Benny Benassi swung by ahead of Beyond Wonderland SoCal to talk about his upcoming set, recent releases, and advice for aspiring artists.
In the ever-changing landscape of dance music, Benny Benassi stands as a pioneering force, a name synonymous with the genre’s evolution. With a career that has spanned decades, marked by his groundbreaking track “Satisfaction” and a continuous evolution of sound, he remains at the forefront of the global dance music scene. As Benny Benassi gears up for a standout performance at the 13th edition of Beyond Wonderland SoCal, his presence at the festival symbolizes a nod to the genre’s rich history and a look forward to its vibrant future.
Insomniac’s Beyond Wonderland SoCal, which will take place on March 22-23 at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, is set to be another vibrant edition. Some of the top artists in the scene, such as Zeds Dead, Alesso, Madeon, and more, are joining Benny Benassi on the lineup, while the venue itself will be decked out with plenty of immersive production elements and stages.
Ahead of the festival, we caught up with Benny Benassi to chat about his forthcoming set, his creative process, and his take on the current and future state of dance music. Join us as we uncover the stories behind his iconic tracks, his approach to crafting unforgettable live performances, and his vision for the ever-changing landscape of dance music. And don’t forget to catch him when he plays the Queen’s Domain stage at 8pm this weekend!
Stream Benny Benassi’s remix of “Let It Rock” on Spotify:
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat today. With your upcoming sets at Beyond Wonderland SoCal and EDC Las Vegas, how do you plan to make these performances unique and memorable?
I have a few tricks up my sleeve! Some new music and surprises – but if I told you now, then they wouldn’t be surprises…
Could you tell us the story behind your recent rework of “Let it Rock” with Kevin Rudolf and BVRNOUT?
Ah, this was an amazing experience for me, as I’ve always really liked that track. The British record label Cr2 Records, run by Mark Brown, had the idea, and when they asked me, I signed up immediately. I’m really happy with that track.
Can you share insights into any new collaborations or genres you’re exploring in your upcoming music?
I can’t reveal the new collaborations just yet, but, as always, the way I work is to apply my sound to different vocal and melodic styles… some tracks have a pop feel, others are more R&B and even some rock – but behind the vocals, you have my grooves and sounds as my hallmark. I’ve also begun to explore how the Benassi sound works with Latin artists.
As someone who has seen various trends in electronic music, where do you think the scene is heading?
I honestly have no idea! Trends come and go – sometimes house music spins at 110 BPM, but right now, it’s getting faster and faster. It’s all well and good, but if you have the right musical idea, trends don’t matter. You might even find you start one yourself!
How do you feel your work, especially tracks like “Satisfaction,” has influenced the current generation of electronic music producers?
That’s a question for them! But jokes aside, that track is still a huge part of my professional life.
Reflecting on your illustrious career, what aspects of electronic music still excite you today?
I’ve always had a very straight-forward approach – if the people are dancing then you’re doing something right! So, I have open arms to the artists that are much younger than me who are making the people dance. That’s what it’s all about.
Finally, for aspiring DJs and producers, what advice would you give to stand out in the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music?
If I have any wisdom to share at all, it would be to stay true to your personal taste. Make music you believe in. Make music you love. Any other reason for making music just doesn’t stand the test of time.
