What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is Benji Ellis, which is my first and middle name.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
It’s simply my first and middle name.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I started at age 21 while on house arrest for 2 years. After two albums and an LP, I fell into a comatose state where they were unsure I’d ever wake up. Upon my awakening, I had seemingly improved at music and picked up the pace.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
My dad suggested I write a diss track about P Diddy instead.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
An essence of creativity, particularly with comedy and intrinsic artistry.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
I faced drug addiction, a coma from traumatic brain injury, being stabbed in the neck, and losing my house/job. I overcame it through trial and error, with therapy, whether from licensed professionals or just cognitive behavioral therapy from everyday interactions.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I’d love to work with OutKast or Missy Elliott because I was most heavily inspired by their work with robust lyrics and dance-worthy rhythm every time.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
I’ve been taking steps to move forward with it, and I see that going well this year.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Publishing children’s books and performing more.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
You can reach me at bengalnielsen@gmail.com.
