Hubbry Logo
BeneeBeneeMain
Open search
Benee
Community hub
Benee
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Benee
Benee
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Stella Rose Bennett (born 30 January 2000), better known as Benee (stylised in all caps; pronounced /ˈbɛn/[1]) and formerly Bene,[2] is a New Zealand singer and songwriter from Auckland. In both 2019 and 2020, she consecutively won Single of the Year, Best Solo Artist and Best Pop Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards. Benee initially gained local prominence with her singles "Glitter" and "Soaked", before her 2019 single "Supalonely" saw international popularity following its success on the video-sharing platforms TikTok and YouTube. Benee subsequently released her debut album, Hey U X, in November 2020; her second, Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles, came out five years later.

Under the moniker of "Bene", she made her solo debut with the 2017 single "Tough Guy", before later gaining prominence with her 2018 single "Soaked", which has been certified double-platinum in New Zealand. She released her debut EP, Fire on Marzz, with help from producer Josh Fountain in June 2019. Her second EP, Stella & Steve, was released in November 2019 and charted in the US, Canada and France as a result of the international success of the EP's final single, "Supalonely". Since 2018, Benee has earned seven entries on the Triple J Hottest 100, three of which were in the 2019 list. She released her third EP, Lychee, in March 2022, which charted at number 13 on the Official New Zealand Music Chart.

Life and career

[edit]

2000–2017: Early life

[edit]

Stella Rose Bennett[3] was born on 30 January 2000,[4][5] and raised in the suburb of Grey Lynn in Auckland.[6][7] She grew up in a "really musical"[8] family with parents who would expose her to the catalogs of Radiohead, Björk and Groove Armada.[9][10][11] From the age of eight, Benee began taking guitar lessons in primary school before starting saxophone lessons in high school.[12] Eventually, Benee dropped all music in order to prioritise water polo.[12] She claims it "was [her] life" and that she at one point hoped to represent New Zealand competitively.[13][14] Benee later became interested in writing and recording music at the age of 17,[10] after deciding that she did not want to pursue a career in water polo.[13] Benee attended an all girls Catholic school, St Mary's College, where music was compulsory for four years.[15][10]

2017–2018: Online beginnings and solo debut

[edit]

Benee began her music career by posting covers to SoundCloud, and began making her own music in her final year of high school.[16] After dropping out of a communications degree at the Auckland University of Technology after two weeks, during what she called "a quarter-life crisis", she decided to enter the music business professionally.[1] Her music caught the attention of Josh Fountain, a producer, with whom she worked on both her 2017 debut single "Tough Guy" and her 2018 single "Soaked".[17][18] As Bene, she earned her first career entry on the Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2018 with "Soaked" at #58.[19]

2018–2019: Fire on Marzz and Stella & Steve

[edit]

In February 2019, Benee supported Lily Allen for an Auckland show during her No Shame Tour.[20] Under the moniker of "Bene", released her debut EP Fire on Marzz on 28 June 2019, before later adding an "e" because of "pronunciation woes",[21] and copyright issues.[22] She had signed to Republic Records in early 2019, prior to this release.[23] The EP, which was described by George Fenwick of The New Zealand Herald as "a funky, sun-soaked record", peaked at #13 on the New Zealand Albums Chart and at #75 on the Australian Albums Chart. The EP also earned Benee the award for Best Solo Artist at the 2019 New Zealand Music Awards in November 2019, where she also won awards for Single of the Year with "Soaked", Best Breakthrough Artist and Best Pop Artist.[24]

Benee's follow-up EP, Stella & Steve, was released on 15 November 2019.[23] The EP features the single "Supalonely" featuring Gus Dapperton, which later gained international success in March 2020 after a viral dance challenge accompanied by the song spawned on the online video-sharing platform TikTok.[25][26] This became her second song to become viral on TikTok after "Glitter" spawned a similar dance challenge in December 2019.[27] Benee also supported American singer-songwriter Conan Gray for nine nights of his Comfort Crowd Tour of North America during December 2019.[28] Benee's singles, "Glitter", "Find an Island", and "Evil Spider" each appeared in the 2019 Triple J Hottest 100 at 19, 25 and 51 respectively.[29]

2020–2021: "Supalonely" and Hey U X

[edit]
Benee in 2020

Benee's first headlining North American tour with support from American singer Remi Wolf was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[30][31] On 31 January 2020, Benee guested on Australian youth broadcaster Triple J's segment Like a Version, where she covered British musician James Blake's "Mile High", in addition to a performance of "Glitter".[32][33] In June, the song "Supalonely" clocked over 250 million streams, as well as gaining almost 7 billion plays in just one month in 2020, a year after she joined the platform.[34] Shortly after, she made her television debut performing it on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alongside Gus Dapperton.[35][36] She also performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show a month later.[37] In July 2020, Benee released the single "Night Garden" featuring American producer Kenny Beats and British musician Bakar,[38] before releasing the single "Snail" amid the COVID-19 lockdowns in August 2020.[39] Also in July, she was announced as Apple Music's Up Next artist for the month of July, becoming the first New Zealand artist with the title.[40]

