Spotlight
Spotlight - BenNose
Meet BenNose, an Ohio-based artist turning brain vomit into electronica. From PlayStation Dreams to synthpop reality, discover how this self-described "bundle of sticks" found musical freedom.
Read MoreTell us a bit about yourself. (Location, artist name, the works!)
I'm an Ohioian who makes music under BenNose. I primarily make electronica/synthpop music (as far as my knowledge of music genres goes), although I delve into other genres sometimes.
What's your musical origin story? (when did you start? What inspired you?)
My interest in music started way back in 2016, when I was experimenting in Magix Music Maker. I eventually wanted to make a whole album out of it (that I called "Super MLG Music"), but it never came to fruition. I don't remember how many tracks I wanted to make, all I know was that I made two tracks and only one of them made it online (unfortunately). I lost interest in it afterward…
Fast forward to 2019, where the early access version of the PlayStation game "Dreams" was released. This is where I started to write music again, mainly for games I've made. I have made a few pieces that were not related to games, but they're pretty flimsy attempts. At the time music was just a thing I did when I was bored. In 2021 though is where I decided to "get serious" about making music, it was at that time BenNose was born, and I made my first three tracks (in a mini EP dubbed "The Unholy Trinity") with the alias.
What were the driving forces or pivotal moments that inspired you to pursue music?
I don't think there was any significant moment in my life that told me "hey, you need to make music." I just started because I wanted to make more of it. It was a matter of "I've never tried this before, so I need to try it."
How would you describe your style of music?
I would describe it as a result of my brain vomiting all of the music I've listened to until now. So, basically electronica.
How is your personality reflected in your work?
My personality in real life can be compared to a bundle of sticks, so I like to think of my music as an extension of myself, that part of me who wasn't afraid to have too much fun, a side that I rarely show in the real world.
Describe your creative process when you write new music.
I take an improvised approach to writing. I go wherever my brain takes me, and I make refinements along the way until I'm satisfied.
What is the name of your latest releases?
My latest release is currently "Different Everyday" from my latest album "Your Mind is a Fun Time." (which also comes out on January 20th)
What was the inspiration for that release?
Genki Rockets! :D
What challenges or unexpected moments did you encounter during the writing/recording process?
I'm generally not very good with lyrics, with my last attempt on my first album "everything's ok…" being; for lack of a better saying, cringeworthy. I often never add lyrics to my songs because I have iffy feelings toward them, writing wise. Plus the song originally wasn't written with lyrics in mind, they were added later.
What strategies do you find most effective for promoting your music?
I get people to acknowledge my existence with my own loud ass mouth on the internet!
How do you engage with your fans online and offline?
My (nearly non-existent) fanbase is exclusively online, and I post updates about my stuff on social media, and in messages on Bandcamp.
What upcoming promotional activities or releases are you most excited about?
I'm excited to release "Your Mind is a Fun Time" out into the world. I spent a lot of time on it and I feel like this is the first album I made that feels true to me.
How can folks contact you (socials/email/websites etc.)
I have:
- Instagram: @bennosewasnotavailable
- Email: razellking@outlook.com (that's only for business stuff ex. commissions)
fakebit / chippop / synthpop / chiptune / electronica