Donny Benét Can Rock A White Suit
Words: Sarah Pratt
Donny Benét is one cool cat. Not only because of his name, or that stylish white number he favours, or the fact that the gals from Warpaint personally chose him to be their support act, or because he recorded his album in a place called DonnyLand studios, but quite simply because his tunes are rad! SPOOK was lucky enough to ask the talented man a few quick questions about his pleasure filled tracks, aspirations to become a TV personality and how those lovely old folks at the Scalabrini Retirement Village react to his music.
SPOOK: Can you describe your music?
Donny Benét: I could best describe my music as “walking in on something you wish you hadn’t, yet you can’t seem to look away.”
SPOOK: What’s with synths of late?
DB: Sonically the sounds of the various synthesisers/drum machines I use have a way of immediately catching the ears of the listeners – all of them are built in the 80s and early 90s and they are sounds that remind us of the fun times of our childhoods. That and the fact that they are amazing sounding instruments!
SPOOK: The clip for ‘Don’t Hold Back’, directed by SPOD is awesome, where did the concept come from and how much input did you have?
DB: SPOD is such a huge talent. The world needs more people like him doing what he does. I gave myself to SPOD’s creative wishes and asked no questions, only accepting instructions. He told me to believe in myself and give the world the touch of Donny Benet. The rest is history.
SPOOK: You’re playing Parklife, what are you most looking forward to about that festival?
DB: Playing to a large audience……and also eating a whole lot of fast food after my set.
SPOOK: For those people who have not seen you live as yet, can you please describe what your performance is like?
DB: Turning up not knowing what to expect, surrendering oneself and being taken along for the rollercoaster of emotions associated with the Donny Benet show and entertainment review.
SPOOK: You’re touring with Warpaint, so what’s one of your favourite Warpaint songs?
DB: Bees is pretty cool. All of the tracks from “The Fool” are all pretty good, it’s great to hear a strong sounding band! I’m very very excited to meet them and play my music before their set!
SPOOK: You said you’d love to have your own musical variety show, talk us through that. Let’s create your pitch right now:
TYPE OF SHOW: Just reality TV with unscripted visitors.
IDEAL SET: It would be varying locations – from my house to the international airport departure lounge to Miami beach.
DURATION: Continuous, kind of like Big Brother.
FIRST MUSICAL & NON MUSICAL GUEST: Alan Vega & Anthony Robbins.
REGULAR SEGMENT: Sure, something along the lines of “Donny’s Digs” or “Donny Does…”
ATTIRE: White suit, all the time.
SPOOK: You’ve said you’re a ‘bit of a one-man karaoke show’, what are your top 5 picks for karaoke songs?
DB: They’re all showstoppers… for me there is a nice mix in there.
1. You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real ) – Sylvester
2. One More Night – Phil Collins
3. Burning Love – Elvis Presley
4. Maniac – Michael Sembello
5. Party All The Time – Eddie Murphy/Rick James
SPOOK: What’s the best and worst thing about being a solo artist?
DB: Best – Dining for one is a breeze. Worst – I’ve got no one to borrow money from.
SPOOK: You play the accordion for the old folks at the Scalabrini Retirement Village, what is their reaction to your music?
DB: Sometimes they listen… most of the time they ask me to do the calling out for “Tombola” (Italian Bingo). They seem to like the music most of the time….although they always tell me that I’m improving and will one day be nearly as good as the Calabrian singer Johnny Giovanni. I hope so also.
SPOOK: You recorded in your dad’s studio/garage. Were there any drawbacks that came with recording in such a space?
DB: No drawbacks at all, the facilities at DonnyLand studios were state of the art in 1983.
SPOOK: What is your biggest vice?
DB: Failing consistently when attempting to use the pick up line my father taught me on pretty ladies. I think there’s a bit of “lost in translation” involved….
GIG DETAILS:
Tue, 26 Jul Corner Hotel – Melbourne – Warpaint Support – SOLD OUT
Wed, 27 Jul Corner Hotel – Melbourne – Warpaint Support – Tickets
Thu, 28 Jul Manning Bar – Sydney – Warpaint Support – Tickets
Fri, 12 Aug Goodgod Small Club – Sydney – ‘Don’t Hold Back’ Launch – Tickets
Sat, 13 Aug The Workers Club – Melbourne – ‘Don’t Hold Back’ Launch – Tickets
