A few months ago The Preatures’ Gideon Bensen surprised us all by unveiled ‘All New Low’ a fuzzy electro RnB trip of a song. The first single from his new solo project, ‘All New Low’ was produced by Tony Buchen (Montaigne, Mansionair) and released via Bensen’s own imprint, Puncture Records.

“’All New Low’, took everything out of me,” said Gideon. “While on tour with The Preatures, I found myself working on tracks more and more, up at all hours, in transit, in hotel rooms, wherever I could setup. I was obsessed.”

“I felt like I wanted to push myself more. I had some time in Sydney between tours so I contacted my old friend and producer, Tony Buchen with some songs and ideas for an 80’s/90’s new wave/soul record. I told him, ‘If I do it I have to go all out. I don’t want to sound like I ever have before’.”

Preatures fans, don’t sweat; all of this doesn’t mean Gideon is leaving the band. To get to know a little more about the transition from being in such an iconic local band to going solo we had a chat with Gideon ahead of his upcoming EP release and February tour dates.

How The Solo Project Came About

“This is a project Ive been working on for the last year or so in the time I’ve had free from The Preatures. I had a collection of songs that I was wanting to do something different with. I just worked on and off tour to make it happen.”

Before The Preatures

“Before I met the guys, and The Preatures was formed, I was playing solo gigs around town. I was trying to get it going, but in the end joined a band.”

How The Projects Influenced Each Other

“The songs on this project are very different from The Preatures. I’d say my time in The Preatures has heavily influenced my working on this project, especially touring and the effect that had on me. It threw my life upside down, and I guess that has come out in the work.”

Reason For The New Sonic Direction

“I just wanted to try something new. I wanted to push myself to see how far I could take something before it became unrecognisable.”

Working Collaboratively

“This has been a collaborative effort. I worked really closely with my good friend and producer Tony Buchen.”

The Birth of Puncture Records

“I’ve always wanted to have a label to house the music I was creating. I approached Universal about the idea and they were all for it. It feels very liberating.

I wanted a home for the music that complemented its sound and direction.”

Will Puncture Records Be Releasing Music From Other Artists?

“I do have desires to. At the moment though I’ll get these releases out and then entertain the idea of putting out music by other acts.”

Favourite Local Talents

“There is a Melbourne band called ‘Pearls’ that I’m really liking.”

Plans For 2016?

“I’ve got an EP coming out in February next year and I’ll be playing some shows around that. I’ve already begun working on more music, so I hope to put some more out throughout the coming year.”

Gideon Bensen 2016 Tout Dates

Friday, 12th February 2016
Shebeen, Melbourne
Tickets: Shebeen | 1330 724 867

Saturday, 13th February 2016
Newtown Social Club, Sydney
Tickets: Newtown Social Club | 1300 724 867

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