Acting as a blanket in the cold, Benjamino’s new single, ‘Whatboutism’, will come out on Friday, March 28, bringing with it a reminder that that anxiety and reality are separate beasts. Benjamino has dedicated their life to music. From teaching five-year-olds their first piano notes to recording world-renowned artists, he’s seen it all and has the pure talent to prove it. After a decade of writing and producing for other artists, Benjamino released their first EP in 2020, Open Up The Vault, establishing their iconic, dreamy sound for all to hear. This sound has captivated fans of indie-soul across the globe, earning him a well-deserved reputation for crafting tracks rich in vibe, groove, and lyrical wit. Media outlets have also fallen in love with their sound: it has been showcased on MTV Australia & NZ, spun on national and international radio, earned more than 50k Spotify streams for single ‘On Repeat’, and even resulted in their performance to thousands of music fans supporting Coldplay in November 2024, placing them in a spotlight after years of working behind the scenes. ‘Whatboutism’ is yet another piece of art in their gallery. The track begins with a booming bassline punctuated with steady clicking beats, creating an anxious, claustrophobic atmosphere that’s contrasted by Benjamino’s ethereal layered harmonies, painting the image of a person alone, weathering a storm. The track soars and falls like the waves of a panic attack, with percussives holding strong as an undertone throughout the track to represent a looming dread. Benjamino’s vocals are a life raft, weaving together and harmonising in ways that provide a sense of comfort and understanding. Anxiety is a beast, and this song tells its tale. Written as Benjamino came to terms with their gender fluidity and pansexuality in their late 20s, it delves into the ever-present internal critic and how out of place they can leave one feeling. The chorus is a lifeline back to reality and a reminder that the internal critic in question is just that, internal, and not a real reflection of the way the world around is. This song is deeply tied to Benjamio’s, as he states: “I wrote the song after experiencing a number of personal discoveries - mainly gender fluidity and pansexual awakening. Making these discoveries in my late 20's, at a much more progressive time in history, had me questioning my worthiness amongst this community… A tendency we all have is to project our greatest fears onto those around us, which is more often than not unfounded.” This single is the first of many monthly releases from Benjamino slated for 2025 in the lead-up to their most ambitious project yet. This year marks the release of their highly anticipated debut album, 'Cucino'. Paying tribute to their Italian heritage, Cucino (meaning “I cook”) promises to serve up a feast of rich storytelling, gourmet production, and the signature warmth that fans have come to recognise from Benjamino.