As we gear up to catch multi-platinum alt-pop artist BENEE touring Australian arenas in support of Olivia Rodrigo, fans have been treated to a new single, and a quirky visual feast of a music video to go along with it.
The new single, the breezy genre-blender “Sad Boiii,” marks BENEE’s first release since 2023 and signals more new music on the horizon.
“I tried to write a summery and happy tune with a dark meaning,” she says. “I’d go to local festivals as a kid, and I wanted to capture the vibe of the outdoor setting. A lot of New Zealand music has a reggae energy, which is very nostalgic for me.
“Lyrically, ‘Sad Boiii’ is about being in a relationship where you’re pissed off with the other person because he has a façade going on. Even though he pretends to be tough, he’s just another damaged boy who needs help,” she adds.
“Maybe you came from that in a past relationship and thought this guy was more stable, but he ends up being a depressed dude too. I fall for so many of those men, and it’s draining. They don’t want to get therapy; they just want to stay with you. Don’t be fooled by the bad boy image!”
Alongside the single, BENEE has dropped the vibrant Nikki Milan Houston-directed music video, featuring a special guest appearance from Cotton the lamb.
2023 was a standout year for the New Zealand-born, LA-based singer-songwriter. She released “Green Honda,” collaborated with Mallrat on “Do It Again,” the official song for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and worked with Phoenix, Chad Hugo, and Pusha T on “All Eyes on Me.” She also made her Coachella debut.
Currently, BENEE is wrapping up her North American tour with Wallows, before joining Rodrigo for the Australian leg of her GUTS tour this October.
BENEE’s “Sad Boiii” is out now.
BENEE AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Supporting Olivia Rodrigo
Tuesday, October 9th
Melbourne, AUS – Rod Laver Arena
Wednesday, October 10th
Melbourne, AUS – Rod Laver Arena
Saturday, October 13th
Melbourne, AUS – Rod Laver Arena
Sunday, October 14th
Melbourne, AUS – Rod Laver Arena
Wednesday, October 17th
Sydney, AUS – Qudos Bank Arena
Thursday, October 18th
Sydney, AUS – Qudos Bank Arena
Saturday, October 21st
Sydney, AUS – Qudos Bank Arena
Sunday, October 22nd
Sydney, AUS – Qudos Bank Arena
