Video Summary
Benny Blanco started obsessing over music as a kid in a cassette shop and learned songwriting on the job.
He says composing is small compared with the detailed production work that makes hits.
Studio atmosphere—food, comfort and letting artists lead—drives his creative method.
Collaborations (Ed Sheeran, Juice WRLD, The Weeknd) shaped his career; becoming an artist renewed his creative spark.
He now mixes music with other passions (cooking, a cookbook, a new book Open Wide) and advises creators to share work online.
He remembers obsessing over singles at a local tape shop as a child—previewing tracks for hours—which cemented his identity as someone who would dedicate his life to music and informed his wide-ranging pop and hip‑hop influences.
He argues the songwriting itself is only a small part; the hardest work is the tiny production details and post‑writing touches—bells and whistles that most listeners don't notice but are crucial to the final record.
He creates a relaxed, communal vibe—bringing full meals and making the space comfortable (even a bed)—so artists feel natural; he steps in like a spotter when needed and otherwise stays out of the way.
After feeling stale from only writing for other performers, and spurred by moments like watching others' careers, he wanted a new creative challenge—so he began releasing music under his own name, finding it deeply fulfilling.
Use the internet and social media to share your passions—everyday creative activities can build an audience; combine different interests (e.g., cooking and music) to create distinct, shareable content.
"I remember the exact day I decided to be an artist."
Benny Blanco recalls his early memories of visiting a tape shop with his brother, where he would preview cassettes and buy singles. This experience ignited his passion for music from a young age.
He describes his obsession with music, noting that he would often spend hours at the shop, listening to songs until he was told to leave.
Blanco's early favorites included tracks like "The World is Yours" by Nas and "I Swear" by All-4-One, showcasing a mix of hip-hop and pop influences that shaped his musical journey.
"I didn't know anything; I came in knowing nothing."
Blanco explains that when he initially entered the music scene, he had little understanding of contemporary pop music or the craft of songwriting.
He highlights the importance of learning from more experienced producers and songwriters, realizing that songwriting involves more than just creating melodies.
As he began to collaborate on songs, he discovered that the process required attention to detail, including the various elements added during production that many listeners might overlook.
"The hardest part isn't making the song; it's the little bits after."
Blanco shares his perspective on the recording process, emphasizing that the challenges often lie in the details rather than the initial creation of the song itself.
He recalls a specific experience where a minor error in a radio edit led to him realizing how little most listeners notice about the technical aspects of music.
The excitement of collaborating with renowned artists, like The Weeknd and Ed Sheeran, also serves as a source of inspiration for him, as he still feels like a fan when witnessing their performances in the studio.
"Food's the best lubricant for making things better."
Benny Blanco discusses his habit of bringing meals and snacks to the studio, believing that good food enhances the creative process and makes for a more enjoyable environment.
He openly admits to being a procrastinator in the studio, often getting caught up in conversations and food instead of focusing solely on work.
This laid-back, communal atmosphere is a central part of his songwriting process, where the goal is not to rush but to enjoy the collaborative journey.
"Writing the song is such a small part; it's all the little things that go in after that are the hard work."
The songwriter distinguishes between the act of composing a song and the meticulous work that follows. Through his experiences, he has learned that crafting a hit involves numerous details that may not be immediately apparent.
Blanco reflects on how his early songs were simplistic and short, recognizing how far he has come in understanding the complexities of music production.
His journey from being an artist in a band to a sought-after songwriter demonstrates his growth and adaptation within the music industry.
"When you start having hits, there's a sense of pressure to continue to have hits."
Benny Blanco reflects on the immense pressure that accompanies initial success in songwriting, noting how he and his collaborators often found themselves focused on what was next rather than cherishing their current successes.
He emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and appreciating achievements, stating that during their youth, they didn't fully recognize the significance of a song reaching number one.
"Not only was I there, we had all three rooms booked at the same time."
Blanco shares anecdotes about being involved in the creation of multiple iconic songs simultaneously. He recalls working on "Teenage Dream," "My First Kiss," and "Dynamite" with various collaborators in different studios at the same time.
This hectic environment fostered creativity despite the chaos, as they made numerous hit songs concurrently without dwelling too much on the details, which Blanco believes contributed to their success.
"I want to make the situation as tangible as possible."
Blanco describes his unique approach to songwriting, where he often acts as a therapist to help other artists tap into their emotions.
He stresses that music should feel natural and enjoyable rather than forced, which is why he creates a comfortable environment in the studio, even including a bed for relaxation.
Blanco believes that genuine feelings, whether good or bad, inform his writing, allowing him to create powerful and relatable music.
"Music is like magic."
Throughout the discussion, Blanco conveys how the music creation process often feels mystical, revealing that he doesn't always understand how great songs come to life.
He expresses a desire for someone to predict success, joking about wanting guidance on songwriting, emphasizing the inexplicable nature of musical creativity and the artist's role as a vessel for that magic.
"What am I going to do with my life?"
Benny Blanco recalls a pivotal moment when he questioned his career path while backstage during an Ed Sheeran concert. After watching "The Defiant Ones," he felt inspired by the accomplishments of others and realized he wanted more than just songwriting for other artists.
