Having already earned great praise following his earlier work, Benjamin Yellowitz is back with his new single ‘Erase You’ and the song’s accompanying music video. We decided to grab the talented artist when he had some free time, to find out more about his material, aims, inspirations and more! Read on to find out what he had to say…
Benjamin's new song 'Erase You' is out now
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
A bluesy singer/songwriter who loves RnB grooves too much!
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
People often complain about the industry as though it’s the only industry that is changing rapidly; I kinda love the creative challenges it brings. I’m on a quest to make music videos for every song I release which is just so much fun! It’s something the industry requires now, but why not add another string to my bow and explore the visual world too?
One thing I would add; independent acts have to fund their projects much further up the ladder nowadays, so I guess you have to work harder if you don’t have the financial backing. That’s the way of the world I guess.
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
I honestly don’t know! It’s so hard to see how other people perceive you. I’ve been working really hard at all of this, but I wouldn’t if I didn’t find it ridiculously fun. I like a challenge; it keeps me active. ‘Bored Benjamin’ is the most annoying to be, and be around!
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
I must admit, I’m a mega control freak! Up until recently I kept a really tight grip on all the production processes, but realised I was really suffocating the new tunes I was recording. I truly learnt the benefits of collaborating with a friend of mine – Jonny Breakwell – he is an excellent recording and mixing engineer and has helped with all my recent tunes!
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
I always knew this project would be a very personal one. I started writing songs in my early teens and has just been a way of life ever since, like keeping a diary… only exposing it instead of keeping it secret. Whenever I feel uninspired, I stop writing for a month and experience some new things! I stopped by the Whitworth Gallery before my show in Manchester the other day, loved the Raqib Shaw exhibition, particularly his contorted sculpture of people with bat-heads. It reminded me of the selfishness of London life; something that I both enjoy and endure.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
I am surrounded by such fascinating artists already and want to continue to develop on that! Jonny, Charlie Owen – my manager (who directed my latest video ‘Erase You’), DYVR, Amaroun and Joy Crooks – who is also managed by Charlie. She is super talented; I’m loving how well she’s doing, she deserves it!
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
Hmmm! Both of my second toes are half the length they should be… Which actually just makes my big toes look huge! Weird.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
To grow slow, to have fun, to challenge myself… But mostly, to enjoy it. There’s really no point otherwise!
Where do you hope to be by this time next year?
Sitting in a pure gold bathtub, in a penthouse suite, in a mystical land surrounded by super fluffy pandas.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
My video for ‘Erase You’ is out now and I’m touring in Austria and Germany. I’ll be releasing more songs and videos when I’m back! So jam-packed! I’m very excited.