Benee featured on the track "Afterthought" on Japanese-Australian musician Joji's second studio album, Nectar (2020).[41] In October 2020, Benee was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2020 People's Choice Awards.[42] Benee performed "Supalonely" on the American talk show Late Night with Seth Meyers in October 2020. In October 2020, Benee departed on a headlining tour of New Zealand October 2020,[43] and formed her own record label, Olive Records,[44] signing Raglan reggae musician Muroki as the label's first artist.[45] On 15 October 2020, Benee announced her debut album, Hey U X, which was released on 13 November 2020.[46] She had prior noted that it would differ musically from her previous releases.[47][48] In late October 2020, Benee released the single "Plain" featuring Lily Allen and Flo Milli, shortly before she was announced as the winner of the 2020 APRA Silver Scroll Award for the song "Glitter".[49] She also won Best New Zealand Act at the 2020 MTV Europe Music Awards,[50] where she was also nominated for Best New Act and Best Push Act.[51] On 13 November 2020, Hey U X was released, as was a music video for "Kool", which served as its fourth single.[52] She subsequently won Single of the Year (for "Supalonely"), Best Solo Artist and Best Pop Artist for the second consecutive year at the 2020 Aotearoa Music Awards.[53] Shortly after, her manager of four years, Paul McKessar, handed back his Aotearoa Music Award for Manager of the Year after allegations of his sexual misconduct became public.[54] She announced and then rescheduled a regional tour in Aotearoa aka New Zealand in 2021 to 2022.[55] In 2022 she announced her first World Tour.[56]

2022–2024: Lychee and "Green Honda"

[edit]
Benee performing in Sydney in April 2022

On 4 February 2022, Benee announced the release of her EP Lychee and released the second single "Beach Boy",[57] which she originally teased on her official Discord server on the 25th January 2022.[58][59] On 25 March 2022, she featured on Triple J's segment Like a Version, where she covered American singer Ariana Grande's song "God Is a Woman", alongside a performance of her song "Never Ending".[60] She would also release many collabortaive tracks in 2022, including with Deaton Chris Anthony, "Good Buy My Old Life",[61] as well as Easy Life with "OTT",[62][63] "I'm So Happy" with Jeremy Zucker[64] and a remix of "Lots Of Nothing" with Spacey Jane.[65][66]

Early 2023, February, would see Benee release the first single from her upcoming sophomore album, "Green Honda",[67] and would also lead to her debut performance at the 22nd Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2023.[68][69] She would also release a track with previous collaborator Gus Dapperton with "Don't Let Me Down", appearing on his debut album, Henge.[70] In May 2023 she released "Bagels", with mental health charity Youthline.[71] In June she released a song with Australian artist Mallrat called "Do It Again", the official song of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.[72][73]

In March 2024, it was announced that Benee would be joining Wallows on their North American tour.[74] In May 2024, it was announced that she would be joining Olivia Rodrigo on the Australian leg of her Guts World Tour,[75] as well as co-writing NewJeans' single "How Sweet," which was released the same month.[76] In the summer, "Sad Boiii", the second single from her upcoming sophomore album was released,[77] followed by "Animal" in November, a song about how "insignificant and small we are compared to the universe".[78] The latter was also accompanied by the announcement that she would be joining Tate McRae on the UK and Europe leg of her Miss Possessive Tour.[79]

2025–present: Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles

[edit]

In March 2025, Benee released "Zero To Hero" as part of the A Minecraft Movie soundtrack.[80] She would then begin to tease a new song, "Off The Rails" on TikTok which she had been performing during Tate McRae's tour, and it was released on 20 June 2025.[81] The track was produced by ELVIRA and Luka Kloser[82] who had worked with Benee before on her 2023 single "Green Honda".[83]

Personal life

[edit]

In an interview for The New Zealand Herald, Benee revealed that she has dyslexia[2] and was also diagnosed with OCD in 2021.[34] She shared that she struggled with writing in school, particularly with grammar, but found songwriting to be a creative outlet where she did not have to be grammatically correct.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

Filmography

[edit]
Film
Year Title Role Note
2024 Head South Kirsten Acting debut[84]
Commercials
Year Campaign(s) / Product(s) Brand(s) Role Ref
2016 Slingshot Mobile Slingshot Daughter [85]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
List of awards and nominations received by Benee
Organization Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
Aotearoa Music Awards 2019 Breakthrough Artist of the Year Herself Won [86]
Single of the Year "Soaked" Won
Best Solo Artist Fire on Marzz Won
Best Pop Artist Fire on Marzz Won
2020 Single of the Year "Supalonely" Won [87]
Best Solo Artist Stella & Steve Won
Best Pop Artist Stella & Steve Won
2021 Album of the Year Hey U X Nominated
Best Solo Artist Hey U X Nominated
Best Pop Artist Herself Won
2022 Best Pop Artist Lychee Won
APRA Music Awards 2019 Silver Scroll "Soaked" Shortlisted [88]
2020 "Glitter" Won [89]
Berlin Music Video Awards 2021 Best VFX Snail Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards 2019 Best New Zealand Act Herself Nominated [90]
2020 Best New Act Herself Nominated [91]
Best New Zealand Act Herself Won [92]
Best Push Act Herself Nominated [91]
2023 Best New Zealand Act Herself Nominated [93]
MTV Video Music Awards 2020 Push Best New Artist Herself Longlisted [94]
People's Choice Awards 2020 The New Artist of 2020 Herself Nominated [42]