He noted, "I was so tired of just making songs," feeling that the process had become stale for him. This led him to consider becoming an artist himself, stating, "What if I make songs by myself?"
Benny's conversation with his managers resulted in the idea of producing music under his name. Although he intended to create the music and manage the marketing without singing, he was eager to explore this new venture.
"Everything just kind of fell into place."
After deciding to pursue a solo artist career, Benny quickly began collaborating on new music. He and Ed Sheeran created the earliest demo of "East Side" shortly after.
This collaboration led to an unexpected success, as Benny shared his excitement about the process. Upon releasing his first song, he was taken by surprise at its popularity, stating, "I thought this was going to be like my new journey."
Through producing and releasing music, Benny found immense fulfillment in his artistic expressions, indicating that this journey was far more rewarding than his previous work as a songwriter.
"What the hell am I doing with my life?"
Benny acknowledges that self-doubt is a recurring theme in his life, as he often finds himself asking this question. Recently, it has been a catalyst for him to explore new projects, such as cooking and writing a cookbook.
He reflects on his early experiences with cooking, likening the joy of sharing a dish with friends to the satisfaction he feels when sharing music. This connection to creativity is central to his identity.
The essence of his career revolves around the response from audiences, whether in music or cooking, as he seeks to evoke genuine reactions and connections through his work.
"I picture you in your room, and there's like laptops everywhere, and you have like two hands and then you have like your feet, typing with your toes."
Benny Blanco humorously describes his work setup, showcasing multiple laptops and an iPad, indicating his reliance on technology for both music production and business tasks. He mentions that despite having several devices, he finds typing on an iPad less efficient than on a phone.
The conversation reveals his unique approach to writing songs, where each creation is linked to a specific moment or feeling. Blanco expresses the intimate relationship he has with his songs, likening them to his children, each with its own significance and emotional weight.
"Some artists are so good you kind of just have to stay out of the way."
As a producer, Blanco compares his role to being a spotter in the gym. He emphasizes the importance of knowing when to assist the artist and when to step back, highlighting the collaborative nature of songwriting.
He shares a memorable experience working with Juice WRLD, detailing how he discovered the artist through a friend. Blanco was instantly impressed by Juice WRLD's talent, recalling how he readily adapted in the studio by creating multiple songs in a single session.
"I've never seen anyone do what he did, ever. Truly special."
Benny describes Juice WRLD as an extraordinary talent, capable of delivering profound lyrics and melodies with little preparation. He shares anecdotes of how Juice WRLD would spontaneously create full songs, often while playing video games, showcasing his natural ability for musical expression.
Juice WRLD's creative process was incredibly efficient; Blanco recounts how they made ten songs in just one day, demonstrating the artist's prolific output and innovative approach.
"With the internet and social media, it's easy to show people in a very seamless way."
Blanco encourages aspiring creators to share their passions through social media, making it easier to gain exposure. He suggests that everyday activities, like cooking, can be showcased in engaging ways, drawing parallels to his own experiences with songwriting.
He reflects on the idea of merging different creative domains, such as cooking and music, as a way to offer unique content. This innovative thinking illustrates his openness to explore new avenues for artistic expression.
"I was having dinners all the time and my friends were coming over, and it's such an eclectic group of people because I just invite all my friends."
Benny Blanco shares his experience of hosting diverse dinner parties where a mix of personalities come together. He describes his friends’ varied backgrounds, from family members wearing rhinestone shirts to old friends grappling with life challenges.
These gatherings often included notable figures, like Ed Sheeran, who would play guitar while everyone shared laughs over food. This mix of people contributed to the vibrant atmosphere that inspired Blanco.
"I had agents reaching out to me, and they were like, 'Hey, do you want to make a cookbook?' That was always like a dream of mine that I never thought would ever happen."
Blanco recounts how his passion for hosting dinner parties turned into an opportunity to write a cookbook. After a successful dinner for a friend's book that garnered media attention, he was approached by agents about his own culinary project.
He reflects on the surreal nature of realizing this dream, emphasizing the joy and disbelief he feels in achieving something he had long desired, while also maintaining a sense of humility about his journey.
"I'm still pinching myself. I can't believe this is real because I was listening to 'Where the Party At' by Jagged Edge, dreaming that one day that was going to be me."
Benny Blanco expresses his amazement at how far he has come in his career, from dreaming about being in the music industry to actually living that life. This notion illustrates the power of persistence and dreaming big, as he mentions notable tracks that inspired him.
He shares the feeling of being an outsider in the creative space, describing himself as "the guy at the party who doesn't know anyone." Despite this, he acknowledges the unique experiences he offers to those around him through his artistry.
"How did you gain the confidence to just completely be you? Who else am I going to be? Everyone else is taken."
In a candid moment, Blanco discusses the significance of staying true to oneself in a world where many try to conform. His self-awareness and sincerity enable him to connect with people, both in his personal life and as an artist.
This perspective highlights the authenticity that motivates his interactions and creations, suggesting that being genuine is key to sustained success in the industry.
