Music Crowns is thrilled to exclusively premiere “can’t hang”—the long-awaited debut album from Brooklyn’s own queer singer/songwriter Ben Silby, represented by Decent Music PR. A deeply personal and sonically expansive record, “can’t hang” spans more than a decade of lived experience, self-reflection, and bittersweet emotional truths.
Melding the intimate stylings of Bedroom Pop with Indie and Alternative influences, Silby brings an unmistakable blend of vulnerability and wit to every track. For listeners who appreciate artists like Fiona Apple, Perfume Genius, and James Blake, Silby’s debut offers a familiar emotional depth with a sound entirely their own.
“‘Can’t hang’ is like a coming-of-age album,” Silby shares. “It really does chronicle my mistakes in love, communication, self-worth. These songs span a decade of my life, and they carry the hard truths I’ve learned on the way.”
Produced by Miles Francis at Synthia Studios, “can’t hang” is brimming with off-kilter production touches—analogue percussion, theremin flourishes, experimental vocal textures—all of which serve to heighten Silby’s poetic storytelling. The mix, handled with care by Shiftee, reinforces the record’s raw honesty and shimmering musical polish.
Each track tells a distinct chapter of Silby’s journey, from the defiant self-liberation of opener “dirt i” to the pandemic breakup anthem “wavy,” culminating in the emotionally charged title track “can’t hang,” which captures the fatigue of navigating identity in a world that’s always watching.
Standouts like “my bad” and “Misfit” dive into messy love and the allure of escape, while quieter moments like “interlude” and “blue” reveal Silby’s knack for turning discomfort and longing into lyrical beauty.
Whether they’re meditating on overstimulation, queer identity, or simply the ache of being misunderstood, Silby’s voice remains clear: aching, self-aware, and strikingly authentic. “can’t hang” is not just a debut—it’s a life distilled into music.
