Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Benji Stakkz: I was born in Catoosa County Georgia and raised in the West end of Atlanta. I later relocated to the west coast. I always enjoyed music since as long as I could remember. I always would mimic my favorite artists and as I grew older I started writing my own songs. I really didn’t start taking it serious until 2010 when I decided to go to school for audio.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Benji Stakkz: When starting out I played around with a few name ideas that didn’t seem to pan out, until about 4 years ago when I came up with the idea Benji Stakkz. Its a play on the words Stacks of Benjamin’s. Everyone loves Benji Stakkz even if they don’t like me they still love me.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Benji Stakkz: I love online distributing of my music, the media outlets online far exceed the number of them offline. Plus the amount of people you can reach is greater online, it helps boost you to that place you wanna be. I love the idea of free music especially now days with economy issues not everyone can afford to keep paying for music. Content is key, as a artist you want as much of your music and product in the public eye as possible at all times so give something to show you think of the listeners and aren’t just tryna stick em with a bill. Plus the more access fans have to your music ultimately the more success you will find as well as compensation. Royalties work in amazing ways.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Benji Stakkz: Internet radio is always gonna be your first go to for airplay, FM radio tends to be more tricky considering there’s strict criteria that must be met to be eligible for play. Unless you have close relations to the station. As far as performing and interviews, you should always do your homework on your cities local music scene and venues. Find out who the top event promoters are in your area and build a good relationship with them, work your way onto slots to open for bigger artists until you are eventually invited to headline your own shows. Then spread that work ethic to bigger events and touring. Have lots of incentives for your fans who show up, merchandize is a must.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Benji Stakkz: To answer this question honestly, all the time. I strive for perfection but let’s be honest nothing is perfect. Mishaps and slip ups will happen, its always best to prepare for the worst so if anything does pop up you’re ready to handle it. Just keep composure, don’t show your mistake in your actions and continue strong.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Benji Stakkz: Yes I’m a touring artist and I have strict policy what happens on tour stays on tour aha unless you sign a NDA then I could probably tell you. I will say it involves a lot of drinks, a naked girl in a mascot outfit and the police haha
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Benji Stakkz: I gather inspiration from life, things I see. Where other’s would see pain I’d draw positive from it. I strive in the darkness
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Benji Stakkz: Of course I love to flood the net. You can find my music on Spinrilla.com, Audiomack.com, SoundCloud.com, Jango Radio and all major media outlets online. You can follow me on Twitter @BenjiStakkz and Instagram @benjifuego or just search “Benji Stakkz” in your favorite search engine for all my interviews, music and more.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Benji Stakkz: I have an extensive Michael Bolton collection currently in rotation as well as Katey Perry’s Fireworks to be honest I’m vary ashamed of my playlist right now.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Benji Stakkz: invest wisely in my career and bring back double my investment. Thus continuing to bring my fans the best product possible.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Benji Stakkz: I’m running Pro Tools HD for my home setup, I will also produce beats in FL Studio and track the stems out to Pro Tools but for now, no real plans on upgrading. I am constantly choosing to work in the bigger studios.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Benji Stakkz: I like to keep thinking of new ways to get my name and brand to the world but a lot of the promoting I do is based on trial and error and seeing what has worked for my peers in the past.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Benji Stakkz: Auckland New Zealand and with Jimmi Hendrix. Sounds crazy and it would be, that’s why I wanna do it.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Benji Stakkz: Actually I’m currently working on 2 projects. My new mixtape “Slimed 2 Death” which should drop by Halloween and my EP “Benji Blanco 3” which has no release date confirmed yet.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
BenjiStakkz: I’d be pimping or a Tattoo artist
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Benji Stakkz: Lil Wayne 500 Degreez I remember it was the craziest CD ever to me. All the songs had me turnt up, I wasn’t even allowed to listen to it but I did anyway and it made me think in a new way.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Benji Stakkz: Carefully, I try to never let my work interfere with my personal life and vice versa.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
Benji Stakkz: Tiny explosion’s. Everything I’ve been doing amplified.
