It’s not every day you get to chat with an artist on the brink of something big, but today is one of those days. Benten’s new EP, A Few Demos, drops today, featuring earworms like “Cheapshot,” “Part Timers,” and “Shaky.” We sat down with him to talk about the release, his meteoric rise, and the quirks that make him, well, Benten. Get ready to laugh, nod along, and maybe even crave some Chicken Parmesan by the end.
1. Your EP is almost here, featuring singles like “Cheapshot,” “Part Timers,” and “Shaky.” How are you feeling about putting these songs out into the world?
Benten: I can’t lie, I’m incredibly excited and so ready for the entire project to be released. I’ve had some of these songs in the vault for over a year, so it feels really good to finally get them out and off my chest. I’m already building for the next project as well, so it feels like just the beginning.
2. Over the past year, you’ve had a bit of a blow-up. I saw your music landing on some big editorial playlists—how did that come about?
Benten: That was all thanks to my friend Dylan Budnieski, an incredibly gifted videographer and overall fun guy. Apparently, he ran into a Spotify curator at a bar and showed him some of my music. I owe a lot of my recent growth to that chance encounter. It’s wild how a single conversation can change the game.
3. You’ve played guitar with some awesome bands like Mickey Darling. How did that come together, and do you have any fun or wild tour stories?
Benten: I met the Mickey crew while playing guitar for another artist named Nick Wagen. Eventually, I started performing my own music with them as well. I can’t express how thankful I am for all the opportunities they’ve given me. One time after a show in Denver, we went to this really intense rave. We left pretty quickly, but it was a very strange and fun time. Definitely one of the more unexpected stops on tour!
4. Rumors are TikTok might shut down. What’s your take on that?
Benten: I’m a bit heartbroken, but I don’t think it’s the end of the world. Artists will find other ways to push their sound, and we’ll likely start seeing some really creative marketing techniques through different mediums soon. Honestly, though, I’m gonna miss the memes!
5. Who inspires you as an artist? And what’s currently on Benten’s playlist?
Benten: Lately, I can’t get enough of Daniel Caesar. He’s mastered the art of making an album, in my opinion. I’m also really into marQ and Troy Javelona’s music. Adan Diaz put out the best EP of the last year, and I can’t stop listening to nafeesisboujee. His sound is so fun and infectious—one listen is all it takes to get hooked!
6. Where are you from, and how has your background shaped your music? Give us the Benten backstory in three sentences or less.
Benten: I started making music in high school after downloading a free version of Ableton. I wanted to be a super producer and made beats anywhere I could—math class, my friends’ cars, and even while working at a skate shop in the mall. When I couldn’t find anyone to rap or sing over my beats, I decided to give it a shot myself and fell in love with songwriting.
7. Describe your music in five words or less.
Benten: It’s true to my life.
8. What’s a hidden talent or fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
Benten: Recently, I’ve been really into cooking. I made Chicken Parmesan the other night and now I think I could be the next Bobby Flay. Also, I tend to get really overconfident at the slightest sign of success—but I’m working on keeping it in check!
9. Where do you see yourself—and your music—10 years from now?
Benten: In 10 years, I want to have a discography I’m proud of—maybe even a couple of albums. I’d love to have a family and definitely want to travel more throughout my thirties. Southeast Asia seems like the coolest place ever—shoutout to Thailand!
10. Finally, what advice would you give to upcoming artists who are just starting out?
Benten: Just do what makes you happy. Experiment, try new things, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s never a bad thing to try your hardest. Keep working, and something’s bound to happen. Be patient and trust the process!
As Benten’s new EP, A Few Demos, drops today, it’s clear that the artist is just getting started. With his mix of raw honesty, genre-bending sound, and undeniable charisma, he’s sure to keep us hooked with every release. Whether it’s through his infectious beats or his candid insights, Benten is making his mark—one demo at a time.
So, go ahead, stream his new EP, maybe cook up some Chicken Parmesan (but we won’t guarantee Bobby Flay-level results just yet), and stay tuned. Big things are coming from Benten, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s everywhere.
Follow Benten:
Instagram: @benten.wav
Spotify: benten