There was a sense of unassuming charm and sincere enthusiasm upon Benson Boone‘s arrival in Montreal. “Ah, this is my first time here. And I honestly didn’t even know what to expect. Like, it’s pretty incredible. We went to the old town yesterday and it’s beautiful,” he remarked, reflecting his appreciation for the city’s unique charm.
As our conversation unfolded, Boone spoke passionately about the exhilarating experience of performing live. “Being on stage is such an incredible feeling,” he said, his eyes reflecting the thrill. He went on to describe the essential elements that make a show unforgettable for him: “I think it’s a combination of like, if I’m feeling locked in, you know, which honestly, usually on stage I am because on stage, like even if my throat’s a little shaky or like I’m not having a great day, when I get on stage, I feel ready to be there and be in front of everybody.” For Boone, the synergy between him and the audience is vital, with the crowd’s energy contributing significantly to the atmosphere of the performance.
The conversation naturally flowed into the realm of Boone’s songwriting, a process deeply rooted in personal experiences. He opened up about his approach to writing songs, particularly ones like “In the Stars,” which are incredibly personal yet universally relatable. “Yes and no, I think when I write a song, you know, obviously I have a meaning that’s personal to me for that song. In the Stars, for example, like when I wrote in the stars, you know, it’s not about somebody else’s grandma. It’s not about somebody else’s loss; it’s about my grandma. And when I lost her, like that is the emotion that I felt,” Boone explained. He acknowledged the transformation that occurs when listeners apply their own experiences to his songs, creating a shared emotional landscape. “It’s almost emotional for me to look out and see that everyone has their own experience for their song. And that I have helped them create their own meaning for my lyrics,” he said, illustrating the profound impact of his music on his audience.
Boone’s decision to release a French version of his hit song was a strategic move to connect with a wider audience, particularly in French-speaking regions. He spoke about his aspiration to tour globally and reach fans worldwide, regardless of the language barrier. “France is such a different market of music than anywhere else in the world. And I wanted them to have something they could connect to,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to making his music accessible to a diverse audience.
Reflecting on his rapid rise to fame, Boone expressed a sense of awe and humility. “I think it was when I did my first show ever, like my first time performing after I had released a song was in Sweden and it was in front of 15,000 people. And it was just, like, unbelievable,” he recalled, still seemingly amazed by the memory. This experience reshaped his view of his career and his approach to music, shifting his focus from personal fame to inspiring others. “And in the same way, my goals change and when I went on that stage, it went from me wanting to just be this famous singer and having it all, whatever that means. I just want to inspire people,” Boone shared, revealing the depth of his artistic evolution.
Boone’s journey into music was serendipitous, sparked by an impromptu decision to fill in as a vocalist during a high school battle of the bands competition. He detailed the moment that changed his life’s trajectory: “And before that like I did not sing at all. I was very outdoors and kind of sporty guy… Long story short, I ended up trying to sing in her place… And I kind of just decided I was just going to give it my all and just see what happened. And I tried, and it really clicked in that performance.” This unexpected opportunity unveiled Boone’s natural talent for music, steering him towards a path he hadn’t previously considered.
As our interview neared its conclusion, Boone looked forward to his upcoming endeavours with a sense of eager anticipation. “I’m releasing an album, an album later this year… And yeah, just kind of seeing what’s next,” he said, his voice tinged with excitement about the future. Despite his extraordinary journey, Boone remains grounded, cherishing the support and luck that have guided him along the way.
In our conversation, Benson Boone revealed himself to be not just a musician but a storyteller, connecting with audiences on a deeply personal level. His journey from an impromptu high school performance to international stages is a testament to the unpredictable and transformative.
Watch the full interview below:
Photo – Steve Gerrard
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