Beni Hana Q&A as he debuts on TSZR

Q: Give Us A Short Introduction To You And Your Background:

A: Hi! I’m Beni. I live in Brooklyn NY and I grew up around music. Was classically trained to an extent and played saxophone in the jazz band in grade school and then picked up guitar after probably thinking it would make me a bit cooler (it didn’t). I started to get more into the club scene during a semester abroad in Australia and was coincidentally getting into production at the same time. The aussie culture has definitely stuck with me - from Flume and Nick Murphy being some of the reasons I was interested in going out there to the Not Without Friends guys making some of my favorite tunes these days. My sound is definitely equal parts that, UK, and of course NY where I’ve been lucky enough to see so many of my favorite artists.

Q: Audiences Immediately Connect To Keep Pushing When They Hear Its Iconic Sample, How Did Creating The Track Around That Sample Come Together?

A: I think I went out one night to a show with friends, got inspired and had this general idea or shape of a song that I wanted to make. When I’m making more vocal driven stuff, sometimes I’ll throw in a vocal sample just to help me arrange the track and end up switching the vocal for something more underground or ditching it entirely. I really just made this one because I love the original vocal, and wanted a version to play in my sets. Didn’t really consider sending it out - I sent it to some friends and they urged me to get it in front of some bigger artists. Good friends haha.

Q: Keep Pushing Was Initially Created For You To Play In Your Own DJ Sets Before Getting Picked Up By The Likes Of Seth Troxler, DJ Tennis, Carlita & More. What Drew You To The Sample Specifically In The Context Of Playing It Out Live?

A: It’s a super classic sample, and hadn’t really been touched since Jimi Jules and Oliver Dollar put their version out. I guess it just felt like if anyone was gonna do it, I should try, but make sure to not make it super corny. I tried to be tasteful and respectful and I hope it comes off that way. I really have huge respect for QSO and the publisher for being open to my take on it.

Q: You Mention That Your Friend Sent You A Clip Initially Of Seth & DJ Tennis Playing The Track Out At Kappa Futur And Has Since Picked Up More Heavyweight Support How Does It Feel When You See Support At That Level Jumping On The Track?

A: It feels surreal to be honest. It takes time for it to really click. I’ll be out with friends that are like “Hey so insane to see them playing your stuff” and you forget sometimes that all you have to do is create something you like and there’s a solid chance someone will like it too.

Q: In The Current Landscape Slick Sample Flips Are Back At The Forefront Of Tracks Dominating DJ Sets, Charts & Playlists. What Tracks That Are Built Around Iconic Samples You’re Into Right Now?

A: The Not Without Friends remix of Groovejet is a favorite. Amazing vibe and such a good take on a classic house sample. The Trip have this take on Fly Life Xtra that I played in every set for a while.

Q: If You Could Clear Any Sample To Write With What Would You Pick?

A: There’s something to be said for gatekeeping… but anything by Sade would be insane.

Q: Your Music Sits In A Lane More Closely Aligned To UK & Euro Clubbing Scenes, A Sound Less Represented In The Brooklyn Scene. What Draws You To This Sound And How Do You Explore This Sound More With Your Wider Projects?

A: I think I just like what I like haha. It’s also fun to be unique and gives me the opportunity to stand out in a saturated environment. I think it just comes naturally based on what I’ve been listening/

Q: Outside Of Your Own Style What Music Is Heavily Influencing You Currently?

A: I love the aussie sound as I mentioned, which is kind of a modern take on classic driving house. I help run a label called PHAT TRAX and we put out a more proggy sound which has been super inspiring. I also take a lot of inspiration from 90s & early 2000s RnB and sample riven hip hop.

Q: What Else Do You Have Coming Up This Year? Any Future Releases Or Live Dates Coming Up?

A: I have a suuuper fun track coming out next month on LP Giobbi’s label Yes Yes Yes with my good friends, Poolhaus. I also have a more club driven EP with my other project, the Miata Boys which is a collab with SHEK, close friend and fellow Brooklyn Neighbor. We have an epic remix on the B side of that one as well. More stuff with Andhera later in the summer and some other stuff lined up. Announcing some exciting live dates throughout the summer which you’ll see over the coming weeks.

Get it on Beatport