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Benji B at his DJ table mixing up some tunes

UP CLOSE

UP CLOSE WITH PRODUCER BENJI B. ON CREATING HIS NEW FUTURE RISING TRACK

For London-based producer Benji B., music doesn’t happen in a bubble – it’s a living, breathing thing. From playing an array of instruments as a child, to producing a track on Kanye West’s Life of Pablo album and hosting a weekly radio spot on BBC’s Radio 1, Benji lets inspiration of any kind fuel his work. And creating a new track with rapper Bohan Phoenix as part of W Shanghai’s Future Rising festival was no different – except that they wrote, recorded, and mixed the entire track from right inside the W suite.

 

We went behind the scenes at W Shanghai where these two talents put their sounds and skills together, creating a killer track to premiere at Future Rising.

READ HOW BENJI B STARTED TURNING A LOVE FOR MAKING BEATS INTO RELEASING CLUB-READY HITS.

Benji B on the rooftop at W Shanghai
Benji B getting ready for W Shanghai's Future Rising event

How did you start making music?

 

Benji B: I started playing instruments at the age of 7 and then different musical pursuits have taken over at different times since then.

 

 

How would you describe your individual sound?

 

BB: It is hopefully true to whatever I’m feeling at that time.

 

 

Who are your main inspirations?

 

BB: Anyone who makes music without worrying if it fits a box.

Producer Benji B in the W Suite
Mid production with Bohan in the W suite.
Which city is your favorite to DJ in?
BB: London.

 

How does your home city of London influence your work?

 

BB: In every single way – musically speaking, it made me who I am today.

 

 

What is your biggest late-night indulgence?

 

BB: Tea and toast.

 

 

What are three things you can’t travel without?

 

BB: Passport, headphones, hoodie.

Benji B looking over a balcony at The Bund and city area
The Bund is always inspiring.
Bohan and Benji on stage at Future Rising
Bohan and Benji on stage at Future Rising performing their hit!

If you could work with anyone, who would it be?

 

BB: Quincy Jones

 

 

What is the most unique element to the city of Shanghai not found in other cities?

 

BB: Every city is its own unique thumbprint, but Shanghai has an intense energy not comparable to many other places I have been.