Having grown up experiencing different ways of life and various cultures around the world as he travelled around with his older sister, Benny Freestyles can honestly claim he has perspectives on and about the world that few others do. He channels these perspectives, together with his own beliefs, thoughts and ideas into every track he now makes and shares as an artist, and such music has seen him earn a growing, dedicated fanbase and earn considerable acclaim. PopWrapped caught up with Benny to talk about his latest release “Empty Eyes”, the artists he’s most inspired by and his plans for 2021.

Who or what most encouraged or influenced you to pursue a career in music? Has music always been the goal for you or did you have other pursuits and passions before you had that “eureka” moment?

My passion for freestyle rap is what got me moving towards pursuing a career in music. I did not have one “eureka” moment, my musical career has slowly grown and evolved over time.

How have bands and artists of the past and present influenced your music and which acts in particular might you say impact your own music the most?

I listen to a variety of different music, and pull pieces of inspiration from all of it. Kid Cudi, Mac Miller, Of Monsters and Men, and Vacationer are some of my favorites.

What would you say sets you Benny Freestyles apart from the many other bands and artists around today?

Benny Freestyles has a very unique sound. I make music based on how I am feeling and I don’t follow the trends. My music consists of many different styles and genres.

Lyrically, who or what are you most inspired by? How easy or hard do you find the song-writing process?

Most of my writing comes to me based on how I am feeling at the moment, it comes easy to me and is not something that I force. I write anywhere from five to ten songs a week.

Is there a particular story behind your latest track “Empty Eyes?” What made you choose this track out of all your others to release as a single?

“Empty Eyes” is a powerful song that I felt would resonate with my following. It is a perfect song for our current times, it is also a track that I knew would be a great fit for Mod Sun. There is no particular story behind the track; it is a song about staying true to yourself.

Where did the idea/concept for the video come from and how hands-on do you tend to get in the creative process?

I am very hands-on with the creative process behind videos. I help direct and edit all of my own visuals. For this video, we wanted to capture the essence of Hollywood, a place where it is so easy to lose who you are.

Is there any particular message to the song or video you want listeners/viewers to take from it?

Yes – the message of staying true to yourself by not letting the world or negative people change the real you.

This year has been a write off for many, including artists such as yourself. How have you kept yourself creative and busy during the last couple of months and what impact do you feel the Corona Virus pandemic has had on you personally and professionally?

This year I have kept myself busy by releasing a new collection of clothing and merchandise every three months. I have been designing and creating apparel and commercials, as well as putting a lot of focus into our online webstore. I am also in the studio constantly working on new music. Corona Virus has been very tough for everyone, but I have done my best to stay focused. One thing I really miss is performing live shows.

The end of the year is just two short months away. With that in mind, and again considering how so many plans and projects have had to be cast aside lately, how do you think you will reflect on 2020 and have you started planning anything for 2021 yet?

When reflecting on the year 2020, I feel that my team and I were able to get a lot accomplished. I have been releasing non-stop music, visuals, and merchandise. As far as music goes 2020 was a good year for us. We definitely have a lot in the works for 2021. I believe in taking things one day at a time, but I am definitely planning to be on the road in 2021, or whenever we are allowed to again. I have a lot of new songs I am dying to perform live

Finally then, looking further ahead; what three things are you wanting to tick off your personal and/or professional bucket lists in the next two-three years? What’s the long-term goal for you as an individual and an artist, and what will you have to achieve for you to look at yourself in the mirror and say: “I’ve made it”?

I am not really the type of person to have a bucket list. I try to keep myself in the moment as much as possible. As far as musical accomplishments I know I have come a really long way but I also know I have a lot more to do. When my fans started getting Benny Freestyles tattoos, I already felt like I had made it.

Check out the video for “Empty Eyes” below and for more information on Benny Freestyles, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Instagram.