Following the release of her EP Lychee on Friday, BENEE reveals the video for her new single ‘Never Ending’.

Directed by Devan Narsai and Riley Coughlin, the glitchy video shows a different side of the New Zealand alternative pop star, further showcasing BENEE’s evolution as an artist and her knack for pushing genre boundaries.

Of the video, BENEE says: “From the start, I knew I wanted the Never Ending video to be driven by lots of fast cuts and lots of post-production to make it a really cool visual trip! The video was made with two friends of mine Devan & Riley – Devan has a really good eye for shots & Riley is super skilled at creative direction. I also knew Riley would kill the whole post prod side of the project! This has been my favourite video to date as I just love how well it suits the song. It was a last minute decision to put my dog Tūī in it, but I knew she’d make my performance walking down the street feel more natural (.: ”

“Never Ending,” co-written with and produced by Rostam, has already received early praise around the globe, with Teen Vogue proclaiming, “The smooth, mellow song is questioning and raw,” and DIY Magazine declaring, “The pick of the bunch is ‘Never Ending’, where ‘90s alt-rock guitars are subtly updated via a ‘20s alt-pop filter, paired with hip hop rhythms and the singer’s typically heart-on-sleeve lyrics for a low-key anthemic track.”

BENEE set the stage for the EP with the singles “Doesn’t Matter” and “Beach Boy.”

To bring the EP to life, she collaborated with producers on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. In California, BENEE worked with Greg Kurstin, Kenny Beats, and Rostam. Back home in New Zealand, she completed three tracks with her regular collaborator Josh Fountain.

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With the buzz building in her growing international fan base amid the sound of increasing critical applause, New Zealand alternative pop star BENEE unveils her Lychee EP via Republic Records.

BENEE says “Being locked down in New Zealand felt like things were going to be like this forever and like I was wasting time. I was afraid that I’d run out of ideas or I would find it difficult to get through this writing trip. However going into rooms with new production collaborators like Greg Kurstin and Rostam, and reconnecting with Kenny, was really liberating and actually let the energy I had been lacking back into my songs. There is something crazy about landing in LA from New Zealand and throwing yourself into songwriting. The exact same thing happened for me two years ago when I arrived in LA and wrote Supalonely on the first day. I love that this EP has the emotional breadth to channel much of the anxiety that I was feeling at home in songs like “Doesn’t Matter” and “Hurt You Gus” but then also switching to the new energy I found when writing “Beach Boy” as well as “Never Ending” which is my current favourite!”

BENEE set the stage for the EP with the singles “Doesn’t Matter” and “Beach Boy.”

To bring the Lychee EP to life, she worked with collaborators on both sides of the Pacific ocean. In California, she found herself working on songs with Greg Kurstin, Kenny Beats, and Rostam. Working back home in New Zealand, she completed more tracks with her regular collaborator Josh Fountain. As a whole, Lychee showcases BENEE’s evolution as an eloquent and artful voice for Gen-Z, pushing boundaries and fearless enough not to compromise her creativity or spirit.

BENEE’s dreamy alt-pop mixes her deeply heartfelt reflections on life in suburban Auckland, New Zealand with offbeat and often whimsical lyrical twists, all produced with a technicolor ear for cooked beats and unpredictable hooks. The 22-year-old broke through in 2020 with “Supalonely,” her global hit with 4 billion streams, and her follow-up Hey u x debut album was a vibrant musical world with guests ranging from Grimes and Lily Allen to Gus Dapperton and Muroki (another New Zealand teen BENEE has since signed to her own label, Olive).

It was listed as one of Billboard’s “25 Best Pop Albums of 2020,” noting that BENEE “contemplates the woes of Gen Z with a keen ear for choruses and arrangements that oscillate between indie rock and hyperpop.”

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BENEE returns with her first new music of 2022, a single entitled “Beach Boy” via Republic Records.

The song is produced by Greg Kurstin (Adele, Sia, Beck) and arrives alongside the announcement of her forthcoming EP LYCHEE out March 4th, 2022.