Lists

[edit]
Publisher Listicle Year[note 1] Recipient(s) Result Ref.
triple j "Hottest 100" 2018 "Soaked" 58th [95]
2019 "Glitter" 19th [96]
"Find an Island" 25th
"Evil Spider" 51st
2020 "Kool" 100th [97]
2022 "Beach Boy" 81st [98]
2023 "Green Honda" 39th [99]

Tours

[edit]

Headlining

[edit]
  • 2019 – Australian East Coast tour[100]
  • 2020 – New Zealand tour[43]
  • 2022 – Regional New Zealand, "Aotearoa" Tour (Rescheduled)[101][55]
  • 2022 – "World tour"[56]
  • 2026 - Australian Tour [102]

Supporting

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Stella Rose Bennett (born 30 January 2000), known professionally as Benee (stylized in all caps and pronounced /bɛˈniː/ BEN-ee), is a and musician from . She first gained international attention in 2020 with her breakout single "", a collaboration with that amassed over one billion streams worldwide and topped charts in multiple countries. Known for her eclectic style blending elements of , R&B, and alternative influences, Benee has released two studio albums, multiple EPs, and earned several awards, including multiple wins at the Aotearoa Music Awards for Best Solo Artist and Breakthrough Artist. Born and raised in the suburb of to musician parents, Bennett was immersed in music from a young age, learning guitar at seven and at eight before focusing on songwriting in her bedroom during her final year of high school. She began her career in 2017 by self-releasing tracks like "Tough Guy" on in collaboration with producer Josh Fountain of the band , leading to her debut EP Fire on Marzz in 2019. That year, her single "Soaked" earned her four Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards, including Best Pop Artist and Single of the Year, marking her as a rising star in New Zealand's music scene. Benee signed with Republic Records in 2019 and released her second EP, Stella & Steve, later that year, followed by her debut studio album Hey U, X in November 2020, which debuted at number one on the New Zealand charts and featured hits like "Glitter" and "Supalonely". Her music draws from influences including Lorde, Björk, and Mac DeMarco, often exploring themes of mental health, relationships, and self-discovery with a quirky, therapeutic edge. She has collaborated with artists such as Grimes on "Sheesh" and Flo Milli, and performed at major festivals like Coachella in 2023. In 2022, she released the EP Lychee, featuring singles "Doesn’t Matter" and "Beach Boy", before taking time to focus on personal growth. On November 7, 2025, Benee released her sophomore Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles via , a deeply personal project written over three years reflecting her experiences moving to , feelings of displacement, and finding positivity amid chaos; it includes singles "Cinnamon", "Off the Rails", "Animal", and "Sad Boiii". The , comprising 12 tracks and running 34 minutes, marks her evolution as an artist based in LA while maintaining ties to her roots.

Life and career

2000–2017: Early life and education

Stella Rose Bennett was born on 30 January 2000 in the suburb of , . She grew up in a highly musical household, where her parents, both involved in music, frequently played records by artists such as , , and , and took her to local gigs and festivals from a young age. This environment fostered an early appreciation for music, though Bennett initially pursued other interests rather than performance. At around age eight, Bennett began guitar lessons during , later adding at age eight during , but her primary focus shifted away from music as she immersed herself in academics and sports. Diagnosed with at a young age, she faced significant challenges with reading and writing, particularly in English class despite her passion for creative expression. Her parents provided crucial emotional support, encouraging her unique perspective as a strength, while a SPELD NZ-trained offered specialized assistance that helped her navigate learning difficulties and build confidence. These experiences shaped her resilience, emphasizing visual and creative learning over traditional methods. Bennett attended St Mary's College in for high school, where she excelled in extracurricular activities. She became deeply involved in , training intensively and competing at a high level, nearly qualifying for the national youth team by age 17. Prioritizing the sport, she temporarily set aside and other pursuits, balancing rigorous practices with studies until her final year, when her interests began to evolve toward creative endeavors.

2017–2019: Online beginnings, debut singles, and EPs

In 2017, Stella Bennett adopted the stage name Benee, pronounced BEN-ee (/bɛˈniː/), and began sharing music online under the moniker, initially uploading covers to , which connected her with producer Josh Fountain. This marked her entry into the music scene as she transitioned from high school to pursuing music full-time. Benee released her debut single "Tough Guy" in December 2017 through the label A Low Hum, which garnered initial local attention and established her quirky pop sound in Auckland's indie circles. Her follow-up "Soaked," released in September 2018, achieved viral success on platforms like and , eventually earning double-platinum certification in for over 60,000 units sold. In early 2019, Benee signed with , a division of , providing international backing for her growing profile. She followed this with her debut EP Fire on Marzz on June 28, 2019, a five-track project co-produced with that included the upbeat "Find an " and revisited earlier singles like "Soaked" and "." Later that year, on November 15, she released her second EP Stella & Steve, featuring the original version of "" with , alongside tracks exploring themes of isolation and whimsy. Benee began performing live during this period, starting with a sold-out EP release show at Auckland's Powerstation in June 2019 and supporting acts in . In November 2019, she embarked on her first Australian East Coast headline tour, playing venues in , , and to enthusiastic crowds, solidifying her regional presence ahead of global breakthroughs.

