MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us.
What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?
Benzo: Thank you Mr. Galien for taking the time to sit down with me. I have been playing music since I was about 3-4 years old and was motivated by my parents and family members that played in our local church’s choir. The first instrument I ever played was a toaster with wooden spoons at the Mine Shaft Tavern with my uncle Joe West’s band for a New Year party.
MuzicNotez: Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?
Benzo: I always looked up to my grandfather, my biological father and my uncle as a strong base for influence when it comes to playing music. All three played with so much passion and drive that it was influencing for anyone to be in the presence of these people. I listened to mostly punk music and heavy metal as a child, but was later motivated by the breaks and the cuts of the Hip-Hop lifestyle.
MuzicNotez: What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?
Benzo: My goal as a musician is to share experiences and stories with others in hopes of shedding some light or perspective onto those who are willing to open up and engage with the message. I wish to show the world that music can and will be the cure of all the hatred and violence in this world.
MuzicNotez: the greatest concert you’ve ever been to or performed?
Benzo: My most favored concert I ever performed for was in Craig Colorado with my uncle Blake Miller with Blue Oyster Cult for a WoodWiddlers Feastival. There were over 4 thousand people there who knew nothing about Hip-Hop but we made it an experience that no one could ever forget.
MuzicNotez: You recently won a New Mexico Music Award for best Hip Hop album of 2015, how does it feel to have your work acknowledged like this?
Benzo: Being recognized for anything is a great feeling, but to be acknwledged for a piece of music that I created from my own two bare hands is a feeling that I cannot explain. I am very thankful and blessed.
MuzicNotez: What makes your winning album ‘Heart Beat’ unique from your previous releases?
Benzo: ‘Heart-Beat’ is a Hip-Pop song that can be listened to by all different ages of music listeners. It’s fun, it’s exciting, It’s groovy, and it’s something to dance to.
MuzicNotez: What else are you working on? What can we expect to see and hear from you in the future?
Benzo: At this point, I’m working a lot on my social media campaigne and trying to get my music out to those who have never heard our sound. The key is staying busy everyday and positive that all of this hard work a reason, a purpose. Little steps are what build a strong foundation to stand upon.
MuzicNotez: Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music? Any message for your fans?
Benzo: Stay happy, positive, productive and hopefull. Life is 10% of what happens, 90% is what WE do about it. Life is good.