Benedict Wake Up Interview

Inventive and compelling, Melbourne based multi-hyphenate singer songwriter Benedict has today shared their powerful new single Wake Up, an anthemic call to action that speaks on behalf of all humanity, calling for understanding and peace. Wake Up is out today via Tomboi Records, and accompanying the track is a visually stunning and deeply emotive clip, co-directed and choreographed by Benedict, Andy Chappell and Kelly Thomas. Benedict will also be launching the release with an intimate show at The Toff In Town on September 9.
 
Haunting, passionate, and evocative of the alluring Massive Attack, legendary David Bowie and inimitable Prince, Wake Up is pervasive and truly moving.  Produced by Dean Tuza (Stella Donnelly, The Rubens, Mossy) and mixed by legendary NYC-based producer Lee Groves (Madonna, Depeche Mode), soft synth pads create a perfect bed for Benedict's poignant and nuanced vocal style, while colourful strings swell and propel the track forward, lingering and persuading the listener to pay attention.  When confiding in close friend and singer songwriter Chrissi Deralas over a zoom call, Wake Up was born in just ten minutes. Speaking on the inspiration behind Wake Up, Benedict explains, "Wake Up is a people's anthem. I saw a need to speak out for all peoples, all nations with the shocking things we have witnessed over the last few years, through government issues, wars, COVID-19, Black Lives Matter and injustices for the LGBTGIA+ community. We all fight one another, but what is the truth? The truth is that we are all human. If we can come together, break down fear, lies, and fight the division, we will be free."
 
An impactful song such as this requires an equally significant video – and the clip for Wake Up absolutely does not disappoint. Through considered choreography, moody, staccato lighting, and footage from historical protests spliced in, Benedict has created a perfect visual accompaniment to Wake Up, and it enhances the original meaning of the song ten-fold.  It's a must-watch, as Benedict says, "When I thought about the film clip, the words that came to mind were unity, hope, world issues, our reality  I wanted to bring to light the suffering, pain, serious nature and traumas in this world we as humans experience and bring on each other – also, lies we believe from the government that cause division and brokenness within our society. In contrast, I then wanted to show the similarities as humans that we all carry everyday. I wanted to show that we are better together and, living in this controlled and manipulative societal structure, we could find peace and freedom by clinging onto each other."

 
Benedict has always been drawn to a strong message, and always one to stand up against injustices in the world.  They even started their own record label, Tomboi Records, with the goal of representing the under-represented within the music industry, as they explain, "My label aims to represent women in music and LGBTQIA+ artists in music. Two minorities that I believe do not get enough support in the music industry. Being a non-binary person myself, I felt the need to create a safe label where artists can create and be themselves with full support behind them. I have experienced both sides of discrimination and lack of support with the minorities I am representing, so I thought, 'why not'!"

 

Interview with Benedict

Question: How would you describe your music?

Benedict: Emotional and connective. I write with all my heart, body and soul. I feel my music encapsulates everything I am as an artist and person. Raw, honest, passionate and real! Layered with gentle nurturing vocals yet, powerful lyrics and melodies with an 80s/90s pop influence through my sound.


Question: What inspired your new song Wake Up?

Benedict: Wake Up was born with a deep desire to speak out for the voiceless! The forgotten people! The many who have suffered at the hands of unjust situations. Wake up is a people's anthem. I saw a need to speak out for all peoples, all nations with the shocking things we have witnessed over the last few years, through government issues, wars, COVID-19, Black Lives Matter and injustices for the LGBTGIA+ community as well as the #metoo and Enough is Enough March for Women. We all fight one another, but what is the truth? The truth is that we are all human. We easily forget this and are indoctrinated into many different ways of thinking that can cause serious division. If we can come together, break down fear, lies, and fight the division, we will be free.


Question: Can you tell us about the music video?

