ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Benji Miller
North London's Benji Miller is making waves with his mix of indie and alternative R&B, blending rich harmonies, honest storytelling and infectious melodies. Inspired by Mac Miller, Dominic Fike and Tyler the Creator, his latest single Hey Darcey previews upcoming EP Love Or Pain. We caught up with Benji to learn more.
For readers discovering your music for the first time, who is Benji Miller and what is the story behind your journey into music?
Born and raised in North London, I make music that captures the balance between life’s chaotic, mundane, exciting and painful moments in young adulthood. My background’s a bit unexpected, I went from singing opera to jazz, before finally finding my home in a genre-blending mix of indie and R&B. All those influences come together to shape the harmonies and storytelling you hear in my tracks today.
Your music blends alternative R&B with acoustic sounds and rich harmonies. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Yes, exactly that! I’d say combining catchy melodies with crazy harmonies and expansive production. Honest, raw vocals, against cool production is inspired by artists like mac miller, dominik fike etc.
"Hey Darcey" explores the experience of caring about someone who is struggling. What inspired you to write about that perspective?
There’s a saying - when you’re struggling, speak to yourself in the third person, treat yourself how you would someone you love. I think it’s important to learn how to help someone out of a difficult moment, and show them things will be okay.
Was there a particular lyric or moment in "Hey Darcey" that felt especially important for you to get right?
Yes! At the end of the second verse the lyric “I trust it gets easy” which I repeat a few times is really important, to show the mindset shift.
Your songs often feel very personal and honest. Do you ever find it challenging to be so open through your music?
When I started songwriting I did, but then I realised that if my songs aren't open and honest, they just aren’t as meaningful and rewarding to write!
Artists like Dominic Fike and Mac Miller have influenced your work. What is it about their music and storytelling that connects with you?
Mac Miller is probably my favourite artist - his raw vocals, genius lyrics and his flow - the rhythm of his melodies, is a big inspiration when I write music. With dominik fike, I’m inspired by the fun that he has in making his songs - the vibe is a big thing for me.
What is something fans might be surprised to learn about you outside of music?
Probably that I just finished uni, with a degree in Economics, and I’m a massive arsenal fan!
When you are writing a song, what usually comes first: a lyric, a melody, a feeling, or something completely unexpected?
For me it's always the feeling, I come up with the chords/vibe, and then i think what the mood is and how the melody should adapt to it.
If "Hey Darcey" were a film, book, or even a colour, what would it be and why?
Film/Book would be “Perks of being a wallflower” and colour - blue of course.
Your upcoming EP is called Love Or Pain. What does that title mean to you, and how does it reflect the project as a whole?
The title is really important, because the first 3 songs are about excitement, energy, love, leading to a sudden switch on the 4th song into sadness, pain and recovery. The switch just shows how easily and quickly our lives can change.
Looking back at the making of the EP, what is one lesson you learned about yourself as an artist?
I guess that I love all kinds of music. I wanted to include so many different sounds and vibes in this EP, which translated to having so many cool textures, harmonies, instruments in ourngs.
London has produced so many influential musicians. How has the city shaped your creativity and the music you make today?
The hectic, diverse nature of camden, where I’m from, helped shape my music taste and influence for sure.
If you could sit down for a conversation with any artist, past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Probably Tyler the Creator, and I’d ask if we can get on a song together.
What is one song, album, or artist you think more people should be paying attention to right now?
Chromakopia - Tyler the Creator
As your audience continues to grow, what do you hope people feel or understand after listening to your music?
I hope they connect to the stories and emotions I discuss, and get on board with the positive message. I also fear some of my melodies my get stuck in their heads!