Eyez Benezet, based in Maryland, US, is a lyricist, poet, mentor, philosopher, conversationalist, sneaker artist, and business mentor, but also a musician. She just released his self-titled EP. She describes herself as a “modern day polymath”. She co-founded Beat Box in 2006; a multi-media company that fosters business and creative growth for musicians and artists. She was also a former member and manager of SubSkript, an eclectic musical movement generated on the East Coast that fused poetry, lyricism, and vivid tracks. I spoke with her about her EP, oriental influences, new rap and hip-hop music, Maryland, and plans for an upcoming future…
Piotr Balkus: Firstly I would like to ask you about your new debut EP “Eyez Benezet”. What can listeners expect from the EP?
Eyez Benezet: Well, my intention for this debut project was to introduce listeners to my sound, my character, my value system. I have always been an eccentric person with a different way of looking at the world, so what better way to share my viewpoint than via music. In addition, being a mentor who has learned a lot from my failures, I know that the knowledge I have gained has to be delivered to the masses. Someone’s life, somewhere, will be changed positively by my music, and that is one of my greatest expectations.
I love the cover artwork of your EP. It looks very mysterious. What does the “eye” symbolize?
(laugh) I’m glad you asked this question. The entire logo represents ascension or growth of the human spirit. Since each of us have a path we must traverse, obstacles included, I wanted to reflect that as my image. The eye portion of the logo reflects having the ability to see beyond superficialities and to delve into the unknown. The inspiration derived from my fascination with Egyptian culture and the left eye of Horus. The left eye deals with esoteric thoughts, feelings, and intuition, as well as embodying the feminine ideation of the universe. Considering I dwell in an abstract arena as well my personal eyes being a focal point of attraction, I felt it would be a great pictorial representation.
Clicking on your EP artwork on your website www.eyezbenezet.com I felt like entering the secret place, a temple. Is music for you a kinda spiritual experience?
Agreed. Being a very spiritual person, I find music to be a catalyst for transcending all things, as well being cathartic in nature. My moods, experiences, “extra” sensory perceptions, judgments, etc. have been laid out for the entire world to hear and critique. Giving my listeners a chance to hear and view all of my complexities, allows me to face some factors that may have otherwise lied dormant forever. I just view making music as my vessel during this journey.
Your music is fresh and it’s hip-hop or rather trip-hop… Not sure, as music genres seem to be melting in one unknown genre… You call it eclectic music… Do you think eclectic music is the future of music?
Wow, trip-hop, that’s cool… (laugh) All in all, music is all one genre, just different divisions. If you were to compare the actual undertones of every song, there would be a string of commonality weaved through each one. So, to answer your question, yes, eclectic music has already been the future…
There are a lot of new hip-hop artists, like ASAP Rocky or Iggy Azalea. Do you think your music is in any way different/better than their music?
Definitely different. Like I mentioned prior, there is a string of commonality that flows threw all of our music, but each artist is unique in their own right. Being a fan of music first, and an artist second, I leave the comparisons to bloggers, music critics, fans, and the like. Personally, I love and want to maintain being the only one in my lane.
In your music also I can hear the Eastern, oriental touch. Any Asian influences or you just like the sound of East? (I heard that in Maryland where you live there are a strong Asian community)…
It’s interesting that you caught that vibe as well. I actually identify with a majority of the Eastern philosophies and find the cultures and sounds to be absolutely divine. The virtues and intangible qualities that are inherent in the Asian cultures have influenced me enough to make an impact on the type of sound that I absorb.
You are a musician, but also a poet, mentor, philosopher…
I have always been attracted to word usage and the way language can effectively translate an idea or thought, so writing poetry was naturally my first step. Add in a curiosity about life, love for learning, and the freedom to question, and philosophy became another fuel for the fire. With knowledge comes great power, so I always believed that if a person has the opportunity to learn then he/she must also teach; that’s where the mentoring comes in. I pride myself on being approachable and being the go-to person, so it was only a matter of time before I became a personal and business mentor. To me, all three go hand-in-hand.
You live in Maryland. I spoke to band from Detroit, and they told me that Detroit, and Michigan state, is a dead place they want to escape ASAP. What about Maryland?
It doesn’t matter what state or country you are from, pursuing music will always be an uphill climb. While Maryland has been good to me, I will admit that music opportunities here are not as abundant as they may be in other locations, like New York, Cali, or even Canada. Really, it’s all about networking, promotion, and getting that opportunity to set it all off.
What’s next for you? Promoting EP or focusing on recording an album?
Actually both. While I’m currently promoting the EP, I’m in the process of finishing up songs that still need to be completed and playing around with ideas for the next EP. I am a multi-tasker and a perfectionist, so the overall process appears unorthodox, but it works for me.
Are you planning gigs? Looks like you are more studio artist than stage artist…
At this time, my focus is centered on building my catalogue and heavy promotion. I have performed and still love to perform, but the stage action won’t be until next year at the earliest. Way too much to say and a heck of a lot to be heard. All in due time.
More about Eyez and her new EP at www.eyezbenezet.com (where you can listen to snippets of her songs)
