Benny Marchant

by Sam Gnerre

Benny Marchant comes through with several richly melodic tunes on his debut, "Conversations Missed EP" (Marina), including two versions of the infectious title track. It's inviting enough to make one want to pursue the L.A.-based singer-songwriter's full-length debut, due out in early 2011.
- Daily Breeze

by Sam Gnerre

Benny Marchant comes through with several richly melodic tunes on his debut, "Conversations Missed EP" (Marina), including two versions of the infectious title track. It's inviting enough to make one want to pursue the L.A.-based singer-songwriter's full-length debut, due out in early 2011.
- Daily Breeze

By Laurel Kathleen

Benny Marchant has everything he needs to stride forward into the world of musical success. He already had a foot in the door with his previous project The Kings Royal, but now he's ready to try and make it as a solo artist. So far, he's making excellent progress. After hearing his music online, I knew he had some serious chops but I was expecting a mellow, Americana-flavored singer/songwriter performance. Benny can croon with the best of them, but he can do so much more than that. He can stretch out his vocal chords to sound a little like Ben Harper, or soften his throat to almost sigh into the microphone. Even when he's jamming with his band (and his band can jam) he keeps total control over his occasionally raw-around-the-edges voice. Though his band's lineup is reasonably new, they already sound comfortable together under the singer's soulful vocals. What's exciting about watching this group was the sheer amount of professional-grade talent onstage: you can tell each artist is able to push the boundaries of their sound and craft because they know that everyone else will continue holding their parts flawlessly. They opened the set with 'Eleven Seven', a thoughtful ballad that was anythng but placid. When Hubie Wang (pictured left below) took a guitar solo, I suddenly realized I couldn't remember the last time I heard such a relaxed, old-school heavy sound coming from someone so young. He knew exactly what he was doing, and he showcased his ability to fill the space with everything from blues jams to psychedlic effects to a few shreds here and there.





The second song, 'A Better Way', featured a poppy drum part by Steven J. Robinson, a young drummer with obvious jazz influences whose absolute autonomy of his limbs gave him the ability to juxtapose all sorts of unique rhythmic patterns together. He even used brushes, whose subtle whispers brought a smile to my face and soothed my ears. With the light, bouncy bass lines that Spencer Wright layed down, the rest of the band had a solid background against which they could easily solo. You can tell a drummer and bassist are good when their sounds meld together so completely it's hard to pick them out indivdually, and that's exactly what Steven and Spencer did for the duration of the night. When the band suddenly cut out for a beat on 'Over and Over', the crowd clapped prematurely. When Benny and his band came back in in perfect unison, every member grinned at each other and the audience, the crowd laughing in delight at their expertly-timed fake out.

Walker Gibson's keyboard stylings were impressive, and his artful use of organ and other synth sounds highlighted his ability to change genres at the drop of a hat. Like any great artist, he knew when to scale it back to provide rhythm-section support and when to stand out, as when he played multiple glissandos on the funky 'Killing Me'. He supplied a gospel organ part for 'Been Too Long', even singing airy backup vocal harmonies that fit snugly against Benny's voice. Guitarist Hubie Wang also provided the occasional harmony, and the three voices worked well together. In fact, I would say that's reflective of the band as a whole: there's a place for everyone, and everyone is in their place. Everyone in the group has a keen sense of what their fellow members are doing, and it's obvious that they love jamming together onstage.







After the show, I met with Benny backstage. He was sweet and soft-spoken, and while we talked various friends and family members stopped by for congratualtions and well-wishes. He accepted them all graciously, apologizing profusely to me for all of the interruptions. I didn't mind; he deserved every nice word that was said.

BnB: How did you arrive at your current band’s lineup?

Benny: We auditioned drummers and guitar players. That’s how we met Hubie Wang and our drummer Steven J. Robinson. I kid you not, that kid was a steal. There was no way I was lettin’ him go. No way. Walker Gibson I’ve been working with for the last three years. He was in The Kings Royal with me. We auditioned drummers and guitar players, so that’s how we met Hubie. Spencer Wright the bass player and I had played with before on a side project codename Mike, that we had done right after The Kings Royal split up. So I had already played with him. And Walker. This kid right here…

Walker: What’s up man?

