BENEE: Get in on the Ground Level
The Auckland, New Zealand native singer and songwriter known as BENEE should be on everyone’s radar.
By Rae Frank
The Auckland, New Zealand native singer and songwriter known as BENEE should be on everyone’s radar. With over half a million followers on Instagram, there’s no denying she has a significant fanbase, but some could argue that she deserves more recognition. Stella Rose Benett, a.k.a. BENEE, is an emergent star that people must see before she starts selling out stadiums.
After releasing her first single, “Tough Guy” in 2017, she gained a following in New Zealand with the single “Soaked.” At the Aotearoa Music Awards, BENEE won Single of the Year, Best Solo Artist, and Best Pop Artist back to back in 2019 and 2020. The Aotearoa Music Awards are the most prominent ceremony for New Zealand artists.
Her international success began with her song “Supalonely,” which was the basis of a viral dance trend on TikTok in 2020. At only 26 years old, she is currently touring the U.S. with her second album, ‘Ur an Angel I’m Just Particles.’
BENEE’s concert at Irving Plaza in New York City on March 19th had the venue overflowing, easily meeting their 1,100 capacity limit. The intimate venue enhanced her performance as she interacted with the crowd and treated her audience more as friends than fans.
The energy of her performance was a fascinating blend of mellow and energetic, and the juxtaposition created a truly unique experience. There was no doubt that her microphone was on, and her live vocals were extraordinary, with some songs even sounding better than her recorded music. There wasn’t a missed note the entire time, and she sang with a nonchalance that spoke to her immense vocal talent.
Her stage presence and use of the space were undeniable, albeit her choreography was slightly lacking and repetitive, she still transfixed her audience. Every individual within the crowd was taken on their own personal journey within the music.
BENEE is truly an artist for all people and ages, with the audience ranging from people in their 20’s to their 60’s—there was even a kid right on the barricade who couldn’t have been older than 12.
The crowd was very respectful, with people vibing and appreciating the music independently without being rowdy or rude to their peers. While some were there with friends, many were empowered to see her solo. Whenever a song finished, the cheers were staggering.
The fan-favorite performances were “Princess,” “Underwater,” and “Doomsday.” All are songs from her new album, and the crowd was obviously electrified and inspired by hearing them. However, she only sang for just over an hour, certainly leaving her fans wanting more. Many stayed until the venue’s house lights came on, cheering and chanting with the hopes of an encore.
As a relatively new fan of hers, I can’t emphasize enough how excited I am to see BENEE’s growth as an artist and a performer over time. Her unique sound blends pop and house music, some songs even delving into a rock undertone that pairs beautifully with her vocal aptitude, which more famous stars objectively lack.
