Looking for those perfect summer songs to bring those good vibes and rays of sunlight?! Look no further as today multitalented artist Benji. dropped his new EP Love Gun II.
For those who dream of diving into music production but lack the time or funds, Benji. offers a glimmer of hope as he delves into many genres of music and flourishes in them all. Giving those that want to pursue a career in music but are not sure which route to take, Benji. proves that anything & everything is possible.
On the new EP, the Pittsburgh native showcases a sound so immersive, it engulfs the listener as each track provides a sprinkle of multiple genres. Paired with his smoothly sensual vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Benji. creates a musical experience that resonates deeply, showcasing his versatility in all genres and his talent to cater to every fan of music.
As a member of both Spillage Village and EARTHGANG, Benji. has caught the attention of major media outlets like NPR, Rolling Stone, Complex, and VICE. With a professional track record, he’s shared stages with legends like Snoop Dogg and Kid Cudi, co-produced hits like “Kody Blu 31” and “Better Days” on JID’s The Forever Story, and even earned praise from Adam Sandler for his feature on EARTHGANG’s “Bobby Boucher.”
Love Gun II is the second installment of a trilogy exploring the phases of love: from searching for it to finding it, and ultimately to self-love. Benji. positions himself as an authority on love and joy, aiming to eliminate toxicity in these aspects of life. His music vibrates with this mission, creating a palpable atmosphere of positivity. If music is therapeutic, Benji. is the therapist we all need to listen to.
Recent listening parties in LA and NY offered a taste of the new EP. Attendees danced to unreleased tracks amidst candlelit settings, sipping on ‘Paper Planes’ (a bourbon/aperol concoction) and enjoying an elevated vibe, perhaps enhanced by a hotbox effect.
Benji. specializes in soul-folk and buoyant R&B, blending vintage sounds of Al Green and Luther Vandross with modern psychedelic influences like Tame Impala and Lil Yachty. Love Gun II, released via Guin Records / Since The 80s, builds on 2023’s Love Gun I, refining his lush sound and philosophical take on love and self-growth.
The project features diverse tracks like “KeepComingBack” with its rock choruses, reflective raps on “Better,” sultry funk in “TYS,” and jazzily orchestrated soul in “Be Mine.” Executive produced by Christo, known for his work with Ari Lennox, Kacey Musgraves, and Wiz Khalifa, the EP highlights Benji.’s journey toward a more accountable manhood and his quest for love.
Benji. is an artist’s artist, having toured as the bassist for EARTHGANG and co-produced for J.I.D. His solo work has even been featured in the Disney/Marvel video game Spiderman 2. With a charismatic presence and a dynamic musical style, Benji. is undoubtedly an artist on the rise, as recognized by NPR Music, Rolling Stone, VICE, and more.
Listen to “Radio,” the moody and suave lead single from Love Gun II, and get ready to be swept away by Benji.’s effortless charm and musical prowess. Love Gun II is an EP we all need to make us smile and feel loved.
Check out our FRANK151 interview with Benji. below:
Atlanta home base – are you still there? How has the music scene in Atlanta reacted to your music genre as your music caters to a very wide range of audience from rap, electronic, R&B, soul and rock.
Currently LA is home base. I will always appreciate the music scene in Atlanta for embracing me when I got there in 2020 and helping me hone my craft and exposing me to new areas of sound to explore and blend within with my music.
You seem to be a humanitarian & optimist at heart with past daily tweets where you gave daily reminders to say “Smile, You’re Alive;” in addition to philanthropy work in the past including The KRUNK Movement, a student-led program at the Center of Life in the Hazelwood neighborhood. Your last song on the new album “Beautiful Song” reflects this. What has motivated or inspired you to spread the love & hope for everyone? Do you have a daily mantra? And if so, can you please share?
Joy, peace, and love on a global scale isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. I truly feel called to be that torch bearer with just how I’ve been able to navigate and respond to the happenings in my own life whether self-inflicted or otherwise. I view true artistry as service, duty bound to articulate the world around us through our lens to provoke honest communication, promote the love we all deserve to give and receive, with the hope of inspiring as much change as I possibly can. “Smile, You’re Alive” has sort of become a daily mantra for me, but also the serenity prayer is something I have always recited to myself every morning since high school: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
‘KeepComingBack’ is one of my favorite songs on the new album and something I believe could & should be played on the radio. What was the inspiration for that song? What came first: the lyrics or the beats? What was the decision to put this at the center/middle of the album? If there’s a specificity, how did you plan out the placement of every song?