Benny: He’s basically like the musical director. So he organizes the band, hears what I have to say and then makes it better (laughs). So it’s very cool.

Walker: Boss people around, tell people where to be, tell people what to do (laughs).

Benny: But in a really nice way! That’s the beautiful thing about this, everybody’s nice. There’s no drama in the band. As of right now.

Walker: Not yet. Get ready Benny!

What was it like recording your solo EP Conversations Missed versus when you were recording with The Kings Royal? Were you more of a perfectionist - Best New Bands.com

written by Tiffany Tomaszewski


Now I don’t venture out to LA too often—Hollywood much less—but I will change my ways for The Hotel Café. This intimate little spot off Cahuenga Boulevard is an unexpected gem amongst the pretention of Sunset, and the setting for the story of my encounter with Benny Marchant himself.

The outside of the venue seems nothing more than a warehouse with a cordial doorman... until you step inside. A tiny anteroom leads to a dimly lit lobby with a couple of tables and a cozy bar off to the left. Straight away is a pair of glass doors leading to the bulk of the venue. Along one brick wall is a medium sized bar, the other, wood paneled with a ledge to rest your elbows and drinks; dead ahead is the conservative stage, complete with red velvet curtains. Closest to the stage are around six candlelit tables for dinner reservations.

Walking in on Maryland native Marchant mid-song was like a scene out of a movie. As I moved through the glass doors and my ears adjusted from lobby music to live, a sort of tunnel-vision effect occurred. Even from across the room you could not only see, but feel the band’s energy and how much they truly enjoyed playing together. With a sound comparable to and influenced by Tom Petty and Ben Harper, how could you not enjoy yourself?

Marchant played songs from his EP Conversations Missed and gave a preview of his upcoming material, Cold Weather, produced by the well-known Joe Chiccarelli. The best thing about Marchant’s sound—aside from the obvious love for what he does—is although you can tell who his influences are, the sound and stylings of the band as a whole are original and sincere. The show was full of beautiful harmonies and smiles all around—a simple and happy presence. The guys were grateful to be there and more than willing to mingle with the audience after the show—which wrapped up with the CD release performance by Bryan Greenberg, followed by the soulful Lindsey Ray and Ben Burgess.

Everything about the show was pleasant, from the crowd, to the decorations on the walls, to the music itself. Everyone was in high spirits and evoking good vibes. Marchant and the rest are certainly a brand to keep your ear on in the near future. - OC Reloaded

written by Tiffany Tomaszewski


Now I don’t venture out to LA too often—Hollywood much less—but I will change my ways for The Hotel Café. This intimate little spot off Cahuenga Boulevard is an unexpected gem amongst the pretention of Sunset, and the setting for the story of my encounter with Benny Marchant himself.

The outside of the venue seems nothing more than a warehouse with a cordial doorman... until you step inside. A tiny anteroom leads to a dimly lit lobby with a couple of tables and a cozy bar off to the left. Straight away is a pair of glass doors leading to the bulk of the venue. Along one brick wall is a medium sized bar, the other, wood paneled with a ledge to rest your elbows and drinks; dead ahead is the conservative stage, complete with red velvet curtains. Closest to the stage are around six candlelit tables for dinner reservations.

Walking in on Maryland native Marchant mid-song was like a scene out of a movie. As I moved through the glass doors and my ears adjusted from lobby music to live, a sort of tunnel-vision effect occurred. Even from across the room you could not only see, but feel the band’s energy and how much they truly enjoyed playing together. With a sound comparable to and influenced by Tom Petty and Ben Harper, how could you not enjoy yourself?

Marchant played songs from his EP Conversations Missed and gave a preview of his upcoming material, Cold Weather, produced by the well-known Joe Chiccarelli. The best thing about Marchant’s sound—aside from the obvious love for what he does—is although you can tell who his influences are, the sound and stylings of the band as a whole are original and sincere. The show was full of beautiful harmonies and smiles all around—a simple and happy presence. The guys were grateful to be there and more than willing to mingle with the audience after the show—which wrapped up with the CD release performance by Bryan Greenberg, followed by the soulful Lindsey Ray and Ben Burgess.

