With their glossy debut earworm Rendezvous, Miss Benny memorably emerged as one of pop’s most electrifying new artists. Following the release of equally-infectious queer synthpop bangers such as That’s My Man and Every Boy, the COVID pandemic – and a leading role in Netflix’s comedy series Glamorous (out now, read our cast interview here!) – saw them temporarily halt their musical ambitions.

Four years on, Benny has finally launched their comeback with their debut EP, Swelter, led by the ‘angry and energetic’ stylings of their pop, metal and rock combo Break Away. Benny tells GAY TIMES that their new musical direction is a “peek into my personal life for the first time”: “I was nervous about how I would feel releasing this music, just because it is so personal and different for me. But, I’ve just been met with the most warm and amazing response.” 

From heartbreak to infidelity and closure, the themes on Swelter will undeniably resonate with listeners – particularly those under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. Read ahead for our full interview with Miss Benny, where they discuss the creative process behind Swelter.

What inspired the direction of Swelter?

Up until this point, I had just done a lot of pop music about kissing boys, hooking up and having fun – escapist pop. I think a lot of artists, when the pandemic hit, took a step back. I was like, ‘I want to make songs for me. What am I truly feeling right now?’ I recognised that I had some anger, heartbreak and resentment that I had never really worked through, especially artistically. I started to do a trial run of, ‘What would it sound like if I put the things I’m currently working through into my music?’ and it turned out to be this pop-rock, metal-rock sound. The song that solidified that was Break Away because I wanted to make something that felt like it was screaming at you. It was exploding with anger and energy. From that point on, I felt like it was all clicking into place, giving people a peek into my personal life for the first time.

Sonically, these new tracks sound like a natural progression and evolution of Rendezvous, That’s My Man and so forth. But, Swelter definitely feels more authentically Miss Benny.

That’s what I was going for, for sure. I was so glad that people liked my first couple of songs, because I love those so much. When I hear Rendezvous now, I’m so happy to say, ‘This is how I started.’