“Beach Boy” sets BENEE in her breeziest form to date. A sweetly toned vocal and dreamy guitars evoke sixties beach movies, sun kissed summer days, and perfect beach dates.

BENEE says: “‘Beach Boy’ is pure fantasy, set in LA. It’s about being happy alone, but still wanting some love; wanting the thrill without the pain. It was the first time I’d worked with Greg Kurstin, and it was so sick…we got on super well, and I love this track… I think it is perfect for cruising down the freeway with the top down :)”

BENEE headed out of lockdown in her New Zealand home to work on sessions in LA, which formed the basis of a new set of music she says is coming from a “great creative space” despite the pressures of what has been “the craziest time in all our lives.”

The LYCHEE EP features tracks penned with Greg Kurstin, Kenny Beats, and Rostam in LA. Back in New Zealand, she finished up three tracks with her regular collaborator Josh Fountain, including the already-released “Doesn’t Matter,” which has gathered over 5 million Spotify streams and 300K YouTube views on the music video (co-directed by BENEE).

Billboard raved, “Benee’s talents as a vocalist and lyricist shine through.” Meanwhile, Stereogum noted, “the song isn’t about feeling mellow, instead it’s all about attempting to cope with mental health issues.” PAPER described it as “more emotive and pensive.” V Magazine also claimed, “She uses her best asset, her extremely evocative and ethereal vocals, to great effect here over a steady drum-and-guitar melody.” OnesToWatch praised it as “an unfiltered, heartfelt look at ‘invisible’ mental health disorders.”

Due to ongoing gathering restrictions in NZ as a result of the Omicron outbreak, BENEE announced earlier in the week that the Aotearoa leg of her world tour would unfortunately be cancelled:

“COVID SUCKS. I’ve been waiting so long to come and play for you… especially those in the smaller places who just don’t get to see enough live music. With Omicron now out there in our communities, it looks like the red light will be on for some time. This makes touring impossible. I promise that I will tour again, all around Aotearoa, as soon as I know that I am able to do so safely. SO we’ll cancel for now, reset and come back better and stronger. Kia kaha ”

The tour will instead kick off in Australia on March 18th, 2022 followed by dates across North America and Europe. BENEE was also recently announced on the 2022 Gov Ball lineup on Saturday, June 11th, 2022.

Benee

The 22-year-old broke through with “Supalonely,” her global hit with 4 billion streams, and like many artists has had to wait for a chance to tour outside of her home country again. This year’s tour will be BENEE’s first return to the international stage and finds her playing her first-ever US festival with Bonnaroo on her summer schedule.

BENEE’s dreamy alt-pop mixes her deeply heartfelt reflections on life in suburban Auckland, New Zealand with offbeat and often whimsical lyrical twists, all produced with a technicolor ear for cooked beats and unpredictable hooks.

2020’s debut album Hey u x was a vibrant musical world with guests ranging from Grimes and Lily Allen to Gus Dapperton and Muroki (another New Zealand teen BENEE has since signed to her own label, Olive). It was listed as one of Billboard’s “25 Best Pop Albums of 2020,” noting that BENEE “contemplates the woes of Gen Z with a keen ear for choruses and arrangements that oscillate between indie rock and hyperpop.”

Stereogum praised its “quirky but impeccably produced pop music” and Vogue called it “13 tracks of heavenly indie-alt-pop.”

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Platinum sensation BENEE unveils the official video for her latest single “Doesn’t Matter” today.

Co-directed by BENEE and Kiwi actress and director Aidee Walker, the cinematic visual co-stars BENEE, her guitarist Tiare Kelly, and her pup TUI.

The lulling production underscores pensive moments, as the lyrics detail her struggles with mental health and OCD diagnosis. The video brings these feelings to life in artful and eloquent fashion, standing out as BENEE’s most confessional statement yet.

Benee

“Doesn’t Matter’ is about how hard it can be to explain your feelings and emotions to people. Sometimes friends just being there for you is such a help. I’m so excited about this video; it was my first shot at co-directing with Aidee Walker. I came up with the concept and she helped me bring it to life. I wanted the look of an old French indie film with a twist….and I love how it turned out.”

