By Sevy Aysel
Can you describe yourself in 3 words?
Sensitive…Authentic.. and Intense.
Tell me about your sound?
Summed up in one word…
“TIMELESS’’!
When did you first fall in love with music?
At the tender age of 6.
I believe music was given to me, as opposed to me nature’s finding it.
I’ve always had a good ear for melody and rhythm.
I was forced into joining a choir, which allowed me to find and unlock elements of myself through self-discovery and experiences.
Which artists inspired you whilst you were growing up?
I grew up listening to the greats:
Michael Jackson, Prince, James Brown, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Lenny Kravitz and Terence Trent D’arby etc.
I believe they all had love as their purpose, meaning and feeling for music.
They have always been in my studies for growth and development, to improve my craft as a young crooner and to lead by example through becoming my individual icon.
Do you have a musical background?
Yes.
Years ago my mother was in a singing group with her sisters known as ‘’The Lawrence Sisters’’ which was formed in Manchester.
They were touring and performing all over Britain.
She was also an acoustic guitarist.
My Father was a banjo player and part of a choir throughout his growing years.
I believe they’ve had a substantial influence on my music and expression.
I was brought up on music since birth.
How do you stay motivated?
What keeps me motivated is love.
Love keeps me grounded.
Despite going through many hurdles and difficulties, I focus on what needs to be done.
Just like any other human being, I certainly have my low days where it eats me up inside.
However, I remind myself of my greatest qualities, the need for fulfilling a purpose to others around the world.
Do you ever write your personal music?
Oh, yes! Absolutely! All the time. It’s a very emotional process to me, as I believe there are no limits set to reinventing love and change through music.
Reaching out to save the lives of others is in my real nature.
On top of everything, it’s all personal to me because it’s all real coming from the heart and I can breathe love and life into people’s souls through my given expressions.
Have any singers influenced you as an artist? …
Yes, to what was mentioned about the greatest influential artists.
Many people have compared me to me a young Michael Jackson and Prince. However, embedding into my own elements at the same time, that people would say is very refreshing and not often at all seen. As an artist, I will always be finding more about who ‘’Leyton Benta’’ is. I feel it will always be a constant discovery. You never stop learning.
Who would you say is your target audience?
Personally, my targeted audience is catered to every generation going, as there is always a song for everyone to be apprehended for. So I wouldn’t categorize myself in one lane. Everybody deserves to be appreciated!
How did it feel to win a BEFFTA award for ‘Best Unsigned Artist’?
Incredibly humbled and in a trance. I honestly wanted to cry. I mean it was after all my first ever physical award for the recognition of my craft.
What’s even more of a blessing is, considering not many people knew who I was, or about my music.
I was a bit surprised when I did win that amazing award.
It was a major stepping stone in my life that certainly broadened the horizons for the next chapters.
Where do you hope to see yourself in a year’s time?
I feel taking things day by day can only define how the year and years ahead will truly be.
I could never give an actual answer to that.
The only thing I could say truthfully is that I never stop working.
Opportunities will always knock when and while I’m working.
Everything is timing through natures work.
Are you currently performing any live shows, if so where and when!?
I am performing nearly every week.
I am doing shows all across London at different Open Mic events.
Also, I am currently working towards events in the U.S
Last, but not least, I am in talks with a TV/Web series in the U.S about a cameo performance.
Please follow my social media below to stay up to date with the latest on my love reinvention journey.
Facebook : Leyton Benta 2016
Twitter : @leytonbenta2016
Instagram : leyton_benta
YouTube : official Leyton Benta 2016
Snapchat : leytonb2016
For all enquiries, please contact Terence Dudley at [email protected]