Bencoolen used to be Washington DC's best kept secret. And I say "used to," because now they have broke free into the national and international realm over the past year. The achieving band has created quite a buzzworthy name for themselves, as they have been playing countless shows, releaseed a new EP, and premiered a video at the end of the year for the new sinle, "Spotlight." The group have been forming momentum for the entirety of 2016 which sees the band breaking into the new year already. I had the honor of chatting with Teddy Scott from the band, to see what 2017 will bring for Bencoolen. I can't wait!
Immediately the name of the band intrigued me. What is the meaning behind the name Bencoolen; what does it stand for?
Bencoolen is a place in Singapore near where our lead singer Paul grew up. He bought his first guitar at a strip mall there. As a name standing alone, it also has a good vibe and seemed to suit our personality… so we ran with it.
This past year we saw the band playing a number of high-profile shows, releasing a new (critically acclaimed) EP, and topping it off with a fantastic video for "Spotlight." Looking back a year ago today, how do things seem or feel differently as a band now that you have a nice amount of buzz built up around the band?
This past year really has been pivotal. We brought in a new rhythm section with Will and Ben. Will joined on drums 11 months ago, in February 2016, and it was almost like the band restarted. We ramped up gigs, our sound changed, and he really just brought a great attitude to our group. Monumental impact.
Beyond that, "Spotlight" is the first time we recorded with Jack playing sax. Spotlight is our transition composition from what our old records say we are, to the new era. This new era has really only been experienced by those who come out to our shows around the East Coast.
Part of our songwriting process is to involve everyone’s influence and ideas. With this new group, you’ll hear some funkier drums, more complicated songwriting techniques, and more solo space. Beyond that we’ve had the privilege of playing with some inspiring bands like Marcus King Band, Spafford, the Mowgli’s, Atlas Road Crew, Southern Belles, and Big Something around the mid-Atlantic. We look at this progress humbly and hope to continue to climb.
With your new video "Spotlight," does that mean new music in the new year? Can we expect a full-length or additional EP in the months to come?
We’re hoping to record a few more songs soon. It’s unclear how we will release them. Maybe an EP or maybe singles at this point. We’re really focusing on growing as live performers right now, but hope to get back after it this summer in the studio.
With the band currently attending university, how do you allocate your time for both school work and band-happenings?
We’re actually split between students and graduates. We keep very full schedules balancing day jobs, relationships, academics, and of course music. We make plenty of sacrifices to make this work, but this is what we love to do.. so it’s a no brainer.
One of my personal favorite songs from the EP is "In Color." What can you tell us about the song?
Thanks a bunch! That’s a song I wrote. The song is simply about a middle aged guy going into a bar and meeting the bartender. The guy has gone through his life pulling the right strings, doing as expected, but is depressed. His life lacks the color, the excitement, it used to have. When he’s wandering around the bar he sees photos on the walls, hears the bartender who lives a less impressive life, but is much more satisfied. The song is about trying to avoid the rut of doing what is expected and losing track of what inspires you even if you are “only” a bartender.
In general, what is the overall songwriting process for the band? And in your opinion, what unique elements make a Bencoolen song like a Bencoolen song?feel
The songwriting process is different song to song. Paul and I are the primary songwriters, but lately the other guys have been getting involved in the process and even bringing their own original ideas to the table. Most frequently, we take that the original idea and let everyone add their individual parts. We understand and respect that our bandmates will be most comfortable and creative playing off ideas they add themselves. Fro the second question, we do not go into writing a song with a mindset of what we should sound like, there’s no intentional unique elements. With the new guys in the band, I think you’ll start to hear a combination of radio friendly vocal hooks and songwriting elements, paired with old school vibes. You’ll hear more funk, more jam, and more solo space than previous Bencoolen shows and soon recordings.
Looking ahead to 2017, what is the overall goal for the band this year?
I would love to book the band at over 60 shows in 2017, record a few singles, and remain on an upward trajectory. A lot of this is a learning process, so continuing to grow as professionals and continuing to grow musically are key to survival. I want to continue going out there to perform songs for people that are excited to introduce themselves after the show, that nod their heads when we play, that love music that doesn’t fit into 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