BENEE recently announced her first foray out into the world since the pandemic struck with her 2022 headline world tour.

The Aotearoa leg of the tour kicks off in Nelson on the 25th of February 2022 and makes stops across the country, see the full list of dates below and at beneemusic.com. The 21-year-old artist broke through with “Supalonely,” her global hit with 4 billion streams, and like many artists has had to wait for a chance to tour outside of her home country again.

BENEE’s dreamy alt-pop mixes her deeply heartfelt reflections on life in suburban Auckland, New Zealand with offbeat and often whimsical lyrical encounters with zombies and snails, all produced with a technicolor ear for cooked beats and unpredictable hooks.

2020’s debut album ‘Hey u x’ is a vibrant musical world with guests ranging from Grimes and Lily Allen to Gus Dapperton and Muroki (another New Zealand teen BENEE has since signed to her own label, Olive). It was listed as one of Billboard’s “25 Best Pop Albums of 2020,” noting that BENEE “contemplates the woes of Gen Z with a keen ear for choruses and arrangements that oscillate between indie rock and hyperpop.” Stereogum praised its “quirky but impeccably produced pop music” and Vogue called it “13 tracks of heavenly indie-alt-pop.”

A forthcoming EP release leads into plans for 2022 with the thing that excites BENEE the most, a hefty touring schedule that will bring her live show to adoring fans around the world at last.

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BENEE is teaming up with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) in Wellington and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) and Auckland Live in Auckland for a season of spectacular shows that will bring her award-winning songs to life in an amazing new symphonic setting.

Accompanied by a 66-piece orchestra in each city, joining with her own band and guest vocalists, the rising star of New Zealand music is set to shine delivering new arrangements of her platinum hits like ‘Glitter’, ‘Soaked’ and the worldwide smash ‘Supalonely’.

“I’m so stoked to be playing with the NZSO and APO!! Adding 66 super talented musicians to the band is going to be something else,” says BENEE.  “I can’t wait to hear and play some crazy different versions of my songs (:::”

After dropping her debut album Hey U X! at the end of 2020, this is an exciting moment for 21-year-old Stella Bennett as she continues her eclectic musical journey.

Her album collaborators were as diverse as Lily Allen, Grimes and US rapper Flo Milli, and BENEE now extends herself to team up with the country’s premier orchestras and foremost conductor, Hamish McKeich.

BENEE’s songs have been freshly arranged into unique orchestral settings by Claire Cowan, a current leading light on the New Zealand composition scene, making an enticing musical treat for fans of both her music and orchestra.

“The diversity of styles and the depth and detail of production in BENEE’s songs are an exciting challenge to re-imagine,” says Claire Cowan. “We’ve gone the full spectrum from Disney to James Bond to 90’s trip hop treatments to give the audience a really dynamic show full of surprises.”

NZSO Chief Executive Peter Biggs says the national orchestra has a proud history of collaborating across genres with many exceptional artists – from Sting on his 2011 world tour to recent projects with The Phoenix Foundation, Tami Neilson, and Maisey Rika.

“Benee is a gifted songwriter and performer and we’re excited at what we can create together on stage and for new audiences to experience the NZSO.”

Barbara Glaser, APO Chief Executive says: “We identified BENEE as a young Kiwi artist we were very keen to work with back in 2019, before COVID struck. These events are part of our APO Session Series, which has previously seen sell out shows with LEISURE, TEEKS and earlier in 2021 Louis Baker. It’s therefore with great excitement and a certain amount of relief that we are finally able to bring this special collaboration to life for our Auckland audiences.”

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New Zealand’s platinum sensation BENEE has announced to us here at STG that her highly-anticipated debut album, Hey u x, is set for release this coming November 2020.

The 13-track genre-bending album, which features collaborations from a slew of artists, including Lily Allen, Grimes, Flo Milli, Gus Dapperton, Mallrat, Kenny Beats, Bakar and Muroki.

Hey u x includes BENEE’s Platinum-Certified smash hit “Supalonley” feat. Gus Dapperton, which has amassed over 2.1 billion global streams to date, as well as her recently released pop bops, “Night Garden” feat. Kenny Beats and Bakar and “Snail.”