Everything about the show was pleasant, from the crowd, to the decorations on the walls, to the music itself. Everyone was in high spirits and evoking good vibes. Marchant and the rest are certainly a brand to keep your ear on in the near future. - OC Reloaded

Benny Marchant just released his debut EP "Conversations Missed." His folk-rock style is reminiscent of many musicians before him, but Benny's style is clearly all his own.

His songs are heartfelt, emotional, and delightfully enjoyable to listen to. When you are looking for that song to help you through life, Benny Marchant's music is going to be there to help you!

"Conversations Missed" is about the ending of a relationship, looking back on what went wrong, the unexpected moments we think of that past relationship and dreaming about the conversations never had, all the while learning how to find a way to move on.

"Cold Weather" tells the tale about the last night of a relationship and the good feelings of not being alone, when in the morning the "Cold Weather" reality will sink in.

"Been To Long" brings to life the struggles and hardships of a relationship and how sometimes people stay in the relationship longer than they should have and the moment they realize it's time to go their separate ways.

"A Better Way" is a song of hope. It's a song about getting over the heartache of losing love, maybe hoping to get back together, but eventually knowing that one day you will find "a better way to live."

If you are looking for a new artist, who should be around for a while with songs to identify with then I suggest picking up Benny Marchant's debut EP "Conversations Missed" and catching him on tour! - Adaumbelle's Quest

Benny Marchant just released his debut EP "Conversations Missed." His folk-rock style is reminiscent of many musicians before him, but Benny's style is clearly all his own.

His songs are heartfelt, emotional, and delightfully enjoyable to listen to. When you are looking for that song to help you through life, Benny Marchant's music is going to be there to help you!

"Conversations Missed" is about the ending of a relationship, looking back on what went wrong, the unexpected moments we think of that past relationship and dreaming about the conversations never had, all the while learning how to find a way to move on.

"Cold Weather" tells the tale about the last night of a relationship and the good feelings of not being alone, when in the morning the "Cold Weather" reality will sink in.

"Been To Long" brings to life the struggles and hardships of a relationship and how sometimes people stay in the relationship longer than they should have and the moment they realize it's time to go their separate ways.

"A Better Way" is a song of hope. It's a song about getting over the heartache of losing love, maybe hoping to get back together, but eventually knowing that one day you will find "a better way to live."

If you are looking for a new artist, who should be around for a while with songs to identify with then I suggest picking up Benny Marchant's debut EP "Conversations Missed" and catching him on tour! - Adaumbelle's Quest

Although Christmas was quickly approaching, The Hotel Café was bustling with both musicians and fans – and was certainly a festive place to be when Benny Marchant and his band took to the stage at the early 7PM hour. Not even rain oould damper the good spirits to be found in the Hollywood club on a Tuesday night.
Friendly in demeanor and loaded with talent, Marchant and company delivered a solid set of tunes which fit in perfectly with the intimate surroundings. Best known for his work with The Kings Royal, Benny Marchant is an exceptional singer/songwriter who is bound for bigger stages when 2011 rolls around.
Many of the songs performed were from Conversations Missed, Benny Marchant’s wonderful debut EP that the artist has released on his very own Marina Records imprint. Marchant and company can really deliver the goods, whether it’s a sweet acoustic reverie or an all-out rock and roller. The title cut Conversations Lost and the melancholic Been Too Long are hit singles in the making, and they were very well received within a live setting. Quite a few news tunes where played, displaying an energy and passion perhaps signifying an even rockier musical direction for Mr. Marchant.
The songs and the artist were warm and introspective, recalling top notch performers such as Jackson Browne and Duncan Sheik. When the band closed with the dynamic Killing Me, there was little doubt that Marchant and his crew had won over the crowd and left everyone wanting to hear a whole lot more.
Definitely an evening to just kick back, grab a drink, and relax to the joyous pop rocking sounds of Benny Marchant. A full length entitled Cold Weather is expected sometime within the first part of the New Year – in the meantime check out the debut EP Conversation Missed – and be sure to NOT miss Benny Marchant when he shows up to play in your neck of the woods.
Interesting fact: A few of the members of Benny Marchant’s previous band The Kings Royal were (and are currently in) Candlebox! They even did a tour package together, with some of the members performing in both bands each and every night… - Highwire Daze

