Benny Bizzie - Chrysalis (EP) + 10 Questions
CHRYSALIS is the glorious new EP from British R&B singer, songwriter, and producer BENNY BIZZIE. Written and composed by the UMA-nominated musician, the Chrysalis EP sees Benny reuniting with long-time collaborator and acclaimed UK producer Cee Figz, who has also worked with the likes of Popcaan, Wretch 32, Tion Wayne and Fredo, to bring the 7-track project to life, along with additional production from Simon Brown, and live instrumentation from musician Darren Franklin (Lola Young, Jermaine Jackman) and alternative rock band Less Than Hollow.
Backed by the MOBO Awards and Help Musicians, and filled with well-crafted love songs and glorious R&B bangers, infused with hip-hop, soul and indie sensibilities, the Chrysalis EP opens with the vulnerable ‘Drunk N Naked’, and the R&B-rap fusion track ‘Window Frame’, and dives deeper into its themes of love and relationships with songs like ‘On The Double’, ‘Forever’, which is about finding new love, and the summer-ready ‘Signals’, before closing out with the defiant ‘Player’ and the empowering ‘Power In The Pain’, which sees Benny calling for listeners to choose themselves.
Speaking about the inspiration behind Chrysalis, Benny Bizzie says, “The EP is about love, growth, and empowerment. Somewhere along the way in my life, I forgot who I was, and I lost myself, but I am getting it back one day at a time. ‘Chrysalis’ is me breaking free from the caterpillar stage, and becoming a butterfly, where we spread our wings and fly. This EP shows my growth over the years, and I created it so that others see that they are not alone in their early life stages of figuring things out, and going through their own growing pains. We’ve all had to start somewhere as is the nature of life”.
Benny sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Escape, I needed an outlet, safety, to belong, to be a part of something. To be heard! I found music to be a place where I could say everything and express how I felt without self-censorship. I didn’t have to shut myself down with music. It accepted me for who I was. Flaws and all.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I’m heavily influenced by 90’s R&B artist and UK R&B legends like Craig David and Shola Ama, but I grew up in North London in the thick of grime uprising and culture listening to So Solid Crew, Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Boy Better know and many more, like me using music as a vehicle to pave a way and become something more. There are some cool artists like Shakka, Bellah, and Miraa May that I would love to work with.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
My latest ‘Chrysalis’ EP is a big deal for me being supported by Help Musicians/MOBO Awards and featuring myself as a producer combining singing, rapping, and production. I have music videos and live events planned for the release this August.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is a mixture of R&B, Trap, and Soul. Might catch me spitting a 18 bar on some tracks too. I am quite a complex person and it’s reflected in my music. My vocals are warm and emotive, I do create with a lot of passion so you will hear it expressed sonically.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Lately I think I have been appreciating how long I have stayed a creative and developing my craft. I am proud that I have not thrown in the towel. Music is not a sprint. Being nominated in 2013 for the Urban Music Awards alongside Ed Sheehan, Fuse ODG, Tinie Tempah, Ghetts, and Big Narstie was a proud moment though.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Oh boi! It is going to be a long ride, so you may as well enjoy the journey and the process. Bring some treats along the road.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Amba Jae, Danex, and Nikki Ambers are doing bits!
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Been listening to Tamera, Bellah, Mahalia lately… the music is colourful and a vibe. I think they onto something.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I will probably be outside in nature or doing something food related.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Essential oils, Water, and I’m old school so I still use pen and paper to write my lyrics. I love to scribble.