Introducing the bright and summery sounds of Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Benji Lewis. We asked Benji to take a break from songwriting and put together a list of his favourite songs for us.
“I keep this playlist updated, always adding new favourites I’m listening to. These ones below are on repeat at the moment for me.”
Ariana Grande – Needy
Have over the last few years become a fan of Ariana, her vibe and flow. I love how simple the beats and instruments are. And her vocal just flows effortlessly over the top. It’s pretty, beautiful, a vibe and fun to sing along to and with her.
SZA, The Weeknd, Travis Scott – Power Is Power
I absolutely love SZA, she is very cool to me. She gives so much attitude and feeling to her performance. She makes this song for me. The energy though of the entire song, everything comes together to just hit you with this big energy. Pumps me up for the day.
Duckwrth, Rico Nasty, Medasin – LOVE IS LIKE A MOSHPIT
Duckwrth is sick, in the best way. Have loved his music and vibe for a while now, since I saw him live at SXSW 2018. Was more into his upbeat stuff. But this song hit me, I really connected with the energy and emotion he gives in this one. Hits you with all the vibes.
Tayla Parx ft Duckwrth – Read Your Mind
I became aware of Tayla Parx recently for her collab and writing efforts behind some of the biggest songs from Ariana Grande recently. Then I saw her from this album, ‘We Need To Talk.’ And this song connected with me the most. It’s so vulnerable and really hit me in the feels. It’s beautiful. And the featured vocal from Duckwrth gives it that extra kick it didn’t even need but you secretly wanted.
Conan Gray – Lookalike
I’ve know Conan Gray more for his Youtube covers. As I slowly started listened to him more recently. His music, vibe and vocal is something else. He’s completely doing his own thing and killin it. I guess I connect with this one as I’m sure many others do as we all wish someone that we really loved still thinks of us, misses us and possibly sees us in others as we move on. It’s really honest and totally relatable.
JP Saxe – Save Room
This guy is one of the most vulnerable artists I’ve come across over the last few years. I saw him live opening for Freya Ridings a year or two ago and been a fan since. This song is so honest and heartfelt, his feelings all spilling out, all out in the open for us to relate to, feel and almost give us a sense of safety while we go through the same emotions getting over a breakup.
Miley Cyrus – Mother’s Daughter
This song off her latest EP just has this strength and power to it that I love and connect with. Love her vocal delivery. It’s a good listen. I support what she’s doing and creating right now.
Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler – you were good to me
Love both of these beautiful voices and all their collabs. This one is the most recent from an EP they just released this year. Love how their harmonies intertwine and sound just beautiful together. It’s a little bit of magic. I’m sure a lot of effort and thought went into the production and lyrics, and they make it all sound so simple and effortless. It’s an art, and they do it so well.
SZA and Willow – 9
I just love the vibe of this song. There is such a natural flow of the simple music going on underneath and their vocals in and out over the top. Both their vocals go really nicely together.
Beyonce – Diva – Homecoming Live
I mean who doesn’t like Beyonce. If you don’t it does make it a little harder for me to be friends with you a ha …but for real. Ok, this song just gives so much energy, some of what you get from watching or listening to anything from Beyonce. She’s a boss. All the power, strength and mood she exudes and gives us. Thank you
MEDUZA and Goodboys – Piece Of Your Heart
I was only shown this one recently from a friend of mine who goes by TACHES in LA while we were driving away from a great writing session. It makes you want to move and dance so much, I love it. My favourite part is the where one of the guys says’ “Hold on sorry, how about.” And Then comes the main hook. So smart. I can only imagine that moment in the studio where whoever came up with that main melody. It would have been very cool and special.
Sounds like: The 1975, The Kite String Tangle, Antony Hegarty, Active Child, Gallant, Sam Smith, Solomon Grey, James Blake, Yazz, Jack Garratt, Disclosure
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