Melbourne-based singer songwriter Benedict has released one of the most arresting songs of 2021, with new single “Wake Up” urging you to open your eyes and take notice of this mesmerising artist.
Equal parts inventive and compelling, “Wake Up” is described as an anthemic call to action on behalf of humanity, calling for the understanding and peace that is often so absent in our lives. With a passionate performance that is both musically and sonically reminiscent of names such as Massive Attack and David Bowie, “Wake Up” was produced by Dean Tuza (Stella Donnelly, The Rubens, Mossy), and utilises luscious instrumentation which complements Benedict’s stellar poignant and nuanced vocal style.
Explaining the origins of the track, Benedict notes that “Wake Up” was born within just ten minutes, written while confiding in close friend and singer songwriter Chrissi Deralas over a zoom call.
“‘Wake Up’ is a people’s anthem,” Benedict notes. “I saw a need to speak out for all peoples, all nations with the shocking things we have witnessed over the last few years, through government issues, wars, COVID-19, Black Lives Matter and injustices for the LGBTGIA+ community.
“We all fight one another, but what is the truth? The truth is that we are all human. If we can come together, break down fear, lies, and fight the division, we will be free.”
Alongside the track, Benedict has also unveiled a powerful visual accompaniment, with videographer and director Andrew Chappell helping to create a clip which utilises choreography, haunting lighting, and footage from historical protests to help add context to the track.
“When I thought about the film clip, the words that came to mind were unity, hope, world issues, our reality,” Benedict explains. “I wanted to bring to light the suffering, pain, serious nature and traumas in this world we as humans experience and bring on each other – also, lies we believe from the government that cause division and brokenness within our society.
“In contrast, I then wanted to show the similarities as humans that we all carry everyday. I wanted to show that we are better together and, living in this controlled and manipulative societal structure, we could find peace and freedom by clinging onto each other.”
While “Wake Up” is officially out on July 23rd, Benedict will also be performing a launch show at The Toff in Town in Melbourne on September 9th. Notably, the track will also be released via Benedict’s own record label, Tomboi Records, which was created by the artist with the goal of representing the under-represented within the music industry.
“My label aims to represent women in music and LGBTQIA+ artists in music,” Benedict explains. “Two minorities that I believe do not get enough support in the music industry.
“Being a non-binary person myself, I felt the need to create a safe label where artists can create and be themselves with full support behind them. I have experienced both sides of discrimination and lack of support with the minorities I am representing, so I thought, ‘why not’!”
Benedict’s “Wake Up” is officially released on Friday, July 23rd via Tomboi Records.
Benedict “Wake Up” Single Launch
Thursday, September 9th
The Toff in Town, Melbourne, VIC (18+)
Tickets: Eventbrite
