After spending the last few years building and cultivating his sound, emerging artist Douglas A. Benson is now ready to introduce himself to the world with his vibrant debut single 'On The Run'.
Lifted from his forthcoming debut EP 'Joys Of Growth', which is set to arrive later this year, 'On The Run' makes for an incredibly bold and alluring introduction to his sound so far. With its rich and shimmering indie-rock textures perfectly set to his impactful vocals throughout, he is kicking things off with a wildly enjoyable opening number here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The Bass Guitar. It can be rhythmic, melodic, and everything in between.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was young I was really into hip-hop. Biggie Smalls, Jurassic 5, Wu-Tang Clan. And then on the other side I was massively into 50s rock and roll. Little Richard & Fats Domino.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Lonely Are The Brave - Maverick Sabre
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Life On Mars - David Bowie
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I go to a park, or anywhere in public and make up stories of the strangers walking around me. I write down details I see in them. The things they wear, the way they sit or walk etc. and then write them down to add to my own stories and feelings. It gives me details and experiences I can draw upon when writing my lyrics. I find that it helps bring my lyrics to life.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My favourite artist at the moment is Feng Suave. I absolutely love their laid-back, chill, stoner vibes. So Soulful and heartwarming to listen to. It's like a hug for my ears.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Elton John
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Getting to further discover yourself through the things you create. With everything I write, I feel I get closer to seeing myself for who I really am.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Writers' block. I would say I feel writer’s block is the default state. I spend my life waiting for the lightning strike of inspiration to come. Somedays you try and force it, and it just doesn’t come. Others, it flows like a river. You never know when it's going to come next.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“Never play to the Gallery…Always remember that the reason you initially started working was that there was something inside yourself that you felt if you could manifest it in some way, you would understand more about yourself and how you coexist with the rest of society…If you feel safe in the area you are working in, you are not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you are capable of being in…when you don’t feel your feet are quite touching the bottom, you're just about in the right place to do something exciting.” - David Bowie
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Douglas A. Benson's debut single 'On The Run' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.