There are days as a music journalist and listener that I sometimes feel like new music nowadays is starting to sound a bit repetitive. I long for the instrumental and lyricism to create magic—the sound of various notes and poetry melting together to create something amazing. Today I heard something amazing… BENJI & Their Orchestra’s new single “fake sand beaches” has warmed up my soul and given me something to hear that brought excitement back into my ears. What captured my attention was the trumpet solo in the middle of the song, followed by the lyrics:

“am I afraid of the ocean,

or scared of the unknown

after one night,

I could not be alone

from strangers to lovers

to steal my clothes

where did the time go”

The song is dedicated to someone who came into the life of BENJI and captured their heart in a short five months. Falling in love fast after an entire summer together watching their favorite movie and the many sleepless nights they had together to prevent the day from ending is heartbreakingly familiar and touching to hear. BENJI writes from their experience of a love that left a mark in their lives, and they aren't ready to let it go quite yet.

BENJI & Their Orchestra mixes influences of jazz, blues, classical, and psychedelic rhythm in an attempt to expose our new generation to the different sounds of musical composition. With similar sounds to artists like Conan Gray, Weyes Blood, Laufey, and Faye Webster, BENJI has found a voice and sound in the music industry and is determined to bring authenticity to their music.

This romantic, melancholic song has captivated me, and I am so excited to see what else BENJI & Their Orchestra create next.

Find this track and others on Get Some Magazine’s constantly updated November 2023 playlist on Spotify! Click HERE for the goods!