Benji Hughes creates music & lyrics that lull the senses, caress the mind and will make you sit up and say, “Whoa.”
In a classic moment during the film, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDACE KID, to one instance of Sundance’s oft repeated line, “You keep thinkin’, Butch. That’s what you’re good at,” Butch responds, “Boy, I got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals.” That’s Benji Hughes. He has musical vision above and beyond, creating infectious commercial jingles (Captain Morgan’s “Got a little Captain in ya!” catchphrase owes its popularity to him), whimsical children’s music, and forlorn tales of love lost, sometimes all on one CD. Hell, sometimes in one song. Don’t even try to categorize his style, because you can’t. This bear of a guy from North Carolina owes his inspiration to an eclectic mix of musicians who share one common theme: tunes infused with a lot of heart and a lot of soul.
Benji writes whatever moves him, simply, even autobiographically. Many of his songs read like journal entries, not in a melancholy, hyper-dramatic way–although there is a sense of woe that bleeds through now and again, especially in those true to his life events. No, even then, the music Benji creates is beyond something so obvious. It’s presented in such a vulnerable, honest and seamlessly revealing style, you are sucked right in and want to, no, HAVE to hear more. These are journeys of discovery you are compelled to take and Benji Hughes gives you the means by which you’ll be transported.
To look at Benji, you wouldn’t know he’s been called the “best songwriter you’ve never heard of” with one 2-volume album that’s been released and another that still sits on the shelf. A bit larger than life with his waist-length reddish hair, impressive beard and burly physique, you might be a bit intimidated by him at first. There’s a bit of Greg Allman meets 80s ZZ Top about the way he looks, but under all of that (and, quite frankly, because of it) is the soul of a poet and troubadour. Once you hear his music, you could imagine him wandering the countryside in medieval times, his lute in one hand, mandolin in the other, serenading any and everyone with lyrical tales of his adventures.
Benji is a visionary who’s 24/7 devotion to music shows in every note, resonates in every line. There is nothing complacent or pedestrian about his songs. Invariably, you’re drawn in by their simplicity only to become captivated by their depth.
Yeah… You just keep makin’ music, Benji. ‘Cuz, man, you’re really good at it.
Listen To Some Of Benji's Creations
Listen to previews of Benji's music below
Watch Benji Do His Thing
“Here’s a tune WHAT A LITTLE LOVE CAN DO. It was written by Stephen Bruton. That guy sleeping and dancing in the background, that’s Benji. He sang on it, too. That other guy is Ryan Bingham.” - Jeff
