INTERVIEW: Benjamin Curtis shares “What A View”

Sedona-based artist Benjamin Curtis has been on his artistic journey since he was just ten years old. However, it wasn’t until last year that he finally unveiled his sonic vision and shared his sound with the world for the first time.

Influenced by artists such as Eminem, Tupac and Russ, Benjamin set up a small studio in his basement where he set about crafting his own unique hip hop sound. Taking full control of his musical output, from writing, creating the beats, performing and producing, he’s a talented artist capable of bringing his sound to life exactly as he sees it.

February last year saw him make his official entrance as a solo artist with his debut single “Grip on me,” which he’s since followed up with a string of singles, including a collaboration with Modesty on “Flickin My Tonge” as well as his first record with the aptly titled ten-track album, Arose From The Basement. Now he brings us one of his tracks with “What A View,” the perfect taste of his lyrical flair, vocal performance and production talent.

Opened by a hazy scene of lo-fi sound with a synth lead hovering over airy guitar flourishes, Benjamin’s vocal drift in with the beat to craft a smooth hip hop experience. With a laid back groove driven by the softly snapping beat, he threads his slick vocal delivery above, bending from mellow flow to rapid flurries.

With an instantly catchy vocal hook in the chorus, “What A View” is a superb showcase of Benjamin Curtis’ original sound and his knack for crafting memorable hip hop music. With a piquant arrangement injecting a playful vibe, the single spins a charming slice of rap music that demonstrates the full scope of his sonic skills.

Having kicked off this year with his debut album, 2024 is set to be an exciting chapter for this exciting artist as he continues to go from strength to strength while sharing his compelling sound. We caught up with Benjamin Curtis to find out more about his musical journey so far, his single “What A View” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Benjamin Curtis below.

Hey Benjamin, how’s things?

Things are great just focusing on my music career and getting new things in the works.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

At age 10 I was left alone a lot and scared because I was by myself. Music was my go to to find comfort and confidence. Music is what made me feel invincible.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Tupac would be one of the artists that draws inspiration to me because he spoke with his soul, he spoke his truth, he was a powerful man from Music but he was a kind loving soul he found the perfect balance to reach his fans and send a message to the world.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Inspiration for my music comes from life experiences that I have been through. I have been very passionate about art in general because music is a form of art, instead of me putting it on a canvas I put my art on a beat.

What was your highlight of the year for 2023?

I would have to say finally having the courage to put myself out there by dropping my music, making it public, working on my music videos, all the hours I put into my work could finally stand for something and just taking that step in knowing I would be judged, and knowing I don’t care I am judged because it is my soul this is my path and passion.

What do you love about your local music scene?

I grew up in a small town we never really had “music scenes” but I would love to make that happen for the next generation, everyone connects to song regardless of the situation they are in and I want to bring that scene to my community so that kids have inspiration to be someone and not stuck in a small town for the rest of their lives.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

The perfect setting for this song, many songs I produce but particularly this song I would say hanging out with friends at a party or just hanging out with your significant other. The lyrics are about love but the beat is about just hanging out and having a good time a good vibe no matter if you’re on the couch or driving long distance.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

In the beginning it was rough being 10 I would just put beats together write some lyrics and say hey I have a song. But, the older I got the more I would feel the music and think okay I need to put this sound here or alright this sound doesn’t sound good there let’s set it aside for now and see if it could work later on. I have repeatedly listened to my beats more then 100 times to make sure that the beat felt flawless that it had rhythm and no room for errors. When it comes to my lyrics I just write what the beat tells me and a lot of musicians will tell you the beat speaks to you not you to the beat and that’s how you produce a great song that people will love and listen to no matter how old it gets.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Eminem, his raping is amazing. He is someone I would want to learn from he’s a good lyricist and I believe he is one of the best musicians out there, he knows what he is doing and someone I would trust in the music industry he seems so down to earth has a past like everyone else but doesn’t run from it he’s a real dude.

How did you find making your new single “What A View”?

I always wanted to make a love song like “I used to love her” from common his direction of speaking to the girl vs just rapping to a girl.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I wanted to show that I could stick to one subject through out a whole song instead of going into a whole other direction like many other musicians and I wanted love for the girl to be the focal point of the song.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Cal scruby he seems like someone who does it alone without a major label and his songs are great and funny I enjoy listening to him.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Joy, I want people to enjoy my music and gain some knowledge from it or even just to relate to it and not feel alone.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I have done a couple little sifers but no shows marketing myself, but I plan to change that soon.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Definitely Eminem, Russ, and Naz and the performance would have to be Madison Square Garden because that’s where it all goes down.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Do it the way you want to do it don’t try to do what other people tell you to be oe you won’t be happy, stay true to yourself, follow your own footsteps or fall in the quicksand.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

Working on a couple music videos getting more songs ready to be put out, selling merchandise to get my name known and hopefully drop another album that many more people will be willing to listen to. That is my focus for 2024.

Listen to What A View below