100% Karl Benjamin: the self-reflective neo soul songwriter
The musician and model opens up on his debut EP, DRIST.
Karl Benjamin’s been going through it. DRIST, the title of the London/Brighton-based artist’s EP, is an anagram for the “deep-rooted insecurities and shy tendencies” he’s been processing during a year in lockdown.
Having dipped his toe in the world of fashion (he’s modelled for the likes of Nicholas Daley and Vivienne Westwood) the 24-year-old caught THE FACE’s attention in 2020 with his debut single Apricot Sky – a sun-soaked track that simmers with subtle touches of psychedelia. In February, he followed it up with the lovestruck, Omar-sampling tune Moon just in time for Valentine’s Day. Recent single Friends is the socially-introverted songwriter’s way of communicating his love to his close mates, and also pays tribute to his late brother, Leon.
As you delve into DRIST, get to know Karl Benjamin a little better with his 100% questionnaire below.
10%: What kind of emotions and experiences influence your work?
Existential crisis and sex.
20%: If you’re cooking food to impress someone, what will you make?
A simple salmon with creamy sauce, rice and vegetables.
30%: What’s a piece of advice that changed your life?
You’ve got a career, not a year.
40%: What’s the most pointless fact you can share?
Swans mate for life.
50%: If you could travel back in time to see an iconic music act perform — who would it be, and in what era of their career?
Michael Jackson – Bad [1987]
60%: Love, like, hate?
I love my girl, I like anime, I hate not having my girl around and also I hate mushrooms!
70%: What’s a bad habit you wish you could kick?
Buying black clothes.
80%: What’s the best pet you’ve ever had?
I had a cat named Victor, who I loved. He looked like a husky.
90%: Do you believe in star signs and horoscopes?
Sometimes. When the moon is in its third trimester of the quarter rotation on the 23rd axis of the 4th dimension, I feel sad… Nah but for real, I do believe in them.
100%: Who would you most like to see on the cover of The Face?
