Alec Benjamin: Backstage at the Royal Albert Hall - A Candid Conversation on Music, Fame, and Mental Health

Alec Benjamin is a singer-songwriter known for his raw, emotive storytelling and delicate, haunting vocals. Rising to fame with his breakout hit Let Me Down Slowly in 2018, Benjamin’s music has captivated millions with its vulnerability and poetic lyricism. His journey to stardom was far from conventional—after being dropped by his first label, he took to performing in parking lots outside concert venues, determined to share his music with anyone willing to listen. That relentless dedication paid off, as his songs began to gain traction online, resonating deeply with fans worldwide.

Now, Alec is on an extensive tour across Europe and the UK, performing at prestigious venues, including the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. Backstage, just before stepping onto one of the world’s most famous stages, Alec sits down for a casual yet revealing conversation. Reflecting on his journey, creative process, and the challenges of maintaining mental health while living in the spotlight, he offers a glimpse into the man behind the music.

This is a pretty big venue. When you started out, could you have imagined performing at the Royal Albert Hall?

Yeah, it’s definitely surreal. I didn’t really celebrate when I first found out I was playing here—I was too worried about whether I’d sell enough tickets. But now that it’s happening, it feels pretty special. My parents, my sister, and even some of the people who were there when I was just starting out are here tonight. That’s really meaningful.

I remember you messaged me over a decade ago, asking me to check out your music. I think it was Paper Crown—what’s changed since then?

Honestly, not that much. I mean, back then, I was just some kid sending my songs to anyone who would listen. I was 18 or 19 when I wrote Paper Crown—I was living in Arizona and finishing it up in LA. Sasha Skarbek, who’s from London and still mentors me, brought me over from Phoenix to teach me songwriting. Funny enough, he’s here tonight, and we’re going to play Paper Crown together. It’s kind of a full-circle moment.

What’s changed is that music is now my career—it’s how I make a living. But the core of what I do hasn’t changed. I’m still writing songs, putting them out into the world, and hoping they connect with people. That part is the same.

Do you ever feel pressure to follow trends, or are you still making music that feels authentic to you?

I’ve always wanted to create music that I wouldn’t be embarrassed to play years later. Sometimes, if you chase trends, the music can feel dated or disconnected. I’m still happy to perform my older songs because they feel true to who I am. That’s always been my goal—to make timeless music, not just trendy songs.

Your latest album, 12 Notes, has such a raw, emotional quality. What was going through your mind while writing it?

That album came from a pretty tough place. I was dealing with a lot—feeling lonely, longing for things I didn’t have, whether that was love, friendship, or just a sense of belonging. Therapy helped me process a lot of it. Some of the songs reflect that—like I Had a Therapist—which came from my experience of lying to my therapist. It’s funny, but it’s also really common. You go to therapy, but you still hold back. That album was part of me trying to come clean, not just with my therapist but with myself.

Speaking of therapy, do you feel like it’s helped you as an artist?

Definitely. Therapy gave me space to unpack a lot of feelings I had bottled up. It’s still not easy—it takes a lot of self-reflection—but it’s made me more honest in my songwriting.

You’ve been touring all over the world. Do you notice any differences between audiences in different countries?

Surprisingly, not really. Fans are pretty similar everywhere—they just want to connect. But there are some cultural differences. In Japan, for example, audiences are super respectful and quiet during the songs. They really listen. It’s kind of eerie but beautiful. Then, when they leave the venue, it’s like this calm, orderly exit. In Korea, they’re a bit more reserved too, but still passionate.

That said, everywhere I go—whether it’s China, Europe, or Australia—young people at shows are all kind of the same at their core. They just want to feel something.

You’ve mentioned before that you’ve been trying to spend less time on the internet. Is that hard when you’re in an industry that relies on social media?

It is, but it’s necessary. I’ve realized that I spend too much time doom-scrolling—comparing myself to other people. The internet has this way of making you feel like you’re falling behind or missing out. I’ve been trying to get away from that, focusing on being healthier—exercising more, eating better, and just being present.

Do you feel that being on social media takes away from your creativity?

Definitely. You go online, and suddenly you’re looking at everyone else’s highlight reel. It can mess with your head. You start wishing you were on a beach with some perfect partner instead of on tour, cold and alone in your bunk. It’s not productive. It’s just noise. I’ve been trying to cut back on that and focus on my own path.

After this tour, what’s next for you?

Honestly, I’m looking forward to slowing down for a bit. I want to take some time to reset and work on new music. I’ve been trying to clean up my lifestyle—less screen time, more self-care—so I can be in the right headspace to make the album I really want to make.

Well, you’ve come a long way from sending out demos. Playing at the Royal Albert Hall is a huge milestone.

Yeah, it is. And I’m grateful. It’s crazy to think that some of the people who supported me back when I was just starting out are in the audience tonight. It makes the whole thing feel pretty special.

Alec Benjamin’s journey is a testament to persistence and authenticity. From self-promotion in parking lots to headlining world-famous venues, his story is as moving as his music. With his heart-on-sleeve songwriting and humble, reflective demeanor, Alec continues to resonate with fans around the world—proving that honesty, both in art and in life, never goes out of style.

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Words by Sal F.