I’m glad that song struck a chord! It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve made. I wanted to make a song that really spoke to our emotions from a lyric standpoint accompanied by music that spoke that language as well, which is why the end of the song sounds the way it does. The beat came first with this one. It was first produced by Natra and I recorded it at his apartment in Atlanta where I freestyled the hook. The verse came later when I was back in my hometown of Pittsburgh, and then I produced the ending of the song from there. The placement of the song was pretty intentional. It felt like the point right before the tension gets released so the middle of the project was very fitting. Projects should have peaks and valleys in my opinion, like life.
How long have you been playing music and when did you decide it was the career path you wanted to take?
I’ve been a musician since I was 3 years old. Drums were my first love, bass guitar came second with a few other instruments over time. I always wanted to be a touring musician since I was a kid, and I got my first opportunity playing bass for Earthgang on two of their tours so that was pretty special for me. I knew I wanted to be an artist when I was 18 and made the choice to pursue it full time after I left college.
Who, both inside & outside of music, have been big inspirations to your style and genre of music?
Foo Fighters, Thundercat, Stevie Wonder, Lupe Fiasco, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Mk.Gee, Dijon, Cleo Soul, Snarky Puppy, Sade Adu, Tame Impala, Lauryn Hill, Hiatus Kaiyote, Jill Scott, Ghost Note, Robert Glasper, Anita Baker, Sheila E., Mac Miller, Childish Gambino, The Internet, The Isley Brothers, Billy Strayhorn, Larry Graham, Sly & The Family Stone, The Gap Band, Anita Baker, MJ, Quincy Jones, Rick James, Rick Rubin, KISS, Dave Matthews Band, Michael McDonald, The Beatles, Wings. I could go on forever as far as musical influences are concerned. Outside influences include authors Julia Cameron, Don Miguel Ruiz, and James Clear. Philosophers Sadhguru, Joe Dispenza, Patricia Sun, and Richard Rudd.
As I was listening to your album, someone came up to me and asked, “Is this the new Childish Gambino album?” as I chuckled and responded, “That’s cute, but no. He’s the new best thing.” Are you a fan of Donald Glover/Childish Gambino? Would you ever collaborate with him? Who are dream collaborations for you?
I am absolutely a fan of Donald Glover/Childish Gambino. He’s one of the few artists that push me to explore my own boundaries of capability, and to also just make the music that I truly love and enjoy making. I also love what he does outside of music in the world of film and TV. That would be a dream collaboration for sure. Other dream collaborations for me would be Cleo Soul, Thundercat, Mk.Gee, Dijon, Naomi Sharon, Robert Glasper, Dave Grohl, Tame Impala, and a large list of others.
Can you share one sentence or 3 words that expresses each song on the new album Love Gun II:
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- HATM (Benji. x Christo)
- A sonic masterpiece
- Message (Benji. + Christo + Ambezza + Hoskins + Brandon Lehman)
- 80s inspired love song
- Radio (prod. Madness)
- A soulful love song
- KeepComingBack (Natra + Benji + Brandon)
- The passionate lover’s anthem
- Better
- A call to look inward
- TYS
- A true Benji. ballad
- Be Mine
- A soulful song and dance to court your loved one
- Beautiful Song
- What I imagine absolute euphoria feels like.
- HATM (Benji. x Christo)
What’s one thing about the album you hope resonates most with its listeners?
One thing I hope listeners resonate with the most with Love Gun II are the messages put into each song. There’s is something for everyone to take home with them.
You’ve opened up for Snoop Dogg and Kid Cudi in addition to being part of both Spillage Village and EARTHGANG. Working and collaborating with other artists, how has it been working on solo projects? What are the pros & cons to both solo projects versus collective/collaboration projects?
Much love and respect to Earthgang, however I am not a part of that duo. Eternally grateful for them, JID, Mereba, 6lack, Jordan Bryant, & Hollywood JB for embracing me and welcoming me into Spillage Village. For me it’s a long process when it comes to working on solo projects. I’m not somebody that cranks out a bunch of songs or beats everyday, but I always try to create an idea, like a puzzle piece that I can shape and mold with other ideas over time to complete the bigger picture. Collaborative/collective projects though to me are a lot of fun because the process is more expedited and supercharged with the additional brain power and capabilities.
What advice can you give to other inspiring artists?
Some advice I would give to other inspiring artists is to try everything you want to try. You never really know all that we are truly capable of if we don’t. Collaboration is key to growth. Always do it for the love of the craft first and foremost, don’t put your eggs in the basket of outcomes, and PLEASE do something you love to do everyday that has nothing to do with your work that feeds and fuels the inner child in you. Work then becomes play.
Can you share any upcoming dates on shows or anything else everyone should be on the lookout for?
Love Gun III immediately following the release of Love Gun II. Tour dates are to be announced soon as well!
Stay connected with Benji.:
23 Profile | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube | Twitter
Written & Interviewed by: Bernadette