What is your name?
My name is Benzer Joey Uy and I go by Benzer as my artist name.
What is your genre of music?
I’d say my genre of music is a mixture of R&B, Soul, Hip Hop, Funk, and Pop.
Give us a little bio about you.
Music is a gift that is used to express yourself in a way that sometimes words solely can’t. 21-year-old singer and songwriter Benzer uses his sweet, soulful voice to exemplify this through his storytelling lyrics and sounds of smooth R&B, funk, soul and 90’s hip-hop. His creativity derives from his desire to emulate his emotions into music while forming a connection between him and his listeners.Talking and socializing always came easy to him, but he soon discovered that music was the best way to truly share his love, fear, excitement, and perspectives that tend to stay under the surface. Benzer takes inspiration from music pioneers such as Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, as well as contemporary artists such as Anderson. Paak, Devin Morrison and Frank Ocean.
What made you go into music?
The way that music evokes certain emotions when it is played made me want to make the same thing. Whether it be the chords in the music or the specific words used in writing, I wanted to make music people relate to.
Are you signed?
No I am not, currently am an independent artist. Kind of want to stay one for a while.
You are set to drop your latest single out now ‘On Read’, tell us more about it.
The single “On Read” has a distinct blend of soft vocals, a psychedelic jazz guitar solo and synthesized rhythmic elements of hip-hop and soul. This single speaks on the complexity of romantic relationships with society’s reliance on social media to communicate.
The inspiration was based on the difficult feelings that come with being left on read and without closure. After giving it all we have, we tend to have trouble understanding our emotions and this song aims to decipher those feelings of confusion.
What is the meaning behind the single?
It’s about how we, as a technology-driven generation, communicate primarily through our phones that can help connect us, but the second we lose interest we don’t really give closure to the relationship.
Describe the track in two words.
groovy, hypnotizing
What was the writing process like?
Pretty quick actually, I wrote this on vacation visiting my brother in the east coast and got back home, here in LA, to record. I like to write from personal experience so this one definitely was a true story haha.
Who did you work with on the single?
My close friends Joshua Tree and Jonathan Edwards. Grew up with Joshua Tree and met Jonathan at a church event and was like “man this kid can play!”
We will also get to see your new EP ‘Deuce’, what can you tell us about it?
I can say that it definitely has my best work and collaborative work to date. Got a bunch of friends to be a part of this and made some new ones along the way. Songs to dance and cry to!
Describe each track in two words
1. “Never Even Met You” – dancey, disco
2. “All Alone (In My Room)” ft. Willa Marj, David – Anthony lonely, hard hitting
3. “Bro Let it Go” ft. Don J, Jordan Dejean, Heavenknew -90s, popping
4. “If It Ain’t Real”-raw, ambient
5. “On Read” – psychedelic, hypnotizing
6. “Weekend” – funky, west
7. “thank u, a letter” – smooth, melodic
What is the message you want to get out with the EP?
Love is a journey and that you win some and lose some, but God always got
What is the message you want to get out with the EP?
Love is a journey and that you win some and lose some, but God always got you.
Will we see a music video for any of the tracks?
I thought we would but COVID said otherwise.
Do you have any online shows coming up?
For House of Blues Music Forward’s Open Mic on Sept 18 at 5pm PST, I am performing If It Ain’t Real.
What else can we expect in 2020?
More singles and collaborations for sure and definitely want to get started on my third EP!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
not yet
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Yes that would be great feel free to email benzermusic.mgmt@gmail.com and benzerjuy@gmail.com . also just DM me on instagram
Do you play any instruments?
Piano and drums
Who are your influences?
Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, A Tribe Called Quest, Devin Morrison, Mac Ayres, Lucky Daye, Anderson .Paak
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
From personal experience. I find it easier to write about real things I’ve gone through. I also try to emulate my favourite artists and evoke emotions they make me feel when the sing or perform.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I’d say I may have a wife by then and finally make money from music. I’ve grown as a performer and also in my relationship with God who gives me this strength. I definitely want to have performed at a festival as well and meet some other amazing artists.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
My favorite pastime is watching Laker games. I also like to hang out with friends. Also, hanging out with family and church family. Family and respect within it is very important to me.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Frank Ocean’s Provider was really the song that pushed me. I remember I was a freshman in college when I discovered the song and was really blown away by what Frank was capable of. That was the song that got me into contemporary music as I was really into 90s, r&B, and soul music.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
When you go out and perform, go and do the best you could do. Don’t always compare yourself but go out and compete against yourself. The guitarist that works with Pharrell installed that in me.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Don’t be a douchebag. Nobody wants to work with a jerk.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Be Better Today, Not For Yourself, But For God
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Be Better Today, Not For Yourself, But For God
Your coming off tou
1/ Where do you go first? In n Out
2/ Who do you see first? Parents and my hamster
3/What do you eat first? get a #2 from In n Out
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
– water
– ¼ inch cables
– your pants
– in n out burger
– camera for some flicks
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Website