2020–2021: "Supalonely" breakthrough and debut album

In early 2020, Benee's single "", featuring American singer , achieved international breakthrough after gaining massive traction on , where users created millions of videos using the track during the early months of the lockdowns. The song's themes of isolation resonated deeply with global audiences confined at home, propelling it to viral status and establishing it as an unofficial anthem of the era. "" topped the New Zealand Top 40 Singles Chart and peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart, while reaching the top 20 on the Top 40 radio chart. By , the track had amassed over 1 billion streams worldwide, earning recognition on APRA AMCOS's 1,000,000,000 List. Building on this momentum, Benee released her debut studio album, , on November 13, 2020, via . The 13-track project, primarily produced by longtime collaborator Josh Fountain, blended with eclectic elements and featured guest appearances from artists including , , and . Standout tracks like "Klub", a club-inspired banger with pulsating synths, and "Happen to Me", which sampled Radiohead's "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi", showcased her evolving sound and playful lyricism. The album debuted at number 2 on the New Zealand Albums Chart and number 22 on the Australian Albums Chart. The disrupted Benee's live performances, including the cancellation of her first headlining North American tour, which was scheduled for spring 2020 with support from . Despite this, she successfully completed a sold-out tour in October 2020, marking one of the first major live music events in the country post-lockdown. In October 2020, Benee received the APRA Silver Scroll Award for songwriting excellence, recognizing her contributions to music, though the honor was tied to her earlier work "". Her success with "" also earned her Single of the Year at the 2020 Music Awards. Early 2021 brought challenges when allegations of misconduct surfaced against Benee's manager of four years, Paul McKessar, leading to his resignation from CRS Management in January amid an industry-wide reckoning on and power imbalances in New Zealand's scene. McKessar admitted to crossing professional boundaries with past clients and relinquished his for Manager of the Year. This contributed to a period of reflection and reduced activity for Benee, including the postponement of her planned nationwide tour in August 2021 for personal reasons, allowing her to step back amid the turmoil.

2022–2024: Lychee EP and interim singles

In the aftermath of management challenges in 2021, Benee focused on creative recovery, culminating in the release of her third EP, , on March 4, 2022, via . The seven-track project, produced by collaborators including and , explores themes of emotional vulnerability, relationships, and self-discovery amid the pandemic's isolation. Standout tracks like "Beach Boy," with its dreamy production, and "," a reflective on fleeting connections, highlight her shift toward more introspective and elements. To promote Lychee, Benee embarked on her 2022 world tour, beginning in in February and extending to , the , and through June, with key dates including , , and . The tour marked her return to live performances post-pandemic, showcasing material from the EP alongside earlier hits and emphasizing her growing international presence. At the 2022 Aotearoa Music Awards, Benee won Te Kaipuoro Arotini Toa for Best Pop Artist, recognizing as a pivotal release in her catalog and affirming her dominance in 's pop scene for the fourth consecutive year. Benee returned with the standalone single "Green Honda" on February 8, 2023, a high-energy electro-pop track evoking nostalgia through its narrative of cruising away from a past relationship and embracing bold self-expression. The song's futuristic synths and confident signaled her toward more assertive songwriting, peaking at number eight on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart. In 2024, Benee released "Sad Boiii" on September 4, blending island-inspired beats with funk-pop grooves to address emotional unavailability in toxic relationships and the struggle to move on from idealized partners. The track's breezy yet poignant storytelling reflected her ongoing exploration of personal resilience. Later that year, on November 14, "" arrived as an upbeat, glitchy alt-pop single infused with hip-hop influences, channeling existential dread into a playful about raw instincts and fleeting fame. This release marked a bolder experimental turn, with its unpredictable structure underscoring Benee's artistic maturation.

2025: Sophomore album, recent singles, and touring

On March 28, 2025, Benee released "Zero to Hero," an energetic pop track contributed to the for A Movie. The song, which incorporates playful references to the game's mechanics, marked her entry into film scoring and showcased her ability to blend whimsical elements with upbeat production. Building momentum toward her sophomore effort, Benee dropped "Off the Rails" on June 20, 2025, as the heralding the . Co-written and produced with Luka Kloser and Anderfjärd, the track channels "female rage" through revival influences, capturing themes of emotional derailment in relationships. In August 2025, she announced the Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles, set for release on November 7, 2025, via . The 12-track project, clocking in at 34 minutes, explores emotional introspection, existential chaos, obsession, and relational dynamics across four conceptual chapters—obsession, breakdown, chaos, and ascent—while maintaining a thread of childlike wonder. It features production collaborations including Austin Corona, , John Hill, and Mike Wise, evolving her alt-pop sound with experimental edges and dynamic instrumentation. Preceding the full release, Benee issued additional singles to tease the album's direction: "" in August 2025, a bouncy pop reflection on maintaining positivity amid adversity; and "" on October 3, 2025, delving into submerged emotional states. Earlier precursors like "Sad Boiii" and "," released in late 2024, laid groundwork with their introspective takes on and cosmic observation, bridging her interim work stylistically. In a promotional nod to her growing profile, Benee collaborated with on a re-recorded version of "You Get What You Give" for the 2025 broadcast in September. Throughout 2025, Benee expanded her live presence with supporting slots on major tours, including Olivia Rodrigo's 2024 Australian dates and Tate McRae's Miss Possessive Tour European leg, where she performed tracks like "Supalonely" to enthusiastic crowds. These outings, described by Benee as "so inspiring," influenced the album's collaborative energy and helped refine her stage presence. Upon its November 7 release, Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles garnered initial critical praise for its maturity, heartfelt honesty, and Benee's expanded vocal and thematic range, with reviewers highlighting her knack for blending melancholy with mischievous pop flair.

