Benny Page speaks with us about his latest release and video for Champion Sound on High Culture Records.
The last time I had the opportunity to talk with Benny Page we were in a hot Baltimore club, drinking bad tequila and trying to avoid being thrown up on from the free alcohol slushies being served. Benny had recently been picked up by Shy FX’s Digital Soundboy label and was on the rise as one of the premier producers pushing ragga to the jungle community.
Today he’s at the forefront of all island vibe sounds and emerging as one of the top music producers in the business. His latest release, Champion Sound, is taking the world by storm. I was lucky enough to speak with Benny once again.
Your latest single Champion Sound was released a few weeks ago on your label High Culture. Can you tell us a bit more about the release?
Champion Sound is an upbeat 140bpm jungle-inspired bass track. We voiced the featured artist, Assassin, when we were out in Jamaica last year getting the album project together. It’s a real authentic vocal from a leading Jamaican artist. I hope you can hear this in the production! Originally we actually voiced him on a different instrumental. You can see more about how the track came together on the “making of the track” feature below.
The tune has been getting a lot of support on BBC Radio, has this helped with its popularity?
Yeah, definitely. Most of the time radio is key to breaking a track in this current market. We’ve still got a long way to go though! Big thanks to everyone who’s supported it so far at Radio 1 and 1xtra: Toddla T, Rodigan, Annie Mac, Crissy Criss, Mistajam and Target. I’ve actually got a back-to-back feature with Target next month where I’ll be pulling out some exclusives. Should be fun!
The video for Champion Sound looks amazing, how much fun was it working on?
Yeah, the music video turned out great. Big shout out to everyone involved. It was shot between Jamaica and London. We managed to get Assassin for the JA part and five-year-old Josiah absolutely smashed it on the day. There’s a funny cameo from Toddla T in there also.
You recently played at Glastonbury Festival for the first time , how was this experience?
Amazing; I think Glastonbury always is. It was my first time playing at Glastonbury altogether let alone headlining The Cave stage. The set went down very well.
I heard that you just got back from a stay in Jamaica where you got more in touch with the island riddims and basslines that you’re so famously known for. How was this experience and how do you feel it has helped your sound?
Yeah, it’s definitely given my music a huge boost. The vibe in Jamaica is pretty special. Everyone is a natural musician there. You walk down the street and there’s music everywhere, people singing. Being able to go there to make music and voice some artists I never thought I’d have the chance to work with was a massively special experience for me. I hope to make it out there again soon to continue the work.
What is up next for you? Any new projects in the works?
I’m just very focused on getting my debut album together at the moment. This will be a fusion of all bass music sounds and tempos. I’m excited to get it out. I also recently launched my live show at the Jazz Cafe in London. The show has live percussion, trumpets, saxophone, two frontmen and visuals. On the night we had some great support from Congo Natty, Reggae Roast and Famous Eno.
Where can the fans catch you live in the next few months?
You can check out my Songkick page.