Interview: Bennett

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Hi Bennett! Thank you for chatting with me today!

Thank you for having me!

You recently released a single 'Mirror'! Congrats! Will you tell us a bit about it?

Thanks so much! I wrote Mirror because I'm a transgender musician who puts all his faith in God. I spent years wanting to be who I know I truly am, but nothing was progressing in terms of transitioning. I decided to pray on it and hope that God would bring me to a place where I could become the man I am today. I was actually quite nervous about this song because some would say being transgender and God don't go hand in hand with eachother, but no one can tell me that my transition was anything other than God's work. However, I've been very blessed that I've received nothing but love when it comes to this song. So I wrote Mirror based on serving God and being grateful for what He has given me in life.

What was the creative process like for this project?

The creative process was similar to how I make my other songs, but because this one revolved around my religious beliefs, I really wanted to make sure it was done correctly and relatable. I started out by making the beat and then the vibe that I got when listening to that kind of helped the lyrics come to mind. It has a darker vibe to it, but because it is a personal song, I think it fit perfectly since it is a sensitive topic.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences? 

My musical influences span over many artists. My main 2 I would say are Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber. Mariah Carey was the 1st artist I gravitated to as a kid and I've been a super fan of hers since. Her voice and how she uses it almost like an instrument really influenced me to take chances with my voice. Her music is so personal and raw and that is always appreciated. Justin Bieber will always have a special place in my heart because prior to my transition I worked as a Justin Bieber impersonator and having to essentially live as him for a year and a half helped craft me into the type of artist I wanted to be. He as well is so passionate about his music and the way he writes his songs and also uses his voice really influences my music today.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career so far?

The most surreal moment of my career was probably when I made a song called "Stay With Me" with Bizarre from D12. D12 was a rap group I listened to growing up and  getting someone of that stature to work with me really was something special. At the time, we had the same engineer so he was able to link us up. And I did that with no manager, no help from really anyone so looking back and realizing wow I really did that, probably feels more surreal now than it did in the moment of it happening.

How do you hope for your music to affect the world?

I want to bring change to this world with my music. I want to show that being different is the super power. I want to bring change in a way that leaves a lasting impression and that brings hope. For people who feel alone or like they are lost, I want my songs to resonate with that person listening and realizing there is someone who understands them and what they are going through. I didn't have that growing up, so I want to be that person for someone else. Making an impact on the world is my goal. Other artists strive for money and cars and houses and jewelry, but for me, if I can bring happiness, peace and love, I've done the job I've set out to do.

What is inspiring you right now?

What's inspiring me right now is God and my faith. I believe He gives us all a purpose in life and I believe mine is through music. Waking up everyday and knowing He has chosen to give me another day is something that I don't take for granted and I want to make sure I utilize the gifts and tools that He has given to me. Love is also my everyday inspiration too. I'm a hopeless romantic, so the girl that I love is inspiring me to just be a good man and work hard for my goals. She is my greatest source of motivation to do the best I can in life.

Are there any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?

I have a few projects I'm really excited for. My song "Boy into a King" comes out on April 30th which is the start to me getting back into the R&B game. I then have another song called "Lightning" coming out May 14th and then I'm releasing a music video for it on May 21st. I'm really excited for this video because I haven't released one since last August and I'm so proud of the song itself, so to be able to put my creativity to good use and produce an amazing music video is something I'll always look forward to doing. I think people are really going to enjoy it.

Please let our readers know where to find you!

You can find me on my website imbennettmusic.com which has everything from my music to my merch. Or on social media too. All my social handles are the same, which is @imbennettmusic. Or you can come check out my visual projects on my YouTube which is under Bennett Music. My music is on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, YouTube, etc.

Thank you for your time!

Thank you!