Interview: Benjamin Steer Is ‘Finding His Way’ One Authentic Song at a Time - Atwood Magazine

      Rising singer/songwriter Benjamin Steer explores themes of love, loneliness, and the turmoil of one’s 20s in his debut EP ‘Figuring It Out,’ which comes after a series of sold-out performances, viral acclaim, and a significant career risk.

      Stream: ‘Figuring It Out’ – Benjamin Steer

      Benjamin Steer is well-acquainted with uncertainty, having crafted an entire EP centered on it. In his debut EP, Figuring It Out, the quickly growing British-American artist conveys the emotional ups and downs of early adulthood with stark honesty, restraint, and a sincerity that has become his hallmark. Released on August 15 through Artist Theory, this five-track collection signifies the emergence of an artist who resonates with a generation grappling with love, purpose, and the messiness in-between.

      “The EP represents both the dreams and downfalls of a hopeless romantic,” Steer explains. “I aimed to encapsulate the helpless uncertainties of being in your 20s while hopefully creating something relatable.”

      So far, listeners have not just related; they have actively engaged. Figuring It Out follows Steer's sold-out debut headline show in London at The Grace, a series of significant support performances with UK sensation Myles Smith and viral artist Arthur Hill, and a burgeoning fanbase that boasts nearly one million monthly Spotify listeners and over 14 million global streams. Across social media, his music shows impressive reach, amassing more than six million views on user-generated content and upwards of 3.8 million views on his own platforms.

      Originally from Washington D.C., and later moving to Scotland for his university studies, Steer's musical journey was somewhat unplanned. As a former economics student at St. Andrews, he began writing songs during long, isolating winters, expressing everything from existential angst to romantic longing. One of these early songs, “Muted Colors,” caught the attention of record label executives and quickly led to a record deal just days before he was set to start a prestigious corporate job in New York. He opted for a career in music, and that brave decision is now starting to yield results.

      Steer’s appeal stems from both his humility and emotional openness. Onstage, he possesses an understated magnetism. In conversation, he is refreshingly candid. His music does not attempt to offer all the answers.

      “I’m still figuring it out,” he confesses. “But I believe that discovering something you love—and having someone or something to care for outside of work—is the greatest secret to happiness.”

      Throughout the EP, Steer illustrates his experiences with muted colors and unfiltered truths: from the starry-eyed longing in “Oh Darling” to the poignant clarity in “No One Wants to Die Alone.” His songs may be gentle, yet they resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt caught between their current self and who they aspire to be.

      Atwood Magazine chatted with the ever-engaging Steer about emotional cycles, significant milestones, and the nuanced balance between risk and reward.

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      :: stream/purchase Figuring It Out here ::

      :: connect with Benjamin Steer here ::

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      A CONVERSATION WITH BENJAMIN STEER

      Atwood Magazine: You’ve referred to Figuring It Out as “a hopeless romantic’s dream and downfall.” In what ways did writing these songs assist you in understanding your own experiences with love and uncertainty?

      Benjamin Steer: Love, in any form, is tied to a sense of purpose. During your 20s, you navigate through various relationships, experiencing an emotional rollercoaster where you might feel on top of the world one moment, and lost the next. It’s a time filled with uncertainty for everyone, making it an easy topic for me to write about, especially since even now, I still feel unsure of what I’m doing!

      The EP seems to capture stages of youth: infatuation, longing, clarity. Did you intend to create that progression, or did it unfold organically as you developed the songs?

      Benjamin Steer: My life revolves around these cycles, so it naturally evolved. I like to experience feelings in all their complexities—both highs and lows. A friend once told me something that resonated with me greatly during a tough situation: they said “good.” If I can deeply feel love or emotions, it adds richness and meaning to the human experience, both in joy and in pain.

      “No One Wants To Die Alone” strikes a chord with many people. What insights about loneliness and connection were you trying to highlight in that song?

      Benjamin Steer: I often describe this song as “exactly what it says.” I tend to be straightforward in my writing, and this song exemplifies that. It confronts the heavy notion of not wanting to die alone, which stems from my desire for companionship and purpose beyond my work obsession.

      Life in your early 20s can be isolating, and finding someone to share your ups, downs, and

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