Of her upcoming debut album, BENEE says, “So, so stoked to announce this album release. It’s an eclectic mix of songs I’ve been working on for some time now. Can’t wait to share them!”

Currently on her sold out headline tour across New Zealand, BENEE will be treating fans around the world to a very special livestream finale show from New Zealand’s Spark Arena this Saturday, October 17th, 2020. This will be the world’s first livestreamed show in front of a sold-out arena audience since concerts have returned in New Zealand.

Last week, BENEE announced the launch of Olive, her very own record label based in New Zealand. Her first signing is Muroki, a 19-year-old artist from Raglan, New Zealand, who is featured on Hey u x and accompanying her on tour this month.

Behind the scenes, BENEE is reveling in building a team with a fresh approach to music. Plus, the breakout artist recently reached new heights with nominations at the MTV EMAs (PUSH Best New Artist Category), E! People’s Choice Awards (The New Artist of 2020 Category) and New Zealand’s Aotearoa Music Awards (Single of the Year, Best Solo Artist, Best Pop Artist).

‘Hey u x’ releases November the 13th, 2020.

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New Zealand’s sensation BENEE unveils her new single “Snail” today.

On the feel-good summer hit, an upbeat bass line bounces between keyboard bliss as BENEE’s vocals groove into a chantable hook, “I’m like a snail, you’re a guy, kinda mad I can’t fly.” Electronic production, quirky nuances and entrancing delivery make this yet another unpredictable and undeniable anthem from the Platinum songstress.

Written and recorded with Josh Fountain shortly after New Zealand opened up from lockdown, BENEE was inspired to write the song after spending weeks in isolation. She says, “When we were in lockdown, I was fascinated by snails. There wasn’t really a lot to be doing, so I would spend a lot of time outside looking at snails and would think about how they’re doing their own little thing and they’re all free. I just played around with the idea of being kind of like a snail and how I come out in the rain. Being stuck inside because of COVID, it’s kind of my lockdown song.”

“Snail” follows BENEE’s recently released enchanting single “Night Garden” feat. Kenny Beats & Bakar, which has been praised by press across the globe, including Billboard, E! Online, Clash Magazine, Coup De Main, DIY, The FADER, HYPEBEAST, NME, Stereogum, The Sunday Times, Teen Vogue, UPROXX and many more. BENEE performed a stunning, stripped-back version of the song for MTV PUSH.

“Supalonely” feat. Gus Dapperton, which is now Certified Platinum in the U.S. in addition to seven other countries including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Mexico and more, has amassed over 1.7 billion streams worldwide and is currently climbing up the U.S. Top 40 Radio Chart and sitting at #8 this week.

Earlier this summer, Apple Music announced BENEE as the newest Up Next artist, as she made history as Apple Music’s first Up Next artist from New Zealand. BENEE also made her U.S. television debut performing “Supalonely” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and she was selected as MTV’s PUSH Artist for the month of June.

Stay tuned for more news from BENEE very soon!

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

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Poised to be one of the best new artists of 2020, New Zealand’s indie pop sensation BENEE has become one of the most-listened to artists in the world this month as her latest track reaches over 200 million in total streams.

Within a short time, BENEE has gone from canvasing Soundcloud with covers out of her teenage bedroom to rising the charts with her latest song “Supalonely” (feat. Gus Dapperton) and amassing over 400 million streams of her catalog around the globe.

Last week the song vaulted to #10 on the Spotify Global Top 50 Chart and #23 on the US Top 50 chart, and cruised up the Billboard Hot 100 to #58. Over the airwaves and online the song is approaching Top 20 on the US Top 40 Radio chart and has been used in 10 million plus TikTok videos, while earning 150 million-plus video views and counting. Other chart moves include #10 on the Pop Streaming Chart, #41 on Nielsen’s On-Demand Streaming chart and #54 on the Top 200 Song Consumption chart. This week BENEE was crowned 99th most listened to artist on Spotify and hit over 140 million streams on the platform.

