South London British singer/songwriter, Arrow Benjamin believes in future, not coincidence. To date, his profession is a stellar instance of this reality. Hailing from West Indian roots, he realizes his objective is to “write the songs it’s essential hear.” His first single ever, launched in 2015, had him front-and-center on a duet with Beyoncé. Thus far, “Runnin” (Lose It All), has offered over three million copies and has 500 Million+ mixed international streams. It additionally went #1 on iTunes, in over 31 international locations.
Benjamin then adopted that by writing and lending background vocals to “Freedom” by Beyoncé that includes Kendrick Lamar, from her Grammy-winning album Lemonade. He has additionally labored with Alicia Keys, Tinashé and Pharrell.
When working with icons like Bey and Okay-Dot, he advises that being your self is a “priceless commodity.” Remaining true to himself whereas checking his ego has led to his monumental collaborations. “It’s about two souls connecting and the track turns into a byproduct. … Each single considered one of them can do it with out me; they need one thing else,” he explains.
“It was written to occur … you gotta put the work in, however some stuff is written. They are saying ‘Laborious work pays off,’ typically it doesn’t repay. There are individuals who will utterly outwork you for the remainder of their lives and never attain or obtain or see what you’ve seen.”
ThisisRnB spoke completely with the common-or-garden, but candid artist about what shapes his music, and the way he makes use of his platform to apply accountability and authenticity. Each of which he requires in his newest anthem, “Sirens,” as he laments: “Rain drops on the white chalk/Hearts lay on the sidewalk/Blame it on the sirens as soon as once more. … I fall innocently/Bloody knees you don’t see/Cos you stand for nothing.” Benjamin shared his motivation to pen the track and what led to its well timed launch. “Ache is common; trauma is common … I wished to doc the second,” he says.
Utilizing his platform for greater than social media posts of protest, his artistry is an intentional reflection of the occasions through which we dwell. Therefore, his mantra “Extra Than Leisure.” He insists that artists “must dwell it now and never simply hashtag it.” He additionally defined the origin behind his motion, LiveVYNL. “Your victory comes from a better place and it’s in your DNA.” He additionally shared how Dwell VYNL connects to his transformation from his given title of Dean McIntosh to the artist, Arrow Benjamin.
As Benjamin continues to contribute his voice to the Black Lives Matter panorama, he plans to launch extra songs relative to the theme of “Sirens,” whereas we await his album, The Hymn Guide.
Benjamin simply launched the animated visuals for “Sirens,” that are stark photos of racism, police brutality and protests that aptly illustrate the lyrics. Watch our unique and enlightening interview with Arrow Benjamin as he offers greater than leisure.
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