Alec Benjamin

Alec Benjamin, whose real name is Alec Shane Benjamin was born on May 28, 1994, in Phoenix, Arizona, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has captivated audiences worldwide with his poignant lyrics and heartfelt melodies. He was raised in Phoenix alongside his sister. Benjamin’s early exposure to music came through summers spent at a Jewish sleepaway camp, where he learned campfire songs that sparked his passion for songwriting. By the age of 13, he was already penning his own songs, and in high school, he began learning guitar, setting the stage for his future musical career.

In 2013, Benjamin released his first extended play (EP) titled America, marking his initial foray into the music industry. His talent soon caught the attention of Columbia Records, leading to a signing and his enrollment at the University of Southern California. However, his journey hit a stumbling block when Columbia Records terminated their partnership shortly after he submitted his album. Undeterred, Benjamin embarked on a self-funded tour in Europe, performing as an opening act for Marina Kaye in France and Lea in Germany. He creatively promoted his music by performing in parking lots outside concert venues and distributing business cards, showcasing his relentless dedication to his craft.

Benjamin’s breakthrough came in 2018 with the release of his mixtape Narrated for You. The mixtape featured standout tracks such as “If We Have Each Other,” “Devil Doesn’t Bargain,” “Water Fountain,” “Annabelle’s Homework,” and the hit single “Let Me Down Slowly.” The latter, re-released as a single featuring Alessia Cara, reached the top 40 in over 25 countries and amassed over 1.7 billion streams on Spotify by December 2023. To promote the mixtape, Benjamin launched the “Can I Sing for You?” video series on YouTube, where he performed acoustic versions of his songs for unsuspecting passersby, further endearing him to fans with his genuine, grassroots approach.

On May 29, 2020, Benjamin released his debut studio album, These Two Windows, which peaked at number 8 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. His sophomore album, (Un)Commentary, followed on April 15, 2022, continuing to build on his reputation for crafting introspective and relatable music. In 2023, Benjamin gained further prominence by opening for John Mayer during part of Mayer’s North American tour and performing at the annual Minecraft Live event, where he sang a parody of “Let Me Down Slowly” using Minecraft-themed lyrics.

Benjamin’s innovative approach extends to recording Mandarin versions of his songs, inspired by his father’s incorporation of Chinese culture into his work as a medical doctor. He collaborated with popular Chinese actress Zhao Lusi on a Mandarin version of “Water Fountain,” broadening his international appeal.

In 2024, Benjamin released his third album, 12 Notes, featuring new songs such as “Sacrifice Tomorrow,” “In a Little,” and “By Now.” Tracks like “Different Kind of Beautiful,” “I Sent My Therapist to Therapy,” and “Pick Me” have also been released as teasers for this highly anticipated album.

Throughout his career, Alec Benjamin has been influenced by artists such as Eminem and Paul Simon, and his songwriting has found success beyond his solo work, including contributions to Jon Bellion’s album The Human Condition. Benjamin’s ability to connect deeply with listeners through his emotionally resonant lyrics and captivating melodies continues to solidify his place in the music industry as a storyteller and a heartfelt artist.