In the bustling heart of New York City, where creativity thrives and artists push the boundaries of their craft, one independent singer-songwriter stands out with his captivating blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics. Benjy Bradshaw, a rising talent in the city's vibrant music scene, has been captivating audiences with his unique sound and heartfelt performances.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into Benjy's artistic journey, exploring the inspirations and experiences that have shaped his music. From his early days honing his craft in local venues to his recent successes in the industry, Benjy shares insights into the passion and dedication that fuel his artistry.
Join us as we uncover the depth and authenticity that define Benjy Bradshaw's music, and gain a glimpse into the mind and heart of this remarkable independent artist.
Benjy's Journey as an Independent Artist in NYC
JIG: Thank you, Benjy, for taking the time to sit down with us for this exclusive interview!
For those who are just discovering your music, can you tell us where your journey as an independent artist began?
BENJY: My journey started somewhere in between a blue sparkling electric guitar or a synth Casio – both instruments that my dad gave me in grammar school.
In my pre-teen and early teen days, music was a way for me to express my angst where I would lock my bedroom door and create music alone. I think it was a subconscious form of personal therapy and escapism. As I graduated high school and entered college, I lost my musical excursions, but listening and dancing was always part of my lifestyle.
I refound my love for creating music after living in NYC. I think the NYC energy, combined with my coming of age, helped define me as an artist. It was in my early NYC days that I decided to refocus on my sound and let the performer come out.
JIG: Are you a native of New York City, and how has the city's environment and culture influenced your musical style and creative process over the years?
BENJY: I am not a native New Yorker, but apparently I am a New Yorker due to "Sex and the City" standards (I've now lived in NYC for over 10 years). I grew up in the suburbs of the San Francisco Bay area, in Oakland and San Leandro, California.
This may sound strange, but ever since I was 10 years old, I had an obsession with NYC. I knew I would eventually make it back. I say “back” because I believe that in my past life I was a party goer at Studio 69 and died of a cocaine or drug-related overdose somewhere around that time.
On a less metaphysical level, NYC has enabled me to let my creative soul excrete itself onto the concrete. Although the city is not easy, NYC’s history and community enriches me as a performer and thus influences my music and style.
There is a community of underground artists in New York City – maybe not as much as before, but they are still around. NYC has raised me in so many ways and I will be forever grateful. I especially owe my creative life to the nightlife and underground.
JIG: As an independent artist in the highly competitive New York City music scene, what have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced, and how have you overcome them?
BENJY: I believe balancing whatever gets you your money with your creative life is the main obstacle of living as an independent artist in NYC. The city is expensive, so we all need to find ways to make that dough. That is where organizational skills are important. To make it, you need to be constantly working and focused. I’ve overcome this by doing just that – I am essentially working everyday. I do believe, however, that we all must take breaks, so I advocate for self-love and time on the dancefloor. I am also reminded that we are stronger together. We strengthen our community by showing up for each other whenever we can (through supporting events, shows, and initiatives).
JIG: What advice would you give to other aspiring independent artists looking to make a name for themselves in NYC?
BENJY: Just do it. The worst thing you will ever do to yourself is stop pursuing your art. Never stop.
"Miami Vibes" and Future Plans
JIG: Let's talk about your latest project "Miami Vibes," a collaboration album. What was the inspiration behind this new sound and creative direction?
BENJY: "Miami Vibes" is a very exciting project from QU3 records, a sub label of Quantize Recordings. QU3 is led by the amazing DJ and producer (and my friend), MicFreak. The goal was always to get this out in time for Miami Music Week and the Winter Music Conference. Knowing that, MicFreak curated a sampler that showcases fantastic artists and sounds that make up QU3. It's definitely an upbeat and a fantastic variety. Vocalists and songwriters such as Barbara Tucker, Inaya Day, Angelica de No, myself, and more, along with so many amazing producers make the sampler a beautiful cumulation of beats and vibes. It showcases a snippet of what will be coming out this year (hint, hint) and I am so excited and honored to be included in this project.
JIG: How did the collaboration process work with the other artists involved in "Miami Vibes"? What did you learn from working with them?
BENJY: My collaborations were specifically on the three of the sampler’s tracks: "Freak 4 Luv," "Colors of Love," and "Body On Me (MicFreak Miami Vibes Remix)." All three were produced by MicFreak, so working with him was definitely a pleasure (we actually met on the Platform, Twitch). He is so easy to work with because he is like water. I like water - it's moist.
"Freak 4 Luv” is a special track because it is a full collaboration between Angelica de No, MicFreak, and myself. In fact, “Freak 4 Luv” has been possibly my first “three-way” collaboration, where all three of us have been 169% invested in everything from the production, lyrical content, vocals, performance, artwork, and promotion. I consider myself blessed to have met artists like these who are so invested in their art.
JIG: Looking ahead, what are your plans for promoting and supporting the "Miami Vibes" album? Where do you see your music career heading next?
BENJY: Well, I can't give away too much, but let's say the sampler is just a taste of what's to come me and QU3 this year. I definitely can't wait to evolve the three tracks I collaborated on further over the next few months (does anyone want a remix?).
In terms of my career, the sky is the limit. Get ready for a wild ride!
Benjy's Creative Process
JIG: Walk us through your typical creative process when writing and producing new music. How do you come up with ideas and bring them to life?
BENJY: Life is my greatest influence. Bad days and good days always have an impact on what I create and storytelling has always been part of my writing. Nowadays, I am most productive by starting with the music first and building the story from there. Then, I can pull references from my past and use the music to guide me.
For example, on the sampler’s track “Colors of Love,” I was asked to write the bridge. I dug into my past to write those lyrics. I thought about men who played with my heart, especially the ones who were on the “down low” or still “in the closet.” The bridge then serves as my message to those men who ultimately couldn’t see the colors of my love (nor their own rainbow). This is just one of many tracks where I’ve used my life as musical inspiration.
JIG: What role does your personal life and experiences play in shaping the themes and emotions expressed through your music?
BENJY: My personal life always influences my music. I rarely write from a place of pure fantasy (music ultimately is a fantasy for me, though). That being said, sometimes my songs start from an idea and then it ends up being abstracted into a general feeling and less of a specific story. I am definitely interested in creating songs that inspire, but I also want to be true to topics that may be deep or personal. The deeper the better, if I can get there.
JIG: How has your creative process evolved over the years as an independent artist? What new techniques or approaches have you incorporated?
BENJY: My creative process has definitely evolved in so many ways. My newest and strongest technique is using my production template when I make songs. I learned this in an online production course a few summers ago. The production template houses all my favorite filters and effects and it saves me a considerable amount of time. This way, I can always get started quickly and right into producing. For those wondering, I use the program Logic Pro X.
Another approach has been collaborating with other artists like I have on the QU3 "Miami Vibes Sampler 2024." There is something special when creative individuals come together to make music in a safe and enjoyable environment. “Body On Me,” for example, was a fantastic collaboration between myself and Jason Merced and then was reimagined by MicFreak for the sampler. I love having various artists use my vocals and lyrics to create a new story or to bring my words into a new vibe. They see things I might not and they also use their exceptional expertise to take the music to a new level.
I am excited to develop these techniques and continue to grow. Who knows what is next?
It was a true pleasure to have the opportunity to interview Benjy Bradshaw and gain a deeper understanding of his captivating artistry. His passion, authenticity, and dedication to his craft are truly inspiring, and we are grateful that he shared his story with us. We wish Benjy continued success in his musical journey, and we look forward to seeing what he creates next.
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Very nice Interview and amazing Artist!! Benjy Bradshaw 👏❤️