Artistry

Musical style and genres

Benee's music primarily encompasses alternative pop and , infused with elements of R&B, electronic, and influences that create a genre-bending sound. Her style has evolved from the lo-fi bedroom pop of her early self-produced releases—crafted using on a —to more polished alt-pop productions featuring experimental and eclectic arrangements. This progression reflects a shift from intimate, DIY to sophisticated blends incorporating , trap, and elements in later works. Key to her production is the prominent use of synthesizers for woozy, atmospheric textures, for stylized vocal effects, and layered vocals that add depth and whimsy. Initially self-produced in a setup with basic tools like a and keyboard, her early tracks emphasized funky bass lines and live instrument simulations, evolving into slicker, collaborative efforts with producers like Josh Fountain. Techniques such as vocal manipulations and 808-driven beats further enhance the futuristic and playful edge of her sound. Benee's vocal characteristics include a breathy, delivery delivered with ironic wit and a youthful plainspokenness, often layering playful tones over explorations of vulnerability and moodiness. This approach contrasts lighthearted irony with deeper emotional undercurrents, as heard in "," where her ethereal whispers underscore themes of isolation. Her minimalistic arrangements, focusing on sparse instrumentation and honest expression, invite comparisons to contemporaries like and in their shared alt-pop minimalism.

Influences, themes, and songwriting

Benee's musical influences draw from a diverse array of artists, blending heritage with international experimental and introspective sounds. Growing up, she was exposed to her parents' eclectic tastes, including , , and , which instilled an appreciation for innovative production and emotional depth in her work. She has cited fellow Bic Runga as a generational touchstone, connecting her to local alt-pop traditions, while international acts like James Blake, The Internet, , and inform her psychedelic and vulnerable vibes. These influences manifest in her genre-blending approach, emphasizing introspection over conventional pop structures. Her collaborations have further shaped her artistic evolution, particularly through partnerships that highlight playful yet poignant dynamics. On her debut album , she worked with on tracks that fused quirky with emotional undercurrents, and featured Muroki, a artist she later signed to her label Olive Records, adding layers of cultural resonance and smooth R&B elements. These interactions encouraged a collaborative spirit while allowing Benee to retain her signature vulnerability, influencing her shift toward more narrative-driven songcraft in later projects. Recurring themes in Benee's lyrics revolve around relationships, struggles, , and self-empowerment, often delivered with humorous or sarcastic twists that undercut the heaviness. Songs frequently explore the messiness of Gen Z romance and , as in "Cinnamon" and "Sad Boii," where she dissects fleeting connections with witty . emerges as a core motif, addressing anxiety, depression, and invisible disorders in tracks like "Demons" and "Chainmail," reflecting her own experiences with . for simpler times and personal growth threads through her work, providing a bittersweet that resonates with overthinkers navigating chaos. Benee's songwriting process is deeply autobiographical, rooted in personal journals and spontaneous notes that capture raw emotions and dream-inspired narratives. She typically begins with to establish a "vibe," drawing from daily reflections or ideas recorded on her phone, before collaborating with producers like Josh Fountain to build the sound. Post-2021, her approach emphasized greater vulnerability, influenced by life transitions like moving to and coping with loss, allowing for more honest explorations of and resilience. This evolution is evident in her sophomore album Ur An Angel I'm Just Particles (2025), where reveal inspirations from an old demo lyric about existential disconnection, framing themes of obsession, breakdown, chaos, and ascent drawn from personal relationships and emotional growth. The album's structure, divided into four chapters, mirrors her journey toward self-acceptance, with tracks like "" processing over her grandfather's death amid post-pandemic isolation.

Personal life

Family background

Benee maintains a strong connection with her family, who continue to influence her professional life and personal grounding amid her rising fame. Her mother, Tania Anderson, a former and singer, has taken on the role of her since 2020, handling logistics and providing emotional support during tours and career milestones, such as the release of her debut album . This arrangement allows Benee to navigate the demands of international success while keeping family close, as Anderson accompanies her and helps manage the practicalities of . Her parents have been pivotal in her post-2017 career trajectory, offering unwavering encouragement when she left to focus on . In a 2020 , Benee recalled their supportive stance, noting they agreed to let her pursue songwriting full-time with a three-year trial period, reflecting a balance of faith in her talent and pragmatic guidance. This early backing helped her transition from uploading covers online to signing with a label, underscoring the family's role in nurturing her ambition without pressure. Benee also shares her home with a , whose musical aptitude—described as having a "really good voice"—mirrors the family's creative environment, though he remains shy about performing. During her breakthrough period, family support extended to shielding her from external pressures, with mentions in interviews highlighting how her parents instilled a resilient through their own artistic pursuits and attendance at local gigs together. This ongoing dynamic provides Benee with stability, as she often credits their influence for her grounded approach to fame.

