Alec Benjamin has a passion for connection. The Arizona pop talent thrives in front of an audience, with his music taking on new layers of meaning.
Right now is a prime time to catch him. Last year’s LP ’12 Notes’ was critically acclaimed, displaying fresh depths to his work. With his song ‘I Sent My Therapist To Therapy’ becoming a breakout moment, he’s every right to feel confidence.
Landing in Europe, Alec Benjamin will visit the UK this coming week, hitting London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall on March 16th.
CLASH grabbed some behind the scenes snaps before sitting down to talk (pop) shop with Alec Benjamin.
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Welcome back to Europe! How has the tour been going?
Thank you! It’s been amazing so far. Touring always feels a little bit like a dream—jumping from city to city, meeting people who somehow connect with my songs. It’s surreal. I’m just grateful that people are showing up and singing along.
Which cities do you love playing most? Do you have any favourites?
That’s hard to say because every place has its own energy. Paris is always special—there’s something about the atmosphere there. Berlin is great too, and London feels like a second home at this point. But honestly, anywhere people are listening, I’m happy to play.
Any tips for dealing with life on the road? How do you remain centred in that transitory environment?
It can definitely be overwhelming. I try to stick to small routines—calling my family, journaling, and just taking a moment to breathe before shows. Also, finding a quiet coffee shop in every city helps. It makes me feel like I belong, even if just for a day.
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Have you ever experienced stage fright? How do you cope?
Oh, all the time. I think it’s natural. For me, it helps to remind myself why I’m there—people aren’t expecting perfection, they just want to feel something. Once I start playing, it usually fades, and I just get lost in the music.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I pace a lot. I also warm up my voice and go over lyrics in my head, even though I already know them. And I take a deep breath right before stepping on stage—it’s like a reset button.
It’s been a few months since the release of ’12 Notes’, has that allowed you to gain perspective on that material?
Yeah, I think so. When you’re in the middle of writing and recording, you don’t really have time to process what the songs mean to you. Now, hearing people sing them back, I see them in a new light. It’s kind of like looking at an old journal entry—you remember what you were feeling, but it hits differently with time.
‘I Sent My Therapist To Therapy’ became a real breakout moment, what was it about that song that connected so widely, do you think?
I think a lot of people just related to it. Mental health is something we all deal with in some way, and that song was me just being honest about my own struggles. Maybe people saw a little of themselves in it, and that’s really all I could hope for.
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You’re set to return to the UK shortly, do you have fond memories of playing in Britain?
Absolutely. UK crowds are so passionate, and I always feel so welcomed there. My first headline show in London was a big moment for me—I remember being so nervous, but the energy in the room made it unforgettable.
What are some standout shows?
There have been so many, but one that sticks out is when I played in Paris, and the whole crowd sang along so loudly that I could barely hear myself. That was crazy.
You’re set to play the Royal Albert Hall in London – a really historic and prestigious venue! Have you been before? Excited for your visit?
I haven’t been to a show there before, but I’ve seen videos of people playing there, and it looks incredible. It’s one of those venues you dream about playing, so I’m definitely excited—and a little nervous!
What does 2025 hold in store for you?
More music, for sure. I’m always writing, and I hope to share some new songs soon. And more touring—I want to keep meeting people and playing these songs live. Beyond that, who knows? I just want to keep telling stories and see where they take me.
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Photography: Cameron Nunez
