Hiya Benicio, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Benicio: I’m happy to be here thanks for the opportunity.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
Benicio: My life was pretty normal to be honest. I was more sports oriented than music inclined. Plus, I was a bit of a nerd too so to look back on who I was and who I am now it’s shocking for me at times.
What’s the live music scene like in London right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
Benicio: I’d say the music scene in London is in a good place today especially with the underground scene. Artists today are being more open to experimenting with new sounds in comparison to the past so that’s refreshing. I’d say look out for Ceebo, Proph, TR Gobrazy and Tay Jordan. Those are some of my favs out right now.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
Benicio: It’s conflicting for me personally. On one hand I’m grateful for the leverage social media gives independent artists to be able to create and build a brand without a major label and also helps them connect with their fans more directly. On the other hand I feel like it grants the audience too much accessibility to the artist. It helps them get closer to their fans but boundaries can get crossed. Artists become so visible to the outside world that it feels like they have very little to themselves. It’s a tricky one still.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
Benicio: Honestly, I’m not the best when it comes to managing engagement on my socials due to me being a one man show at the moment. But anytime I do hoop on my socials I make sure I give my fans something to be excited about and on a consistent basis throughout that particular period. Whether it being a picture I took or a video I edited myself, I make sure it’s good to look at.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
Benicio: I think the Music Industry is in a very weird place right now. It’s very much numbers driven with everyone’s obsessed with first week sales and streaming numbers. From a business perspective I understand why that matters but it’s come to a point where the art itself is being neglected. There’s soo much good art out there which is being discredited due to the number of records it sold and I just can’t agree or co-sign that line of thinking. I feel like if everyone can come together and maintain a healthy balance between the business aspect and the artistic aspect of being in the music industry it would be in a better place.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
Benicio: Ever since I moved back to the UK from Ghana four years ago, I’ve kind of had to readjust my sound a little and integrate myself into the scene over here. It feels like I’m starting all over again. It’s humbling and also exciting cause I get to enjoy the process of meeting people through music, making more connections and actually appreciating the process this time around in comparison to when I started.
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Benicio: I can’t lie I’ve learnt soo much over the years doing music but one thing that has really been a career defining lesson for me is maintaining authenticity. Growing up I had somewhat of a diverse upbringing which has translated into my music taste and selection of sounds. I felt somewhat insecure about how different I sounded compared to my fellow contemporaries or whatever was hot at the time. However I’ve come to appreciate my uniqueness and accept myself for who I am. As long as I’m being true to myself and who I am in and out the booth it doesn’t matter.
What was your best experience on stage?
Benicio: Definitely when I was performing during at a variety show back in Boarding School in Ghana. I was performing on stage while the whole school is going crazy and some random guy came up to me mid performance and gave me money. I was broke too at the time so I went to buy a snack with it afterwards😂
What was your worst experience on stage?
Benicio: It was my first ever battle on stage in front of my whole school. It was kind of like 8 Mile except I missed the drop for the beat on the first round and it fucked up my whole flow. The crowd was cheering my opponent like crazy until the last round when I turned it around with my last verse. Not my best moment but definitely a learning curve for sure.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about.
Benicio: I would say it surprises people when they discover how much of a nerd I can really be😂 I grew up loving things people would consider nerdy such as Star Wars, Pokémon, Super Mario, etc.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Benicio: So basically Sorry For The Late Replies is a 3 single pack which consists of songs which didn’t make the cut for my upcoming mixtape. I’d say more but that would definitely mean giving too much away😂 The only other thing I’ll say is it’s a little teaser of what’s to come in future.
What was the recording process like?
Benicio: It was very organic and fun as hell you know. I had just met SLO my engineer through a mutual friend and we just locked in right away. These songs were recorded in the early days of our working relationship and definitely helped lay the foundation of the trust we have in each other as fellow collaborators.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Benicio: Never be afraid to try new things. What I like about this pack is that you get to hear me try things I never would’ve before. For one of the songs I literally spent hours singing multiple takes and trying different melodies to see what works. As someone who predominantly raps it was challenging and fun at the same time. I’m definitely open and excited to trying more new things in future
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Benicio: Nah I’m good on this one. I’ve learnt that if you keep going back to your works there’s always something you can change or make better. At this point I’m content with what’s been created and I’m ready to let it go into the world and form a life of its own. Hopefully it’s connects with someone at least.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Benicio: Keep looking out for me. I got a mixtape coming out soon after this pack and trust me I’ll only get better with time. Till then, stay positive, spread love and last but not least the sky’s the limit, so go out into the world and be who you want to be. Peace and love.
PRE SAVE HERE // FOLLOW HIM HERE
MORE RGM NEWS HERE