Health and diagnoses

Benee was diagnosed with dyslexia in primary school, around Year 5, after confiding in her mother about her struggles with spelling, reading, and mathematics, which led to formal testing. The diagnosis brought her relief, as it clarified why certain tasks felt disproportionately challenging compared to her peers and dispelled her self-doubt about her intelligence. To manage the condition, she underwent weekly one-hour tutoring sessions with a SPELD NZ-trained teacher from her final primary year through Year 9, focusing on exercises in numbers, spelling, and reading comprehension; she also selected high school subjects aligned with her interests, such as art history, media, and geography, to minimize difficulties in structured writing and analysis. Her family played a key role in supporting her early diagnosis and management. In early 2021, Benee received a of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which she has described as a source of relief for providing insight into her longstanding anxiety. She publicly disclosed the diagnosis that October via on and through her single "Doesn't Matter," which explores feelings of being overwhelmed and stuck during anxious episodes. The condition significantly impacted her daily life and career that year, contributing to periods of intense anxiety, depression, and her lowest emotional point amid global stresses, prompting a focus on coping mechanisms like with a . Benee has advocated for mental health awareness in the music industry through various interviews, emphasizing the importance of open conversations to destigmatize conditions like OCD and support others facing similar challenges.

Discography

Studio albums

Benee's debut studio album, Hey u x, was released on 13 November 2020 through Republic Records. The 13-track project features collaborations with artists such as Gus Dapperton on the lead single "Supalonely," Lily Allen on "Well Bad," Grimes on "My Oh My," and Flo Milli on "Mood Swing," blending indie pop with elements of R&B and electronic production. Key tracks like "Snail" and "Kool" highlight its playful yet introspective vibe, capturing pandemic-era isolation and youthful escapism through whimsical lyrics and genre-shifting beats. The album debuted at number one on the Official New Zealand Top 40 Albums Chart, marking a commercial breakthrough following her earlier EPs. Critics praised for its balance of moodiness and charm, with noting its ability to navigate whimsy in slower moments like "A Little While," while highlighted its potential as a sign of the artist's enduring appeal amid 's uncertainties. Euphoria Magazine awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars, commending its subversive take on pop that addresses contemporary worries with groovy innovation. Produced primarily by and Jane Tyrell, the record solidified Benee's reputation for eclectic, collaboration-driven soundscapes. Her sophomore studio album, Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles, arrived on 7 November 2025 via , comprising 12 tracks with a runtime of 34 minutes. Integrating lead singles such as "Cinnamon," "Sad Boiii," "Off the Rails," and "Animal," the album explores themes of , existential reflection, and personal growth through a dreamier lens infused with and rock influences. Standout tracks like "Demons" and "Chainmail" delve into emotional vulnerability, while the reggae-tinged "Sad Boiii" and indie-rock "Off the Rails" showcase expanded sonic experimentation. Initial reception has lauded the album's maturity and range, with Atwood Magazine describing it as a "fiery step into new sounds and perspective" that proves Benee's evolution. Dork noted its witty, self-aware charm with softer edges compared to her debut, emphasizing a more introspective mood. Production credits include collaborators like John Hill, Mike Wise, Ryan Raines, and SLY, contributing to its polished yet edgy aesthetic. Early chart performance saw it debut at number 11 on New Zealand's albums ranking (as of November 2025).

Extended plays

Benee's debut , Fire on Marzz, was released on June 28, 2019, through , marking her first project under a major label following a series of independent singles. The EP consists of six tracks, including standout singles "Soaked" and "," which showcased her early blend of and alternative influences, building on the buzz from her initial releases like "Soaked" in 2018. This bubbly collection highlighted Benee's playful lyricism and production collaboration with local talents, establishing her as an emerging voice in the alt-pop scene. Her second EP, Stella & Steve, arrived on November 15, 2019, also via , serving as a more relaxed counterpart to the energetic Fire on Marzz. Comprising five tracks, it featured the original version of "" with , alongside "Find an Island" and "Monsta," which explored themes of and through a mix of funk-infused pop and electronic elements. The project incorporated both older unreleased songs and new material, reflecting Benee's evolving songwriting during a period of rapid international exposure. Following her 2020 debut album , Benee released her third EP, , on March 4, 2022, through , as a transitional effort amid personal growth and relocation between and . The seven-track EP includes key singles "Beach Boy," "Doesn't Matter," and "Never Ending," delving into relationships, , and emotional resilience with diverse production from collaborators like and . This project captured Benee's shift toward more introspective and varied sonic palettes, bridging her early career experimentation with mature thematic depth.

