Benji Miller

 “Hey Darcey,” the new single from London alternative R&B artist Benji Miller, is out now and taken from his forthcoming debut EP, Love Or Pain.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

When I was 6 or 7 I actually performed in front of over 1400 people with a french boys choir, Still my biggest concert to date !

When did you begin songwriting?

I began songwriting at 11, in a music camp called MyBand, actually there’s a video on YouTube of the first song i ever wrote! Properly though when I was 16/17, I wrote a couple songs on the piano and my friends liked them so I just wrote hundreds from there.

You have your new EP ‘Love Or Pain’ being released. How did you want to approach the making of the EP ?

Well, the EP is called ‘Love or Pain ’because the first half is meant to explore love and romance and happiness in uni, whereas the last songs are meant to show a harsher reality of your early twenties. I wanted to blur genres, get lots of different sounds and feels involved, but with a backbone of raw vocals and thick harmonies.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

So I recorded half of the EP in ESSEX with VIVA CEE, who’s an incredible producer and good friend. He has a CRAZY studio out of his garden. Then he moved to Hackney for the second half of the project, which was a really nice recording on home turf, where we made sure every little detail was perfect!

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Yes the whole thing was such good vibes. We had to get the food order perfect for the mood of the day. Hanging out with the dog, recording comedy skits, freestyling. My favourite memory was when we recorded the opening song, “swimming in the ocean” and we had to get a gang chant effect. So me, aviv and my friend were sat on the couch shouting “We’re swimming” for about 15 minutes which was hilarious and sounded pretty cool!

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

– We opened a can of Fanta for the sound effect on the song ‘Swimming In The Ocean’.

– So many harmonies in Hey Darcey and on another song, ‘A Weird World’

– Huge, powerful synth for the chorus on the song ‘Let Me In’.

– Mouth clicks to create the fun, funky vibe in ‘love or pain’

 

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

I’m definitely happiest in ‘Love or Pain’ – it’s quite a cheeky song reflecting on past situationships, but being playful with hypotheticals and grateful for ones experiences.

Angriest – ‘A Weird World’ for sure, just angry with one’s situation, feeling sorry for yourself and thats okay.

Most reflective ‘Let Me In” – this songs all about letting go of control, accepting ones situation and trying to find peace in whatever struggles you are going through. I was reflecting on my own heavy news and talking through it using nature.

 

Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?

Viva Cee and me played everything.

Does the EP’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

Yes, “Love or Pain” it splits the EP into two halves. One about the excitement of uni, romance, early twenties, and then the sudden pain of heartbreak, loss and recovery, the two moods working together to show the reality of life at this age.

Was it a difficult EP to write?

100%, some of the songs are quite honest, and tough to get out so yeah.

Who designed the EP artwork?

I worked with a great graphic designer who actually works for PerfectTed, and she smashed it! Abibeckramdesigns

One of the tracks is the single ‘Hey Darcey’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

This is the last track on the EP, and its about helping a loved one, including yourself, out of a bad place, helping someone get back to a more happy, energetic place.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

London, Camden, – Hectic, culture, pretty, exciting, energy

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026?

Hopefully some concerts towards the end of this summer!

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I want every single person to have had a great time, meaning they got involved but also used the songs to reflect on their own lives.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

On stage I just want a keyboard and mic, but also a top drummer and bassist to back me up!

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, one of my favourite books, and i feel it really matches the kind of music I make – chill, romantic, pain, reflection.

 

How do you look after your voice?

Before a show, I breathe in steam the whole time! Drink a million teas

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Mac Miller, Dominik Fike, I personally love Tyler the Creator’s recent album in terms of production, melodies its incredible. I draw from these three the most I’d say.

What makes Benji Miller happy and what makes you unhappy?

Good question, it used to be sports, nights out, crazy travelling but now i feel its more family, my dog, walks, relationships that make me happy. I think my unhappiness probably comes from comparison, too much social media, anxiety, but you cant have flowers without rain!

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Fifth Element PR

Benji Miller’s new single ‘ Hey Darcey’ is out now. 

Stream Here: https://republicofmusic.lnk.to/heydbm

Follow Benji Miller: Instagram | Tik Tok | Spotify