The latest in a series of overwhelming talents to emerge from the US, Colorado-based artist Benton Crane champions an eclectic, almost psychedelic art-rock attitude, building warm sonic frameworks for his kaleidoscopic lyricism, exploring the contrast between reality and imagination. The project’s authenticity and highly personal sound speak volumes about Crane’s artistry: he’s always active in his creative research, never compromising.
The project’s latest effort takes the shape of ‘Nuclear Night’, a bright pop anthem that – through witty and playful musical matter – delivers an important message about climate change and the necessity to take real action. The chorus is perhaps the best part, relatable and catchy, it’s a testament to Benton’s songwriting prowess.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with Crane to find out more about his artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Benton, how is it going? some of our readers might not be familiar with your project, how would you describe yourself, in a few words?
Psychedelic indie rock, I think? I make music to help you tune in and tune out (from yourself and the world around you).
Your current work is the result of a long journey; What first drew you to making music?
Writing music has been a sort of meditative practice for me over the past decade or so. I’ve always found it really cathartic and have immense gratitude for the artists that have made music that has impacted my life. I think part of me wants to return the favour in a way. Whether that means putting a song out that helps someone feel seen and understood, or creating a song that allows someone to tune out and escape the chaos of life for a bit.
If you had the opportunity to pick any artists in the world for a collaboration, who would be your first choice? (and second choice, perhaps?)
It would be a dream to collaborate with MGMT, I think we’d be able to make some really exciting and interesting music! I feel like I can hear the creativity pouring out of each song and it’s really inspiring. Also, Tame Impala would be an incredible collab.
You recently released an evocative ballad, ‘Nuclear Night’. We feel like your sound is evolving greatly from last year’s material, becoming more broadly pop and boasting a richer sound. Is that intentional?
I think it’s really a result of me knowing who I am as an artist a bit more than in the past and not being afraid to be that artist. These days when I have a song idea come up, I can hear the identity of that song much more clearly than in the past. It’s a really exciting place to be, creatively speaking.
The single seeks to motivate peeps on climate action. What can each of us do more, in your opinion?
Meditate, buy/support local, and go vegan or vegetarian. If nothing else, eating less meat and seafood can go a long way in helping the planet. I think many folks can be intimidated by the idea of going vegan or vegetarian (it’s much easier than you’d think), so even just focusing on having a couple of plant-based meals each week can make a difference.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
I’m comfortable either way, but this project has been a lot about my own internal journey and as a result, I’ve written pretty much all of these songs on my own.
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
I think it’s largely been a journey of artistic self-discovery for me these past couple of years which has been both challenging and liberating. Finding who I am as a solo artist and then stepping forward into being that person has really opened up a lot of things.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
Right now I have about four or five more months of releases ahead of me which is really exciting. I’m pretty much always writing and producing so that number could very well grow by early 2023. I’m also working on a couple of music videos right now which is a new endeavour for me but one that I’m super excited about. Bringing these songs to life in the visual realm has been really fun (especially the music video for Nuclear Night, which is coming a couple of days after the song releases).
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