch alone! I went to that show and my mind was blown and overwhelmed with such incredible and raw music. I loved Tracy Chapmans, honesty and heart for the earth and humanity. I knew this is what I wanted to do when I grew up! Play music, change lives, speak out!

You are also a producer. Do you have a favorite piece of work you’ve done?
I have done many works over the years independently. I find so much joy in producing. I am currently developing a few younger
artists which I love doing but I would have to say that when I started writing and producing my current project I felt the deepest
connection I have to any of my pieces. One song in particular “The Divine” is my absolute passion which I plan to share with you all once recorded very soon!

What have you been listening/watching/reading in quarantine?
I have been getting into a lot of English crime shows. I have been writing and recording quite a lot. As my mother would say, “the best thing to do to a creative is send them to their room!” We do not see it as a punishment but the best way to rejuvenate. A brilliant book I have been reading is called, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I love, love, love self- help products, as I believe we are always healing and learning and changing. This is brilliant. I would recommend it to any creative.

What do you think the future of the music industry will look like?
I think the future looks bright. There is more opportunity for artists to gain a platform now more than ever! I believe that the world will always look to the arts for escape, hope and connection. I think there is great things coming.