In addition, the song has been certified Gold in New Zealand (Top 5 NZ Spotify, #4 Top 100 Airplay, #2 peak Top 40 Singles chart), Australia and Canada, reached #1 on the New Zealand Top 50, and #6 on the Australian Top 50 Spotify Chart, Top 20 on the UK Airplay chart and has prime placement on a plethora of top playlists including: Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits (26M), Teen Party (4M) and Pop Up (3M).

Meanwhile, the single has exceeded 30 million streams on Apple Music and recently reached #3 on the Apple Music Alternative chart.

The song’s trajectory was initially powered by a TikTok dance created by California teen @zoifishh just a few weeks ago. TikTok users have now created in excess of 10 million videos using “Supalonely”, including a string of popstars, models and movie stars from J.Lo to Emily Ratajkowski, making it one of the largest breakout hits ever from the emerging platform that his launched the biggest new acts of the past year.

Critics have been raving about the single with Los Angeles Times calling it “deeply infectious” and People Magazine praising it with “kids are loving ‘Supalonely’ but the legends are too” – referring to BENEE’s recent appearance on Elton John’s Rocket Hour Radio Show on Apple Music where he called the track a “global smash.” The story of “Supalonely’s rise was even picked up by Pitchfork in a recent piece titled ‘Benee’s Supalonely and the Inexplicable Power of Vibeyness’.

This unprecedented run follows a massive 2019, which she capped off by taking home trophies for “Single Of The Year” (“Soaked”), “Best Solo Artist,” “Best Pop Artist” and “Breakthrough Artist Of The Year” at the New Zealand Music Awards in November. Adding to these accolades “Soaked” has also been certified Double Platinum in New Zealand & Australia, “Glitter” has been certified Double Platinum in New Zealand and Platinum in Australia, and “Evil Spider” & “Find an Island” have been certified Gold in New Zealand and Australia. Her two EP’s Stella and Steve and Fire On Marzzz have also been certified Gold in New Zealand.

“Supalonely” remains one of many standouts from her 2019 EP, STELLA & STEVE (Republic Records).

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Garnering over 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and receiving critical praise across the globe,19-year-old indie pop sensation BENEE’s STELLA & STEVE EP has arrived!

The five-track EP includes the irresistible pop bop “Supalonely” feat. Gus Dapperton, as well as BENEE’s recently-released viral hits “Find an Island” and “Monsta” and new songs “Drifting” feat. Jack Berry and “Blu.”

On the inspiration behind the EP title, BENEE cheekily says, “I am Stella and my car is called Steve.”

She continues on her “Supalonely” collaboration with Gus Dapperton, saying, “This one is a super self-deprecating song where I just take the piss out of myself being sad haaaa! Then BOOM, Gus Dapperton drops a twist at the end with his funky lil verse.” Gus chimes in, saying, “I loved the beat and BENEE’s vocals! The concept was highly relatable to me on the other side of the spectrum, as being someone who likes to go out more often than not. It was natural and awfully fun to write to <3.”

BENEE had the world talking on the eve of STELLA & STEVE, with recent praise from various tastemakers, including Billboard, Pigeons & Planes, Refinery29, NYLON, Marie Claire, E! News, Idolator, Ones To Watch, Indie Shuffle and more, further establishing her an artist to watch for 2020. Earlier this week, BENEE took home four wins at the 2019 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, including “Best Solo Artist,” “Breakthrough Artist of the Year,” “Best Pop Artist,” and “Single Of The Year” for her breakout hit “Soaked.” She also joined ROLE MODEL on his latest track “notice me.”

Fans can catch BENEE on the road throughout the end of the year and into next. First up, she will embark on her upcoming, sold-out headline tour across Australia, making a stop at Spilt Milk Festival. Next month, she will return to the U.S. to support Conan Gray on select dates of his “Comfort Crowd Tour,” including Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Denver and more. BENEE will then kick off 2020 as a recently-announced performer at Laneway Festival across Australia.

The full list of upcoming dates is below and tickets are available now at Benees Official site.

Stay tuned for more from BENEE as she gears up for a massive 2020!

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