Notable singles

Benee, the singer-songwriter known for her eclectic pop sound, launched her career with the debut single "Tough Guy" in December 2017, released under her original alias BENE through the local label A Low Hum. This track marked her entry into the music scene at age 17, earning positive reception in New Zealand's underground circuit for its raw, introspective lyrics about emotional vulnerability. It gained traction through streaming platforms and a directed by Jordan Arts, which premiered in February 2018 and highlighted her quirky visual style. Building on that momentum, "Soaked" arrived in September 2018 as her second single, quickly becoming a viral sensation after climbing Spotify's global Viral Charts with over 14 million streams in its early months. The track's funky basslines and relatable themes of personal struggle resonated widely, leading to its certification as double in by for exceeding 60,000 units. It also earned double status in and charted on Triple J's Hottest 100 at number 58, solidifying Benee's breakout status in the landscape. "", released in March 2019, served as a from her debut EP Fire on Marzz and became another early hit, achieving double in for its upbeat sound and whimsical lyrics. The 2020 remix of "," featuring and released in February through , propelled Benee to international fame after going viral on . The song debuted at number one on the New Zealand Singles Chart, peaked at number 14 on the , and entered the top 10 in several countries including the and . By late 2025, it had amassed over 788 million streams on alone, contributing to multi- certifications worldwide, such as 3× in the by the RIAA. This milestone track, with its upbeat yet melancholic vibe, showcased her ability to blend lo-fi elements with mainstream appeal. "Find an Island", released in October 2019 as the lead single from Stella & Steve, captured escapism themes with its funk-pop groove and helped build anticipation for her international breakthrough. In February 2023, Benee released "Green Honda" as her first single of the year, a high-energy electro-pop track evoking late-1990s alt-electronica through its pounding new wave synths and snarling delivery about moving on from toxic relationships. The accompanying , directed by Eliot Charof and AA and filmed in , featured chaotic, green-tinted visuals of high-speed chases and surreal imagery, amplifying the song's frenetic energy. It received acclaim for its infectious production and marked a stylistic evolution post her 2022 EP. "Off The Rails," released on June 20, 2025, served as the for Benee's sophomore album Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles, channeling "female rage" with hectic, high-energy instrumentation co-written by producers Luka Kloser and Anderfjärd. The promotional campaign included wiping her for teaser clips, building anticipation ahead of the album's November 7 release, and a emphasizing her raw, overthought emotional themes. This track highlighted her growth into bolder, more , earning praise for its anthemic intensity.

Filmography

Acting roles

Benee made her acting debut in the 2024 New Zealand film Head South, directed by Jonathan Ogilvie. In the coming-of-age drama set in 1979 Christchurch, she portrayed Kirsten, a sassy and independent guitarist whom the protagonist Angus seeks to impress as he navigates the underground post-punk scene amid family challenges. The role marked her first foray into narrative acting, drawing on her musical background to contribute authentically to scenes involving band dynamics and performances. Critics praised her natural presence and ability to hold her own alongside established actors like Ed Oxenbould and Márton Csókás, noting her character's pivotal influence on the story's exploration of youth, creativity, and resilience.

Music videos and appearances

Benee's music videos often blend quirky, introspective visuals with her alt-pop aesthetic, emphasizing themes of isolation, relationships, and personal growth through DIY elements and vibrant production. Her breakthrough video for "" featuring , released on February 4, 2020, captures a casual, home-based DIY concept with scenes of Benee dancing alone and with friends in everyday settings, which amplified its appeal as a quarantine-era anthem amid the . The track's resonance led to additional promotional content, including an at-home performance version filmed during lockdown for Starring in June 2020, further highlighting the song's DIY, relatable vibe. In 2023, the video for "Green Honda," released on February 8, showcased a shift to more chaotic, high-energy visuals, co-directed by Benee's partner (credited as AA) and Eliot Charof, and shot in a junkyard with neon green lighting and glitch effects to evoke nostalgia for a past romance symbolized by her first car. This self-involved creative process marked Benee's growing hands-on role in her visual storytelling, aligning with the single's themes of and escape. Supporting her 2025 sophomore album Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles, released on November 7, Benee issued promotional visuals for key singles, including the official music video for "Sad Boiii" on September 6, 2024, the official video for "Animal" on November 14, 2024, the official video for "Off The Rails" on June 19, 2025, the official video for "Cinnamon" on August 27, 2025, and the official lyric video for "Underwater" on October 2, 2025, which uses animated underwater motifs to mirror the song's exploration of emotional submersion. Post-album, she released the official lyric video for "Vegas" on November 6, 2025, and a live performance video for "Demons" from Vevo Studios on November 11, 2025. Benee has also appeared in televised performances tied to her releases, such as her "Supalonely" rendition on Late Night with Seth Meyers in October 2020 and a vibrant "Night Garden" set for MTV Push at Auckland Art Gallery, blending live energy with artistic backdrops. Additionally, she made her red carpet debut at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7, promoting her evolving visual style amid fan interactions.

Awards and nominations

Aotearoa Music Awards

Benee first garnered major attention at the Music Awards in 2019, sweeping all four of her nominations at the then-named Music Awards. She won Single of the Year for "Soaked", Best Solo Artist for Fire on Marzz, Best Pop Artist, and the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award, marking her breakthrough in the New Zealand music scene. The following year, at the 2020 Aotearoa Music Awards, Benee repeated her dominance by winning all four categories she was nominated in, including Single of the Year for "", Best Solo Artist, Best Pop Artist, and the International Achievement Award, which recognized her global success with the album . These victories underscored her transition from local talent to international pop sensation. In 2021, Benee continued her streak by winning Best Pop Artist, bringing her total awards to nine at that point and solidifying her status as a leading figure in . For the 2022 Aotearoa Music Awards, Benee earned a nomination in the Best Pop Artist category for her EP , which she ultimately won, securing the award for the fourth consecutive year and highlighting the project's innovative blend of pop and alternative influences. No Aotearoa Music Awards were held in 2023. Benee did not win any awards at the 2024 ceremony. The 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards also did not result in wins for Benee. As of November 2025, Benee has accumulated 10 wins across the Aotearoa Music Awards, reflecting her sustained impact on New Zealand's music landscape.

