Alec Benjamin has a strong desire for connection. The pop artist from Arizona shines when performing live, as his music gains additional layers of significance.
Currently, it's an excellent time to see him in concert. His album from last year, '12 Notes,' received critical acclaim, revealing new dimensions to his artistry. With the success of his track ‘I Sent My Therapist To Therapy’, he definitely has reason to feel confident.
Now arriving in Europe, Alec Benjamin will be in the UK next week, performing at London’s renowned Royal Albert Hall on March 16th.
CLASH captured some candid moments backstage before interviewing Alec Benjamin about his experiences in the music world.
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Welcome back to Europe! How's the tour been so far?
Thank you! It's been incredible up to now. Touring always seems a bit like a dream—moving from city to city, meeting people who resonate with my songs. It's surreal. I’m just thankful that fans are showing up and singing along.
Which cities do you enjoy performing in the most? Do you have any favorites?
It's tough to choose since each place has its unique vibe. Paris is always exceptional—there's something special about the ambiance there. Berlin is fantastic too, and at this point, London feels like a second home. But honestly, I’m happy to perform anywhere people are listening.
Do you have any advice for managing life on the road? How do you stay grounded in such a fluctuating environment?
It can be quite overwhelming. I try to maintain small routines—calling my family, journaling, and taking a moment to breathe before shows. Also, finding a cozy coffee shop in each city makes me feel a sense of belonging, even if it’s just for a day.
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Have you ever faced stage fright? How do you handle it?
Oh, all the time. I believe it’s a natural feeling. For me, reminding myself of my purpose helps—people aren't looking for perfection; they just want to experience emotion. Once I start performing, that anxiety usually dissipates, and I become absorbed in the music.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I tend to pace a lot. I also warm up my voice and mentally go through the lyrics, even though I already know them. Plus, I take a deep breath just before stepping onto the stage—it acts like a reset button.
Since the release of ‘12 Notes’ a few months ago, have you gained any perspective on that material?
Yes, definitely. When you’re in the thick of writing and recording, there's not much time to reflect on what the songs mean to you. Now, hearing fans sing them back to me gives me a fresh perspective. It’s similar to revisiting an old journal entry—you recall the emotions you felt, but it resonates differently with time.
The song ‘I Sent My Therapist To Therapy’ became quite a breakthrough for you; what do you think made it resonate so broadly?
I think many people could relate to it. Mental health is an issue we all face in some form, and that song was my honest reflection on my own challenges. Perhaps listeners saw parts of themselves in it, and that’s all I could hope for.
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You're about to return to the UK; do you have fond memories of performing in Britain?
Definitely. The crowds in the UK are incredibly enthusiastic, and I always feel so welcomed there. My first headline show in London was a significant moment for me—I remember being really nervous, but the energy in the room was unforgettable.
What are some memorable performances?
There have been so many, but one that stands out is when I performed in Paris, and the entire crowd sang along so loudly that I could barely hear myself. That was amazing.
You’re scheduled to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London—such a historic and esteemed venue! Have you been there before? Are you looking forward to it?
I haven’t attended a show there before, but I’ve watched videos of performances, and it looks incredible. It’s one of those venues you dream about playing, so I'm definitely excited—and a bit anxious!
What does 2025 have in store for you?
More music, for sure. I'm always writing, and I hope to share some new songs soon. And more touring—I want to keep connecting with people and bringing these songs to life. Beyond that, who knows? I just want to keep sharing stories and see where they lead me.
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Photography: Cameron Nunez
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Alec Benjamin has a deep enthusiasm for connection. The Arizona pop artist flourishes in front of a crowd, as his music acquires additional layers of significance.