Music can be about much more than pleasing tunes and engaging lyrics. Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Steve Benjamins brings a touch of introspection to his single “Manhood”, exploring what it takes to be masculine at a time when male behaviour is coming under a critical spotlight.
Before you read on, Steve Benjamins is giving a FREE download of “Manhood” to Angry Baby readers. If you’re not already subscribed to Angry Baby, just pop the email address that you’d like it delivered to here and it will be on its way to you straight away, together with a bumper collection of music that has been shared by Angry Baby. The music comes from outstanding artists that you may not have heard before. With a mix of rock, pop, folk…you name it…there’s bound to be something new that floats your musical boat, and all for free! What’s not to like about that?!
Sometimes less is more. The simple, slowed down eyes-to-camera stare from a group of kids is a compelling visual accompaniment to Benjamin’s anthem to being a man. Described as a portrayal of discord between pride and self-doubt through an aesthetic masquerade, the one-act scenario writes its own story over the song. Contemporary yet nostalgic, this is a cleverly produced piece of short film.
So what is the song about? Pitching an energetically percussive story of a protagonist running through life, cool and confident, we have indie pop with an urban edge. Then comes the twist we love. Dropping down, we’re taken into an inner world, crying out for love and understanding:
“Forgive me love, I’ve become lost,
I’m not as strong as I should be,
Scared you’ll find out scared you’ll see,
That I’m not as strong as I should be.”
Self-released on January 29th, 2018, “Manhood” deserves to repeat the success of “Silence”, which, with a quarter of a million streams, established a niche for Benjamins’ work. Both tracks are taken from Benjamins’ forthcoming EP, also titled Manhood.
Steve Benjamin’s advice for anyone just starting out with their music is pragmatic and deeply personal:
Stop thinking. Just finish something and release it. Then do it again. I’ve been writing music since I was a kid— but it took me until 26 to actually release stuff. I was just scared before. It was easier to write tunes in my bedroom and never finish them. I really regret that.
You learn so much once you put your music out in the world. You never learn anything if you never release anything. And building a career is all about learning by experience as much as you can. No one can tell you how to become an artist. You have to invent your own path.
In terms of practical advice: build good relationships with people and get on Spotify playlists.
Get your copy of “Manhood” here, and keep an eye open for the EP release – follow Steve Benjamins through these links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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