Alec Benjamin
Biography
Alec Shane Benjamin, born on May 28, 1994, in Phoenix, Arizona, is an American singer-songwriter known for his narrative-driven pop music. He began writing songs at a young age and taught himself to play guitar during high school. Benjamin's career started to gain traction through unconventional methods, such as performing his music in the parking lots of concert venues for artists like Shawn Mendes and Troye Sivan.
Career Breakthrough
After a brief signing with Columbia Records while attending the University of Southern California, Benjamin chose to build his career independently. His efforts culminated in the release of his 2018 mixtape, "Narrated for You." This project featured the breakout single "Let Me Down Slowly," which achieved international success, reaching the top 40 in over 25 countries. A later version of the song featuring Alessia Cara further boosted its popularity. Other popular tracks from the mixtape include "If We Have Each Other" and "Water Fountain."
Musical Style and Influences
Benjamin is often described as a "pop storyteller," with a musical style that blends pop and folk, characterized by his conversational and emotive vocal delivery. His lyrics often tell detailed stories, drawing comparisons to songwriters like John Mayer and Jason Mraz, whom he cites as influences alongside Eminem and Paul Simon. His music is recognized for its honesty and relatability, often exploring personal and introspective themes.
Discography
Following the success of his mixtape, Alec Benjamin has released several studio albums:
These Two Windows (2020)
His debut studio album, "These Two Windows," was released on May 29, 2020. The album continued to showcase his signature storytelling and introspective songwriting.
(Un)Commentary (2022)
On April 15, 2022, he released his second studio album, "(Un)Commentary." This album demonstrated musical growth with more complex production while maintaining his lyrical strengths.
12 Notes (2024)
His third studio album, "12 Notes," was released in May 2024, further establishing his evolution as an artist who continues to prioritize narrative depth in his music.
Throughout his career, Benjamin has amassed billions of global streams and a significant social media following, solidifying his place as a prominent voice for his generation. He has toured extensively across North America, Europe, and Asia, and performed at major music festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza.