Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Hunter Benson about his new EP, “Heaven’s Letter.”
About Hunter Benson:
Singer Songwriter Hunter Benson is a true storyteller unafraid of delving deep into the untethered subconscious to fully explore the emotion-heavy themes behind his songs. A seemingly imposing figure who has pushed through it all and come out the other side with hard-earned wisdom, when you speak to Hunter, he is as unintimidating, approachable, kind and compassionate as it gets. Leaning into truth and his own life experience as a primary motivator, his authentic voice and song craftsmanship lends itself to powerful human themes often avoided and feared, such as trauma and grief.
Early influences such as Alice in Chains and Mark Lanegan coupled with the southern rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd and many more have helped shape Hunter’s unique sound into a brooding mix of Country, Southern and Grunge Rock while allowing him to honor his past and dream of his future with an Americana feel and down and dirty gusto that is both thought provoking and mystically fulfilling. Hunter combines these styles into a signature sound that capitalizes on the looseness, flow and genuine raw power they all, at their best, wield. Hunter’s soulful, raspy vocal delivery echoes other artists true to their craft such as Chris Stapleton, Joe Cocker and the aforementioned Mark Lanegan.
Review Fix: What makes this EP special for you?
Hunter Benson: This EP is so special because it has allowed me to channel and express some deep emotions and struggles that stem from the loss of my father at age 3. The writing of this EP has been a cathartic process centered around love, loss, and coming out of the shadows and into the light. Something I feel we all deal with in our lives. I feel it’s also an affirmation to keep pushing forward no matter how dark the chapter looks.
Review Fix: How did your childhood affect your music?
Benson: My childhood and experiences as a young boy is a direct reflection of the music I have written. Being struck by lightning at 3 years old and witnessing the death of my father was the biggest catalyst to what would come out of me artistically in the future.
Review Fix: Why is music special to you?
Benson: In a world that seems to be moving so fast music always seems to be the place of solace for me. Music sparks thoughts and emotions that truly make me feel present and whole. Now matter what the world looks like or what we are going through, there is a place where music resonates and provides a place of understanding. It’s a beautiful thing.
Review Fix: What musicians inspire you the most?
Benson: Music was always a huge part of my upbringing. My parents were huge Deadheads. Needless to say, so am I. At a young age I found myself gravitating towards the early 90’s Seattle scene, which sparked my love for singers such as Mark Lanegan, Layne Staley and Chris Cornell. The Southern rock scene of the 1970’s specifically Lynyrd Skynyrd was a huge influence as well.
Review Fix: What song means the most to you on this EP?
Benson: Heavens Letter is the most meaningful song on this EP. It took me many years to figure out the lyrics that could capture the depth of my thoughts and feelings regarding the tragedy that struck at age 3. This song is not only a conversation with that young boy but one with my father on the other side.
Review Fix: How is this EP a sign of things to come?
Benson: This EP is no bull shit. It derives from the very depths that make us human. I feel it meets the suffering and issues we face as human beings head on. These issues are topics that I feel many of us shy away from. This is my attempt at being vulnerable enough to meet them head on. Not only meet them head on but to punch out the other side to give hope and peace to others who might be dealing with life’s hardships as well.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Benson: We are currently working on production of the next three songs. The 6 song EP should be out by year’s end and titled Seeking.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Benson: I am just so grateful to have an opportunity to put heartfelt music into a world that I feel is in need, in the times we are experiencing. Art I feel is the saving grace to many when times can get tough. If I affect one person in this world with my music I have done my job.
Review Fix: Where can people find out more?
Benson: All my socials include updates on shows, releases etc.
Instagram- Hunterbensonmusic
Facebook: Hunter Benson
Youtube: Hunter Benson
Website HunterBenson.com
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