Although Christmas was quickly approaching, The Hotel Café was bustling with both musicians and fans – and was certainly a festive place to be when Benny Marchant and his band took to the stage at the early 7PM hour. Not even rain oould damper the good spirits to be found in the Hollywood club on a Tuesday night.
Friendly in demeanor and loaded with talent, Marchant and company delivered a solid set of tunes which fit in perfectly with the intimate surroundings. Best known for his work with The Kings Royal, Benny Marchant is an exceptional singer/songwriter who is bound for bigger stages when 2011 rolls around.
Many of the songs performed were from Conversations Missed, Benny Marchant’s wonderful debut EP that the artist has released on his very own Marina Records imprint. Marchant and company can really deliver the goods, whether it’s a sweet acoustic reverie or an all-out rock and roller. The title cut Conversations Lost and the melancholic Been Too Long are hit singles in the making, and they were very well received within a live setting. Quite a few news tunes where played, displaying an energy and passion perhaps signifying an even rockier musical direction for Mr. Marchant.
The songs and the artist were warm and introspective, recalling top notch performers such as Jackson Browne and Duncan Sheik. When the band closed with the dynamic Killing Me, there was little doubt that Marchant and his crew had won over the crowd and left everyone wanting to hear a whole lot more.
Definitely an evening to just kick back, grab a drink, and relax to the joyous pop rocking sounds of Benny Marchant. A full length entitled Cold Weather is expected sometime within the first part of the New Year – in the meantime check out the debut EP Conversation Missed – and be sure to NOT miss Benny Marchant when he shows up to play in your neck of the woods.
Interesting fact: A few of the members of Benny Marchant’s previous band The Kings Royal were (and are currently in) Candlebox! They even did a tour package together, with some of the members performing in both bands each and every night… - Highwire Daze

Warming up to Benny Marchant
Posted 4/14/2011 4:00:00 PM

Singer-songwriter Benny Marchant’s first full-length album, Cold Weather, is set to be released next Month. I caught a recent set of his at the Hotel Café and was captivated by his voice, which is sweet but sturdy, and his honest performance. A cross between Tom Petty and Pearl Jam, (no, really) Marchant’s sound mixes acoustic and electric guitar and is catchy and upbeat—and with lyrics like “I don’t want to dream tonight about conversations missed/gonna hold on to the light,” (Conversations Missed) his songs are both touching and relatable.

But perhaps most impressive about Marchant is the fact that he’s remained true to his alternative style since arriving in Malibu (by way of Nashville, where he wrote most of the tracks on Cold Weather) and splitting from the band Kings Royale in 2009.

Think hearing is believing? Check Benny’s Web site for upcoming show dates and to hear selections of Cold Weather before its release.

Posted By: Lauren Maddox - Los Angeles Magazine

Warming up to Benny Marchant
Posted 4/14/2011 4:00:00 PM

Singer-songwriter Benny Marchant’s first full-length album, Cold Weather, is set to be released next Month. I caught a recent set of his at the Hotel Café and was captivated by his voice, which is sweet but sturdy, and his honest performance. A cross between Tom Petty and Pearl Jam, (no, really) Marchant’s sound mixes acoustic and electric guitar and is catchy and upbeat—and with lyrics like “I don’t want to dream tonight about conversations missed/gonna hold on to the light,” (Conversations Missed) his songs are both touching and relatable.

But perhaps most impressive about Marchant is the fact that he’s remained true to his alternative style since arriving in Malibu (by way of Nashville, where he wrote most of the tracks on Cold Weather) and splitting from the band Kings Royale in 2009.

Think hearing is believing? Check Benny’s Web site for upcoming show dates and to hear selections of Cold Weather before its release.

Posted By: Lauren Maddox - Los Angeles Magazine