Benedict: When I thought about the film clip, the words that came to mind were unity, hope, world issues, our reality. I wanted to bring to light the suffering, pain, serious nature and traumas in this world we as humans experience and bring on each other – also, lies we believe from the government that cause division and brokenness within our society. In contrast, I then wanted to show the similarities as humans that we all carry everyday. I wanted to show that we are better together and, living in this controlled and manipulative societal structure, we could find peace and freedom by clinging onto each other.

Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Benedict: Whenever asked about what I dream to bring to the world with my music is light, peace, love, hope and unity. It is so easy to forget why we live and what we live for. I hope listeners can feel all of that through my truth that I sing and perform.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Benedict: I love both! They are both so very different. Recording is where you can bring a love army of musicians, singers, creative energy and creatives to the table to make a dream a reality. It is like painting a picture, adding layers you never thought were possible and capturing it forever!

Performing live for me is beyond this world. I love to connect! I love to share! I love to evoke emotion and take others to a higher frequency! I love if one person in the room says to me I made their night! I love if one person says to me that I gave them hope! I LOVE LOVE LOVE to create live and be present to my community which is every person! I am here to change lives and bring love to all communities. Live is one of the most incredible experiences any artist can have.


Question: What should we expect from your upcoming show?

Benedict: Well it has been a couple of years since I have performed! I will bring every single bit of my passion with my band to the stage! I promise to deliver and be with you on the journey that evening. I am just so grateful that I get to share music live during this crazy time. And I am so grateful to everyone who will be coming to support.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Benedict: I write my songs and music purely inspired by heartbreak, love, social observation and justice within our society today. These lived experiences translate deeply into my art. I am motivated by my mission to share my truth and change lives.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?
Benedict: Well being slightly old school I tend to listen a lot of my favourites being 80's,90s music and artists! Example being - Kate Bush, Joan Baez, Prince, Queen, Bowie, Madonna, Elton John, Michael Jackson - and the list goes on! Can't deny the greats! And then - our everyday artists I love so many different artists! Mainly for what they stand for and drive! Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Pink, Rag n Bone Man, Billie Eillish, Tones and I and so many more! It's great to see all these brilliant creatives driving forward!


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Benedict: Well - when I was 5 years old my hero and inspiration was my mother! An incredible singer and musician in her own right! If she had not challenged and pushed me, nurtured and supported me in my music, I would not be the person I am today. An incredibly strong woman and soul. She encouraged me to create, listen to the greats, dance, sing, write and learn! At one point I did think I was Michael Jackson haha!

But to be honest - one of the first shows I ever saw was Tracy Chapman! I watched her live at 15 years old in Sydney, Australia. My mother bought me a ticket - just me! She sent me to watch Tracy Chapman alone! I sat there by myself in the audience watching this incredible artist weave her magic and I knew that was everything I desired to be! I breathe and live music! It is everything I am!


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Benedict: OMG - can I have more than 1? If it is this time and now - LADY GAGA. She is not just a brilliant woman but her values and passion to help others aligns so much with mine! Love!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Benedict: I do not know if I can say I became one! I have always been that! So living and being in my truth! Yeah - it's rad! It's powerful and amazing!


Question: What's a typical day like?

Benedict: Hmmmm- wake up early (because I am old lol). Chinese herbs, mediation for the day ahead. Plan my day and tasks and execute. Morning of emails and calls re my music and new label (Tomboi Records). Then vocal and instrument practice. Walk my amazing doggies. And more phone calls and emails. Then sit with my amazing partner, dinner and chats ha. Or - a catch up with a bestie or family!


Question: What's next, for you?

Benedict: My single launch! I am recording my new single with a brilliant producer called James Crothers. I cannot wait to share. I have also started a new label called Tomboi Records. A record label that manages, promotes and distributes some of the best queer, gender diverse and women identifying artists in the world.

We are here to represent unique and authentic artists that have something to say and are here to create a love army of music.

The artists I am currently working with I am so excited about! Cannot wait to share with the world!


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Benedict: Website 
Facebook 
Instagram 
Twitter 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort