Benny St. Peixe is a boundary-pushing solo artist renowned for his experimental bass guitar approach. He unveils his latest musical venture in the form of the tranquil and introspective 3-track EP, "Department Of Healing." With an innovative use of effects and real-time loop creation, St. Peixe's music transcends conventional genres, delving deep into emotive landscapes and pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration with his eclectic electric guitar and bass playing.
We sat down with Benny to learn more about his unique craft, what makes him tick and what's in store for this exciting artist here at Curious for Music!
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Hey Benny, welcome to Curious for Music! How are you?
Thank you for speaking with me. I’m grateful for another day to be playing the bass.
What inspired your latest EP, "Department Of Healing," and what emotions were you exploring through the music?
“Department of Healing” came out of a place of real pain and anger, but the music itself is meant as a vehicle to work through some of these less-desirable emotions. There is a place on the other side of pain where we really learn about ourselves and are gifted an opportunity to become stronger and more attuned to the nature of all things. But my ultimate inspiration is always music itself.
Can you tell us about your creative process and how you incorporate effects and loop creation into your music?
It’s all about just trying to make a sound that makes the world a calmer place for both the listener and myself.
What was the recording and writing process like for the EP?
I recorded at my studio, Dai Loi #4. The title track was mixed by the awesome Luke Campolieta.
How do you balance experimentation with maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the tracks on the EP?
I don’t necessarily think that experimentation and cohesion are at odds. And anyway, it’s really more up to the listener to decide if something is experimental or cohesive or etc. I just do my best to create music that is original and enjoyable.
What are your plans for the rest of 2024?
My plan is to always try to be the best partner I can be. I’m always performing a lot around Atlanta and I’m always recording. I have a record coming out on May 10th called “Solo Bass and Drums, Too.” I also am trying to watch every movie on The Criterion Channel.
And finally, what impact do you hope your music has on listeners, and what do you want them to take away from "Department Of Healing"?
It’s my sincere hope that people will hear this music and it will give them a small moment of calm pleasure. I make music because it is fun, challenging, and a way to express myself. But, at the end of the day, I do feel like this is best way I can contribute something worthwhile to the world.
Check out "Department of Healing" EP here: