Hit up iTunes to download the album or click here to download the MP3. The MP3 is waaaay better quality then the video. Waaaaaay better.

My new album The Soundness of Sleep has been recently uploaded to last.fm. This means you can stream the whole thing for free. Go take a listen:

I’m really proud of this album and think it’s the prefect album to usher in fall. It’s mellow, piano driven pop influenced by the work of Philip Glass with hints of Joy Electric.

It’s full of minimalist compositions, sugary sweet pianos and bright, crisp synths. You can download a track for free by clicking here. You can head over to iTunes or Amazon to buy the MP3′s

Lyrically, the album holds onto one emotion through out the entire album, which makes the album easy to listen through, although a bit boring on repeat listens. Musically, the washed out synths work perfectly with the Alan Palomo’s vocals, creating atmospheric, colorful songs that flow together to create a very solid album. B+

I’m really proud of this album since it’s a complete artistic piece that sticks tightly to one concept. It’s also full of raw electronic energy with a crunchy, digital sound that I think really fits the lyrics. I hope you’ll download it and take a listen!

I recently finished a remix of Freezepop’s latest single Frontload. I think it’s pretty awesome! It clocks in at a little over 20 minutes though, so plan ahead! Look both ways! You can download it here: Frontload (Benco’s just some guy, you know Remix)

<3 <3 <3

U Turn USA is a satirical song spearheading “political” songs which may be well intentioned but end up meaning nothing. This song is an empty call to action; a 2 minute filibuster.

I admit that it made more sense four years ago then it does now. For that I apologize; satire is rarely timeless.

This is an angry song, angrier then I’m used to writing. I was upset, perhaps, at my own unwillingness to accept new trends or at our cultures constant clinging to emotional artifacts. The jewelry, the clothes, the music; these do not address the emotional issues our youth and adolescents. The growing pangs we mask with escapist entertainment. We create elaborate worlds in which our problems bear no relevance. It’s the same game we play today. We wear different clothes and hear different songs but it’s always the same old game.

Gabber Died Twelves Years Ago is about the demise of the rave scene and how even though it appears everything is changing, things still stay the same. Gabber refers to a genre of electronic music known for it’s aggressive kick and hyper melodies. I felt it was the epitome of trend genres even though I do appreciate it.

While I’m getting the site put together and wrapping up my latest album I thought it might be nice to chat about some of the songs I’ve written in the past and give you a chance to download my back catalog before the new album comes out. so without further ado: The first two songs off of Let’s Own the Scene.

Download audio file (lets-own-the-scene.mp3)
Download audio file (02 (You’re A) Pink Skirt.mp3)

Firstly, I wanted Pink Skirt to be the first real song on the album but the intro to Pink Skirt doesn’t really lend itself to starting an album. I used an extended version of Let’s Own the Scene to open live shows in 2004 and decided to edit it down to act as an album intro and — tah-da — album intro!

Technical bits: Let’s Own the Scene was written in FL Studio using 3xOsc, Bass Machine and zt3a.

Download audio file (02 (You’re A) Pink Skirt.mp3)

(You’re A) Pink Skirt is odd song. I’m really proud of the chorus and think it relays the feeling of betrayal one can feel after learning their relationship with someone was disingenuous. However, the phrase “You’re a pink skirt on a little boy” has always seemed overly enigmatic and I was never sure if people would interpret it correctly. I wanted to convey the idea that the clothes someone wears can make them appear to be a totally different person, much the same way a pink skirt would make a little boy look like a little girl.

This song is a total blast to do live. It’s upbeat and personal. I feel it capture the audiences attention without being overbearing. I’m also very happy with how the song “sounds.” It’s just the right level of noise and over-the-top to work. It’s also one of the few songs that uses samples instead of completely synth-driven songs. The sample in question is the bell/tone sound. It was sampled from my QY-70 and manipulated in FL Studio to give it a buzzy ring.

Bear with me while I get this site back together.  It’s been a while!  I’ll have some new jams up on here soon for ya, as well as some news about my new album.  It’s been exciting working on music and I’m excited to share it with you!

xoxoxo, Benco