Today’s guest on The Celebrity Myxer™ is a long-time neo-soul R&B international artist, this tenor-to-falsetto range singer/songwriter/producer/actor is a four-time Grammy Award nominee. We get the full scoop with Mr. Eric Benét interview on the show! His catalog includes timeless hits such “Chocolate Legs” the remix of “Sunshine” and the one everybody loves- the one Alexus Renée will have have as her wedding song… “Spend My Life with You”! He’s currently touring the globe for his recent self titled eighth studio album “Eric Benét”. Read and watch the full interview!
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Alexus begins with congratulating the twenty year anniversary of his solo artist career debut- which is an amazing feat. In his lengthy successful career he’s made an oath not to be a trend catcher and he explains how he stays unique and relevant in the entertainment world.
“I think when you write from a really honest place, it gives an authentic approach to recording. Which to myself means live instruments, and my lyrics are from a very deep and vulnerable place in my heart. I’ve had no desire to change that formula from the time I started and it seems to work for me with every album I do.” He further explains there is a strong audience for people who truly appreciate real music, real writing and real singing. Renée concurs with staying original and true to who you are.
For over a decade Benét has been heavily involved in charitable organizations. He co-founded Mission Save Her with actor/singer Reggie Benjamin which fights against the human trafficking, slavery and sexual abuse of women and girls around the world. His wife, Manuela Testolini, established a charity to help break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy in economically poor countries like Haiti, Nicaragua and Senegal. It’s called In a Perfect World, they’ve recently built their 30th school benefiting more than 30,000 children and teens around the world.
The celeb interviewer inquires with Mr. Benét how does he balance his music, philanthropy, and personal life. Eric elaborates, “The older I get, the more efficient I get when I have to get something done. [For example when recording an album], I treat it like a 9 to 5.” He’s able to fit being home during the afternoon in his busy schedule intermixing his work day- utilizing his time more efficiently.
Eric Benét Interview on The Celebrity Myxer
He attributes his long term music career success to making honest music, singing from an honest place. He gives the comparison of singing from an honest place, “people can tell somebody that’s manufactured in a studio versus somebody singing that from their toes!”
When asked about his approach to songwriting he explains, “I want this to give me goosebumps as I’m writing it. If I’m feeling goosebumps when I come up with a line or I hear the melody and get those feel good shivers… okay I’m onto something and I’ll stay on this path. That’s the barometer.”
Most of his avid fans wouldn’t know he’s into classical music. He listens to composers such as Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky. When he’s vibing to his playlist it features old school Hip Hop like Tribe Called Quest and Pharcyde, plus old school R&B such as Earth, Wind and Fire and Rick James. When asked who is his favorite R&B artist currently, he gives the nod to Anderson .Paak.
You can keep up with Eric Benét’s tour dates and purchase his album on his website.
Photo Credit: Eric Benet