APRA and international awards

In 2020, Benee, alongside co-writers Joshua Fountain and Djeisan Suskov, received the APRA Silver Scroll Award for their song "," recognizing it as the outstanding composition of the year. This accolade, presented by , highlights exceptional songwriting achievement and marked Benee's first win in the category. On the international stage, Benee earned a for Best New Act at the , competing against artists including , who ultimately won the category. The underscored her rising global profile following the viral success of "." Benee further gained international recognition through her inclusion on APRA AMCOS's 1,000,000,000 List in 2022 for "," which amassed over one billion streams worldwide, a milestone honoring major streaming achievements by songwriters. In 2025, Benee performed at the , joining for a re-recorded version of "You Get What You Give" as part of the event's promotional anthem, serving as a notable honor for her contributions to contemporary pop.

Tours

Headlining tours

Benee's first headlining tour was the 2019 Australian East Coast Tour, which supported the release of her debut EP Fire on Marzz. The three-date run focused on promoting early singles like "" and "Soaked," drawing enthusiastic crowds in intimate venues and marking her initial foray into international live performances. Typical setlists featured tracks from the EP, including "Tough Guy," "," "Find an Island," and "," alongside covers and emerging material to showcase her playful indie-pop style. In October 2020, Benee completed an eight-date tour, her first major domestic run post-COVID lockdowns, with shows at Town Hall (Oct 2), Town Hall (Oct 3), Wellington's Shed 6 (Oct 9-10), and Auckland's (Oct 16-17). Setlists featured "Supalonely," "Soaked," and tracks from Hey U, X, drawing over 20,000 attendees total. The leg of the 2022 World Tour, planned as a 10-show nationwide run starting in Nelson, was canceled due to restrictions. The itinerary was set to include multiple performances across major cities like , , , and , with an emphasis on arena and theater venues to accommodate growing fan demand. Although no official setlists were documented due to the cancellation, preparatory promotions highlighted potential inclusions of hits like "" and "Soaked" from her burgeoning catalog. The 2022 World Tour represented Benee's most ambitious headlining effort to date, encompassing over 40 dates across , , and to promote her EP . The tour began with the Australian leg in March, including seven performances: Vandemonium in (Mar 18), HOTA Amphitheatre in Gold Coast (Mar 20), Fortitude Music Hall in (Mar 22), Sidney Myer Music Bowl in (Mar 25), Red Hill Auditorium in Perth (Mar 28), The Gov in (Mar 30), and Enmore Theatre in (Apr 1). It continued in Europe in May with shows in (May 1), Oslo, Copenhagen, Berlin, Amsterdam, (May 17), and Manchester, before moving to starting May 31 in , hitting cities such as , , and New York, and concluding June 30 in . Setlists varied by region but typically opened with energetic tracks like "Make You Sick" and "Tough Guy," incorporated Lychee cuts such as "Happen to Me," "Same Effect," and "If I Get to Meet You," and closed with fan favorites including "," "Soaked," and "Find an Island," often extending to 15-18 songs with high-energy production elements. On October 7, 2025, Benee announced the Australian leg of her Particles Tour, a three-date run in February 2026 to support her sophomore album Ur an Angel I'm Just Particles, released November 7, 2025. The east coast run includes performances at Liberty Hall in Sydney on February 11, Torquay Hotel in Torquay on February 14, and 170 Russell in Melbourne on February 15, emphasizing new material alongside established hits in mid-sized venues. While full setlists remain unconfirmed, previews suggest a focus on album tracks like "Cinnamon" and "Underwater," integrated with staples such as "Supalonely" for a balanced retrospective. The broader Particles Tour includes North American dates from February 27 to April 3, 2026, and a Laneway Festival appearance in Auckland on February 5.

Supporting tours

In 2019, during the release of her debut Fire on Marzz, Benee provided opening support for several established artists, marking her early exposure to larger audiences. She opened for at in as part of the No Shame Tour on 2 February, delivering a set that highlighted her emerging indie-pop sound to a home crowd. Later that year, she supported on nine dates of his Comfort Crowd Tour across in December, including performances in and , where she performed tracks like "" to enthusiastic venues. Benee continued her supporting role on major tours in the mid-2020s, aligning with her growing international profile. In 2024, she joined as an for select dates on the Australian leg of the , including shows in where she performed hits such as "Find an Island" and "Glitter" to arena-sized crowds. In 2025, she opened for on the European leg of the Miss Possessive Tour, bringing her energetic sets to venues across the and Europe from May to June and gaining insight into arena production dynamics. These supporting slots provided Benee with valuable networking and professional growth opportunities, as she has shared in interviews. Reflecting on her time with and McRae, Benee described the experiences as profoundly inspirational, noting the thrill of performing for massive, engaged audiences in arenas: "Just playing arenas of those sizes [was] so inspiring because I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I want to play an arena.’" She highlighted the electric energy when fans sang along to every song, fueling her ambition to headline similar venues and influencing her approach to live production.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.