Benny Atlas - Uptown (Single)
Wolverhampton raised, London based Benny Atlas continues to establish as a new age hopeless romantic on new single ‘Uptown’, out now via TLD Records.
A lush bed of electric keys, ethereal swells and a pulsing kick drum give Benny space to open his heart as he laments on the hollowness felt after making destructive mistakes in a relationship. “Uptown never felt so down”, Benny admits, as he wrestles with futile attempts to rectify the damage caused by his carelessness. Benny’s voice is pristine as it glides over the tasteful production and his songwriting is personal and relatable as he wonders “if she kept the photos on her phone.”
Speaking on the song’s meaning, Benny says, “Uptown is about how one decision can unravel a world you’ve built. About that second glance that goes too far and leaves you locked outside of a life you’ve spent a long time building. Temptation exists everywhere and it’s hard to always stay logical. When I wrote this, it felt like it was coming from a different place, emotionally and musically. I wanted it to sound like it was drenched in booze and regret. I also wanted people to be able to see the strong imagery displayed, of a breaking man.”
Benny Atlas’ introduction to the world came in November 2020 with debut single ‘Paradise’. The following year he released the Honey Rum EP which received praise from platforms including Radio 1, Radio 1xtra, Highsnobiety and Notion due to the project’s infectious grooves and Benny’s stellar vocal performances.
In 2022 he was recipient of the PRS Momentum Music Fund, signalling a promising continuation in his career. In the same year, Benny was invited to take part in a ‘1TAKE’ performance with DJ Ace on BBC Radio 1xtra. Later in the year he released the Daphne EP which again was well received and further highlighted Benny’s affinity for writing groovy, sentimental and classy tunes.
This year Benny headlined The Lower Third in London to a packed out crowd before taking stage at The Great Escape showcase for blossoming new talent from across the UK.
With UK R&B seemingly entering into a renaissance, Benny Atlas is a name that should be at the forefront of those injecting a flavour of fun and sincerity into the genre.