‘5 Questions With’: Benny Blanco
“…I’ve learned that sometimes the best ideas come when you’re not trying too hard—just letting things happen naturally.”
Born from a career spent shaping the sound of modern pop behind the scenes, Benny Blanco is the Virginia native turned global hitmaker whose creativity effortlessly bridges the gap between producer and artist. Known for crafting chart-topping records for some of the biggest names in music, his transition into the spotlight feels both unexpected and entirely natural. With an ear for melody and a playful, often unconventional approach to songwriting, benny has built a reputation for blending emotional depth with infectious, radio-ready soundscapes. Now stepping further into his own artistry, he continues to redefine what it means to be a producer in today’s industry. We caught up with benny blanco to talk about his creative journey, his approach to collaboration, and what’s next for him as he continues to evolve. Read the feature below…
EQ: Hi Benny, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first got into music?
bb.: I grew up in Virginia just messing around with beats in my bedroom. I wasn’t thinking about hits or anything like that—I just loved music. I was obsessed with hip-hop, recording stuff off the radio, trying to recreate sounds. Eventually I moved to New York and started working with people, learning how sessions work. I got lucky meeting the right people early on, but I was always just trying to make something that felt good.
EQ: You’ve worked with so many major artists—who would you say has influenced your sound the most?
bb.: That’s tough because I take something from everyone I work with. Growing up, I was really inspired by producers like Dr. Dre and Pharrell, just how they could shape entire records. But honestly, a lot of my inspiration comes from the artists themselves. Every session is different—sometimes someone says one thing and it sparks a whole idea.
“…a lot of my inspiration comes from the artists themselves. Every session is different—sometimes someone says one thing and it sparks a whole idea.”
– benny blanco
EQ: You’ve transitioned from being behind the scenes to releasing your own music—what inspired that shift?
bb.: I never really planned it. I was comfortable just producing, but over time I started making songs that felt more personal, like they needed my voice or my perspective on them. Collaborating is still a huge part of what I do, but putting my name on the front of a project just felt like the next step. It’s still the same process for me, just a bit more exposed.
EQ: Out of all the projects you’ve worked on, do you have any personal favorites or moments that stand out?
bb.: There are a lot of moments that mean a lot to me, but it’s usually the ones where everything clicks really quickly. Like when a song comes together in a few hours and you just know it’s special. It’s not always the biggest records—it’s the feeling in the room when you’re making it. That’s what sticks with me.
EQ: What have you been working on recently, and what can fans expect from you moving forward?
bb.: I’ve been experimenting a lot, trying not to box myself into one sound. Working with new artists, different genres, just keeping it fun. I think people can expect more music that feels honest and a little unexpected. And hopefully getting back to being around people again—making music is always better when you can share that energy in real life.
Keep up with Benny Blanco on socials:
Instagram: @itsbennyblanco
Twitter: @itsbennyblanco